Prime Minister Narendra Modi today embarked on a five day visit to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana.
This will be PM Modi’s first visit to Nigeria which is India’s close partner in the West African region.
Modi is visiting Nigeria at the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In his pre-departure statement, the Prime Minister said that his visit will be an opportunity to build upon Strategic Partnership.
This partnership is based on shared belief in democracy and pluralism.
“I am also eagerly looking forward to meeting the Indian community and friends from Nigeria who have sent me warm welcome messages in Hindi,” Modi said.
India and Nigeria have been strategic partners since 2007 with growing economic, energy and defence collaboration.
Over 200 Indian companies have invested over USD 27 billion in important sectors in Nigeria.
The two countries also share a strong development cooperation partnership.
In Rio De Janeiro, a huge seaside city in Brazil, PM Modi will attend the G-20 Summit on November 19-20, as a Troika member.
At the summit, the Prime Minister will put forward India’s positions on various issues of global importance.
Modi said that India’s successful G20 Presidency in 2023 elevated it to people’s G-20.
He said that during its G20 Presidency, India mainstreamed the priorities of the Global South into its agenda.
“Brazil has built upon India’s legacy,” he said.
“I look forward to meaningful discussions in keeping with our vision of “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister said that he will also use the opportunity to exchange views on furthering bilateral cooperation with several other leaders.
Notably, Guyana will receive an Indian Prime Minister after half a century.
And Modi made who is visiting Guyana at the invitation of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, made it a point to mention this in his pre departure statement.
“This will be the first ever visit of an Indian Prime Minister in over 50 years,” he stated.
Modi said that India and Guyana will exchange views on giving strategic direction to their unique relationship.
This relationship is based on shared heritage, culture and values.
Apart from addressing the Parliament in Guyana, PM Modi will pay respect to one of the oldest Indian diaspora, who migrated more than 185 years ago.
Modi will also join leaders from the Caribbean partner countries for the 2nd India-CARICOM summit in Georgetown in Guyana.
The Prime Minister added, “We have stood together through thick and thin.”
“The Summit will enable us renew historical ties and expand our cooperation into new domains,” he said.
Last year, President Ali visited India as the Chief Guest at the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
He was also awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.
