Nigeria, India partner for economic dev, defence, food security…as Tinubu confers GCON on prime minister, Modi
Nigeria and India have activated partnership to reinforce economic development, defence, healthcare and food security.
This was contained in a joint statement issued in Abuja on Sunday when the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi paid a state visit to Nigeria at President Bola Tinubu’s invitation.
As soon as Modi received a formal welcome, including a 21-artillery gun salute at the Presidential Villa, he and President Tinubu went for a closed door meeting and later jointly presided over a comprehensive bilateral political discussions.
During the talks, the two leaders agreed to collaborate on counterterrorism, maritime security, intelligence sharing, economic development, food security well as defence, agriculture, health, education and cultural exchanges.
Following the increased threats in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean, Tinubu and Modi also agreed to coordinated strategies to safeguard maritime trade routes and combat piracy.
Both countries also pledged to continue regular naval exercises and joint anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea to safeguard critical maritime routes.
A statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said: “The leaders reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists and terror financing networks and safe havens.”
In a remark, Modi reiterated India’s readiness to support Nigeria’s defence modernisation efforts.
He highlighted his country’s emergence as a reliable defence equipment manufacturer.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu conferred the national honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on the Indian Prime Minister.
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Tinubu described the honour as Nigeria’s appreciation and commitment to India as a worthy partner.
The president hailed India for “standing side by side” with Nigeria on many fronts and for many decades.
“We hope that this will spur renewed cooperation between Nigeria and India in all sectors and also ensure collaboration to maintain and strengthen our relations,” Tinubu said.
Modi was later decorated with the honour during a working lunch attended by members of the Nigerian and Indian delegations.
In his acceptance remarks, he dedicated the honour to India’s 1.4 billion citizens and the deep friendship between India and Nigeria.
“This honour will continue to inspire us to take the India-Nigeria strategic partnership to new heights. The relations between India and Nigeria are based on cooperation, understanding, and mutual respect.
“As two vibrant democracies and dynamic economies, we will continue to work for the benefit of our people,” Modi said.
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