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India’s strategic focus on West Africa
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Context
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nigeria marks the first visit to the country in 17 years and is significant as the first African visit of his third term. It highlights the strengthening of strategic ties between India and Nigeria, underlining India’s rising global stature and the importance of its relations with African nations.
India-Nigeria Strategic Partnership
- Importance of the Visit: Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Nigeria is the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 17 years, symbolizing the strengthening of ties between the two nations.
- Nigeria’s Recognition of India: Nigeria honored Modi with its second-highest national award, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, underscoring the growing significance of India in global diplomacy.
- Areas of Cooperation: India and Nigeria have expressed interest in deepening cooperation in defense, energy, technology, trade, health, and education, with particular focus on security challenges such as terrorism and piracy.
Defense and Development Cooperation
- India as a Defense Supplier: India has become an emerging defense supplier to African nations, with Nigeria showing interest in purchasing Indian weapons, particularly following a defense delegation’s visit to Nigeria.
- Development Assistance: India’s support to Nigeria includes concessional loans (worth USD 100 million) and capacity-building training, cementing India’s role as a significant development partner for Nigeria.
- Security Cooperation: India is expected to enhance cooperation with Nigeria on counterterrorism efforts, especially in combating Boko Haram and other Islamist groups.
Challenges and Competition from China
- China’s Influence in Nigeria: China has a large presence in Nigeria, with significant investments in infrastructure and technology. Chinese loans and companies are involved in major projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Abuja Light Rail project.
- Economic and Trade Dynamics: Despite Nigeria’s growing ties with China, India remains an important partner, though trade between the two countries has declined due to increasing oil imports from Russia.
- Global South Impact: Strengthening India-Nigeria relations is expected to enhance the larger Global South's position, promoting mutual development and cooperation among developing nations.
Practice Question:
Q. Analyze the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nigeria for India’s foreign policy and its implications for India’s strategic and economic interests in Africa, considering the growing competition from China.
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