New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed on Saturday for a five-day visit to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana, which includes a series of significant bilateral and multilateral meetings.
This trip is notable as it marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years and to Guyana in over half a century. PM Modi is also scheduled to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil next week and interact with the Indian communities in all three nations.
Modi’s first stop is Nigeria, where he will spend two days at the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In his statement before leaving, Modi emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between India and Nigeria. “This will be my first visit to Nigeria, our close partner in West Africa. It will provide an opportunity to enhance our Strategic Partnership built on shared democratic values. I look forward to meeting the Indian community in Nigeria, who have welcomed me with warmth,” he said.
India and Nigeria have maintained a strategic partnership since 2007, collaborating in economic, energy, and defense sectors, with over 200 Indian firms investing around $27 billion in key industries in Nigeria. During his stay, PM Modi will evaluate the bilateral relationship, identify new areas for cooperation, and address the Indian community.
Following Nigeria, PM Modi will fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to participate in the 19th G20 Summit on November 18, hosted by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. As a member of the G20 Troika, along with Brazil and South Africa, Modi is expected to present India’s views on global issues and build on the outcomes of last year’s G20 Leaders’ Declaration and the Voice of the Global South Summits. He will also hold bilateral discussions with other leaders on the sidelines of the summit.
“In Brazil, I will be part of the 19th G20 Summit as a member of the Troika. Last year, India’s presidency elevated the G20 to a platform for the people, incorporating priorities of the Global South. Brazil continues to build on that legacy, and I look forward to substantive discussions aligned with our vision of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,’” Modi stated.
The final leg of his tour will take him to Georgetown, Guyana, from November 19 to 21, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister since 1968, upon the invitation of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali. PM Modi plans to hold bilateral talks, address the Guyanese Parliament, and meet with members of the Indian diaspora.
“Guyana and India have a unique relationship grounded in shared heritage and values. I am eager to pay my respects to the historic Indian diaspora that has been in Guyana for over 185 years. This visit will reinforce our ties and pave the way for future collaboration,” the Prime Minister noted.
Additionally, he will participate in the Second India-CARICOM Summit with leaders from Caribbean nations, emphasizing the history of partnership and the expansion of cooperation into new areas.
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 tour is expected to strengthen India’s connections with these regions, enhance bilateral and multilateral partnerships, and deepen ties with the Indian diaspora.