Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant diplomatic tour of Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana from November 16-21. His visit aims to strengthen India’s relationships with these countries through strategic dialogues, community engagement, and high-level summits.
PM Modi To Visit Nigeria, Brazil & Guyana
Why In News
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant diplomatic tour of Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana from November 16-21. His visit aims to strengthen India’s relationships with these countries through strategic dialogues, community engagement, and high-level summits.
- From enhancing bilateral cooperation with Nigeria, to engaging with key global leaders at the G20 Summit in Brazil, and bolstering India’s historical connections with the Caribbean through Guyana, this visit is designed to amplify India’s leadership on the world stage.
Nigeria: Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
- Prime Minister Modi’s first stop will be Nigeria, where he will engage with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from November 16-17, 2024.
- According to the official announcement made by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) (Nov 12, 2024) this visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years, is a significant step in deepening India-Nigeria ties.
- As one of the largest economies in Africa, Nigeria is a crucial partner in India’s efforts to build stronger relations with the continent.
- India and Nigeria have a longstanding strategic partnership, with over 200 Indian companies investing more than USD 27 billion across energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors.
- The two countries are also working together on defence cooperation and counterterrorism. During his visit, Modi will focus on expanding trade, technology collaboration, and addressing mutual concerns such as climate change and sustainable development.
- With India and Nigeria sharing common development challenges as members of the Global South, Modi will stress on India’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development goals through technology transfer and capacity building, particularly in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and healthcare.
- The visit will also reinforce India’s role as a leader of the Global South, advocating for greater cooperation among developing countries to address shared issues like poverty, inequality, and climate vulnerability.
Brazil: Shaping Global Dialogue At The G20
- Prime Minister Modi will travel to Brazil next, from November 18-19, 2024, to attend the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
- Brazil, as the host of this year’s summit, provides a critical platform for India to engage with world leaders on a wide range of global issues. As a member of the G20 Troika alongside Brazil and South Africa, India will actively participate in shaping the discussions on key topics, such as global economic recovery, climate change, and poverty alleviation.
- Global South will be at the forefront of these discussions, with Modi advocating for a more inclusive and equitable global economic system. India’s strong stance on climate action, exemplified by its leadership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA), will be a critical part of the conversation.
- Brazil’s concerns about the environmental impact of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest will also feature prominently, with India offering support in sustainable energy and climate resilience.
- At the G20 Summit, Modi will emphasize the need for comprehensive reform of global institutions like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), to better reflect the realities of the 21st century and the aspirations of the Global South.
- India’s call for a reformed UNSC, with more permanent members representing emerging economies like India and Brazil, will be a focal point of its diplomatic engagement.
- G20 Summit will also provide an opportunity for India to promote its technological capabilities, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and digital infrastructure.
- These technologies are critical to addressing the Global South’s development needs and can play a transformative role in sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture.
Guyana: Deepening Caribbean Ties
- Prime Minister Modi’s final destination will be Guyana, from November 19-21, 2024. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana since 1968, and it reflects the growing importance of India’s engagement with the Caribbean.
- Guyana, which has a significant Indian-origin population, has been a key partner in the region, and this visit aims to further strengthen bilateral relations in trade, culture, and sustainable development.
- President Ali, who visited India in 2023 and received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, has expressed optimism about advancing bilateral cooperation. During the visit, PM Modi will engage in discussions with President Ali, meet other senior officials, and address both the Parliament of Guyana and the Indian diaspora.
- Modi will meet with President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and other leaders in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to discuss expanding cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, agriculture, and disaster management.
- Guyana’s vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters makes it an important partner in India’s efforts to promote climate resilience across the Global South.
- India’s experience in renewable energy and disaster risk reduction will be valuable in helping CARICOM countries, like Guyana, address the challenges posed by climate change.
