Nigeria and India have taken a significant step forward in strengthening their bilateral ties, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in counterterrorism, maritime security, and intelligence sharing . This landmark agreement was sealed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Nigeria, where he was warmly received by President Bola Tinubu with a 21-artillery gun salute at the Presidential Villa.
Key Areas of Cooperation:
– Counterterrorism: Both nations have pledged to combat terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border movement of terrorists and terror financing networks.
– Maritime Security: Nigeria and India will coordinate efforts to safeguard maritime trade routes and combat piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and Indian Ocean.
– Intelligence Sharing: The two countries will enhance information sharing to strengthen their security cooperation.
– Healthcare Delivery: Modi and Tinubu also discussed collaboration in healthcare delivery, including the establishment of hospitals and diagnostic centers.
– Economic Cooperation: The MoU also aims to strengthen economic ties, with India committing to support Nigeria’s development priorities through concessional lines of credit and technical expertise.
This strategic partnership is set to boost Nigeria’s economy, with Indian investors pledging over $14 Billion in investments across critical sectors. As Nigeria’s largest trading partner, India is committed to expanding bilateral trade and investment.
The joint statement issued by Modi and Tinubu emphasized their commitment to UN Security Council reforms and mutual support for permanent and non-permanent memberships.
With this new era of cooperation, Nigeria and India are poised to tackle regional and global challenges together.
