India – Nigeria Realtions

Why in News ?Prime Minister Narendra Modi was recently awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), one of Nigeria’s highest national honors. This distinction, presented by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, was conferred during Modi’s official visit to Nigeria on November 18, 2024.

• The honor recognizes Modi’s contributions to global democratic values, the strong India-Nigeria bilateral relationship, and his leadership in India’s democratic processes.
• Modi is only the second foreign leader to receive this award, with Queen Elizabeth II being the first in 1969.

India and Nigeria:

India and Nigeria have a long history of diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations that span several decades. The two countries, both significant players in the Global South, share a mutual interest in strengthening bilateral ties in various fields such as trade, energy, education, and security.

Historical Background

• India and Nigeria’s relationship began in the early years following Nigeria’s independence in 1960. The two nations, both large democracies and developing economies, have often supported each other on various international platforms like the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). India, under its policy of promoting South-South cooperation, has been involved in supporting Nigeria’s development through technical assistance and training programs.

Key Aspects of India-Nigeria Relations:

1. Trade and Economic Cooperation:
   • Nigeria is one of India’s major trading partners in Africa, with bilateral trade amounting to billions of dollars annually. The trade includes petroleum products, agricultural goods, and manufactured items.
   • India is a significant importer of crude oil from Nigeria, while Nigeria benefits from India’s pharmaceutical and agricultural exports.
   • India has invested in Nigeria’s energy and infrastructure sectors, with Indian companies playing a role in building power plants, roadways, and bridges.
2. Education and Cultural Ties:
   • India has offered scholarships to Nigerian students, and many Nigerians pursue higher education in India, particularly in fields like medicine, engineering, and business.
   • Cultural exchange programs, as well as collaborations in film, literature, and music, help further strengthen the relationship between the two nations.
3. Security and Military Cooperation:
   • Both nations face challenges related to security, especially in the areas of terrorism, extremism, and insurgency. India and Nigeria have shared intelligence and best practices to combat these issues.
   • In addition to security cooperation, India has also provided training for Nigerian personnel in military and police sectors.
4. Diplomatic Support:
   • India has consistently supported Nigeria’s political interests on the global stage, advocating for Africa’s inclusion in global decision-making bodies like the UN Security Council.
   • In recent years, the relationship has deepened with joint initiatives to promote sustainable development, fight terrorism, and enhance multilateral cooperation in forums like BRICS and G20.