Lagos, Nigeria: Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar wrapped up a whirlwind tour of West Africa, culminating in a productive visit to Nigeria marked by deepened ties, business engagement, and a renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation.
Jaishankar’s journey began in Kampala, Uganda, where he participated in the 19th Non-Aligned Movement Summit, advocating for a rebalanced and multipolar world. Arriving in Lagos, he immediately set the tone for closer regional partnerships by convening Indian ambassadors and engaging with the vibrant Indian diaspora. His address to the Indian community showcased India’s resilience in tackling COVID-19, economic recovery, and its commitment to the well-being of its diaspora.
At the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Jaishankar articulated India’s vision for a global South defined by solidarity, self-reliance, and resistance to old forms of domination and new economic concentration. His message resonated with prominent business leaders who offered their insights on strengthening India-Nigeria cooperation, a topic further explored at the India-Nigeria Business Forum in Abuja.
Addressing the Joint Press Statement after the conclusion of the 6th India-Nigeria JCM pic.twitter.com/5OVpcNlCqU
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 22, 2024Jaishankar emphasized the importance of economic partnership as the cornerstone of a flourishing bilateral relationship. He encouraged businesses to network, address regulatory hurdles, and leverage opportunities in diverse sectors like energy, healthcare, fintech, and agriculture.
His official visit culminated in the 6th India-Nigeria Joint Commission Meeting, co-chaired with Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar. The meeting witnessed the expansion of economic cooperation, with a focus on trade, investment, and new avenues like renewables, transport, and security. Both nations agreed to strengthen cultural and consular ties, recognizing the importance of people-to-people exchanges.
My remarks at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos https://t.co/jzbuDRCZIi
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 22, 2024Jaishankar’s visit concluded with a symbolic gesture at the Indian High Commission in Abuja, where he unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi and planted a sapling, representing the enduring legacy of peace and the seeds of future growth in India-Nigeria relations.
