Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent diplomatic engagements, including his visit to Nigeria, participation in the G-20 summit in Brazil, and tour of Guyana, underscore India’s commitment to deepening ties with the Global South. These efforts are not merely about bilateral relations but signify India’s role as a leader among developing nations. In Abuja, Modi and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed their strategic partnership, focusing on defense cooperation, counter-terrorism, and economic collaboration.
Modi offered India’s experience in agriculture, transportation, affordable medicine, renewable energy, and digital transformation to Nigeria, highlighting areas for potential cooperation. The conferment of Nigeria’s ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger’ on Modi, making him the second foreign dignitary to receive this honor, reflects the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. India’s longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s development, including sending teachers and doctors post-independence and fostering a 60,000-strong diaspora, have strengthened this bond.
Economically, India’s $27 billion investments across 200 companies in sectors like healthcare, energy, and agriculture demonstrate shared priorities in addressing poverty, pollution, and population challenges. Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy, offers a strategic partnership for India in a region where it has faced criticism for under-engagement.
However, India’s broader commitment to the Global South has sometimes lacked consistent follow-through. The India-Africa Forum Summit, last held in 2015, is overdue, and the “Voice of the Global South” (VoGS) conference has seen tepid participation. As the Foreign Secretary hints at a summit next year, this could be an opportunity to reinvigorate India’s Africa policy with tangible outcomes and better coordination. As India pushes for reforms in global governance and addresses issues like food, health, and energy security, it must balance lofty ideals with concrete actions. Modi’s recent travels exemplify India’s intent. The challenge now lies in ensuring sustained, visible presence and delivering on promises to strengthen ties across the developing world effectively.
