THE CONTEXT: During PM Modi’s visit on November 16-17, 2024, he met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger, Nigeria’s second-highest national honor. This recognition reflects India’s commitment to fostering deep bilateral ties. Three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to enhance cooperation in cultural exchange, customs cooperation, and survey collaboration.
THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
-
- Colonial Era Connections: India and Nigeria share a historical bond rooted in their struggles against colonialism. Both nations adopted non-violent resistance strategies during their respective independence movements, fostering a sense of solidarity that laid the groundwork for their future relations. India’s support for Nigeria’s independence in 1960 marked the beginning of formal diplomatic ties, which have flourished across various sectors.
- Key Early Interactions: The first high-level interaction occurred during Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s visit to Nigeria in 1962, where he engaged with Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa. Their discussions highlighted Nigeria’s developmental needs, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Nehru’s response underscored India’s commitment to assist Nigeria in its nation-building efforts, leading to the deployment of Indian experts across various fields in Nigeria during the late 1960s.
- Significant Visits:
- Nehru (1962): Established goodwill and laid the foundation for future cooperation.
- Vajpayee (2003): Strengthened ties through high-level engagement.
- Manmohan Singh (2007): Elevated the relationship to a “Strategic Partnership.”
- Modi (2024): The recent visit, the first by an Indian PM in 17 years, emphasized ongoing cooperation.
THE CHALLENGES:
-
- Trade Imbalance: The decline in bilateral trade from $14.95 billion in 2021-22 to $11.8 billion in 2022-23 highlights vulnerabilities within the trade relationship.
- Security Concerns: Insurgencies like Boko Haram pose risks to Indian investments and citizen safety.
- Chinese Competition: China’s increasing footprint through infrastructure investments challenges India’s position as a key partner.
- Bureaucratic Delays: Slow diplomatic processes hinder deeper cooperation.
CURRENT STATE OF BILATERAL RELATIONS:
-
- Political Engagement: India and Nigeria maintain robust political engagement through regular high-level meetings. The two countries collaborate on various international platforms, such as the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), advocating for the interests of developing nations.
- Economic Cooperation: Economic ties are a cornerstone of India-Nigeria relations. India is Nigeria’s largest trading partner in Africa, with trade volume reaching approximately $11.8 billion in 2022-23. Indian investments in Nigeria are valued at around $27 billion, with over 200 Indian companies operating across diverse sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, and telecommunications. However, trade has fluctuated due to competition from other oil suppliers like Russia.
- Cultural and Educational Exchanges: The Indian diaspora in Nigeria plays a crucial role in strengthening bilateral relations. Approximately 60,000 Indians reside in Nigeria, contributing significantly to trade and cultural exchanges. Educational initiatives under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme have facilitated capacity building for Nigerian professionals.
AREAS OF COOPERATION:
-
- Defense and Security: India has historically supported Nigeria’s military capacity building by establishing institutions like the Nigerian Defence Academy. The two countries collaborate on counter-terrorism efforts and maritime security initiatives to address shared concerns regarding piracy and insurgency.
- Healthcare Collaboration: India is a leading destination for medical care for Nigerians due to its advanced healthcare facilities and affordable services. The restoration of air travel between the two countries has further enhanced access to medical services.
- Technology and Infrastructure Development: India’s experience in technology transfer can aid Nigeria’s industrialization efforts. Joint ventures focusing on renewable energy, agriculture modernization, and infrastructure development are essential for fostering long-term economic growth.
THE CONCLUSION:
As both nations face global challenges such as terrorism, economic diversification, and climate change, their partnership will foster stability and prosperity. By leveraging opportunities for deeper cooperation across various sectors—defense, healthcare, technology—the two countries can pave the way for a more robust strategic alliance that benefits both nations while contributing positively to global development initiatives.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTION:
Q. “If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” Considering this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years. 2021
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q. Examine the strategic importance of India-Nigeria relations in India’s engagement with Africa. Discuss the key areas of cooperation and challenges in strengthening this bilateral partnership.
SOURCE:
Spread the Word