On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a five-day visit to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana, marking key milestones in India’s foreign diplomacy.
The visit, which includes bilateral and multilateral engagements, will see the Prime Minister make historic visits to Nigeria and Guyana, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 17 years and over 50 years, respectively.
The trip will likely include participation in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil, as well as interactions with the Indian diaspora in all three countries.
First Stop: Nigeria
The first stop on the itinerary is Nigeria, where PM Modi will spend two days at the invitation of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In his departure statement, Prime Minister Modi stated, “This will be my first visit to Nigeria, our close partner in the West African region. It will be an opportunity to build upon our Strategic Partnership based on a shared belief in democracy and pluralism. I eagerly look forward to meeting the Indian community in Nigeria who have sent me warm welcome messages in Hindi.”
India and Nigeria have shared a robust relationship since 2007, with cooperation in sectors such as economy, energy, and defense.
With over 200 Indian companies having invested more than $27 billion in Nigeria, PM Modi will likely review these ties and explore further avenues for collaboration during his visit. He will also address the Indian community in Nigeria.
Next Stop: Brazil
Next, PM Modi will travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the 19th G20 Summit on 18 November, hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
As part of the G20 Troika, along with Brazil and South Africa, India will contribute its perspective on key global issues.
PM Modi will likely hold bilateral meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the summit.
“In Brazil, I will attend the 19th G20 Summit as a Troika member. Last year, India’s successful presidency elevated the G20 to people’s G20 and mainstreamed the priorities of the Global South. This year, Brazil has built upon India’s legacy. I look forward to meaningful discussions in line with our vision of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,” PM Modi said in his statement.
Final Destination: Guyana
The final leg of the tour will take PM Modi to Guyana, where he will be the first Indian Prime Minister to visit since 1968.
At the invitation of Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral talks, address the Guyanese Parliament, and meet with the Indian diaspora.
The Prime Minister asserted, “Guyana and India share a unique relationship rooted in shared heritage, culture, and values. I look forward to paying my respects to one of the oldest Indian diasporas, who migrated over 185 years ago. This visit will strengthen our ties and provide strategic direction for our future collaboration.”
Additionally, the Prime Minister will participate in the Second India-CARICOM Summit, where leaders from Caribbean nations will meet to discuss expanding cooperation.
“We have stood together through thick and thin. This Summit will enable us to renew historical ties and expand our cooperation into new domains,” the Prime Minister further noted.
Last year, President Ali attended the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Indore as the Chief Guest, where he received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.
PM Modi’s three-nation visit is likely to bolster India’s strategic relationships with these countries, enhance multilateral cooperation, and deepen engagement with the Indian diaspora across these regions.
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