New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a tour of Nigeria. PM’s visit to Nigeria is expected to strengthen defense ties between India and the most populous African country. An important partnership is expected between the two countries in the defense sector. Nigeria is interested in partnership in areas such as small arms, ammunition and armored vehicles.
Army training to Nigeria for many years
People close to the matter say the visit follows the visit of a defense industry delegation to Lagos earlier this year. In this, trade opportunities were explored following the Nigerian President’s interest in purchasing arms from India. Nigeria’s military leadership has been trained in India for decades. The two sides have built close defense ties in recent years.
Prime Minister Modi said in a statement before leaving for Nigeria on Saturday that at the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this will be my first visit to Nigeria. Nigeria is our close partner in the West African region. PM Modi said that my visit will be an opportunity to take forward our strategic partnership which is based on shared belief in democracy and pluralism.
India is becoming a major defense supplier
The Prime Minister said that there is hope for meaningful talks in the G-20. The visit comes at a time when India is emerging as a major defense supplier to Africa with defense supplies to Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Tanzania and Mozambique. Government company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has offered its indigenous Prachanda Attack Light Combat Helicopter to Nigeria.
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Apart from HAL, the huge delegation to Nigeria included leading defense public sector companies and private companies. These included Bharat Electronics, Bharat Earth Movers, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Goa Shipyard, Advanced Weapons and Equipment India, L&T, Bharat Forge and MKU Limited.
Focus on increasing defense partnership
The team highlighted India’s commitment to exploring new avenues of partnership with Nigeria and enhancing defense cooperation. The two countries have strengthened their naval cooperation, especially in the Gulf of Guinea, an area important for maintaining international trade routes. Indian Naval Ship Sumedha made a port call at Lagos in October 2023 to enhance maritime security and combat piracy. During the visit, representatives from both maritime agencies participated in training activities, professional interactions and planning conferences to improve interoperability.
Maritime security cooperation between the two countries
Naval cooperation between the two sides includes joint exercises, information sharing and maritime partnership exercises aimed at ensuring the security of maritime trade routes in the region. This partnership underlines the shared commitment of India and Nigeria to enhance maritime security and support each other’s naval capabilities, as mentioned earlier. Military training exchanges and collaborative initiatives are also underway under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme.
How does India’s defense strategy in Africa, particularly with Nigeria, reflect its diplomatic goals on the continent?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Defense Expert Dr. Amina Khanna
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Khanna. Thank you for joining us today. As the world watches Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nigeria, can you elaborate on the strategic significance of this trip for India-Nigeria relations?
Dr. Amina Khanna: Good afternoon! Yes, indeed, this visit marks a pivotal moment in strengthening the defense ties between India and Nigeria. With Nigeria being the most populous country in Africa, its partnership with India can have significant implications for both nations, particularly in areas concerning security and defense manufacturing.
Editor: Interesting point. Can you tell us more about the specific defense areas India is looking to collaborate on with Nigeria?
Dr. Khanna: Certainly! Reports suggest that Nigeria is keen on establishing partnerships in small arms, ammunition, and armored vehicles. Additionally, given that Nigeria’s military leadership has been trained in India for decades, there’s a solid foundation to build upon. The focus is not just on arms trade but also on collaborative training and technology transfer.
Editor: This visit follows a defense industry delegation’s trip to Lagos. What does this suggest about Nigeria’s intentions moving forward?
Dr. Khanna: That delegation indicates that Nigeria is serious about enhancing its defense capabilities and diversifying its defense procurement sources. The interest from Nigeria’s defense sector in Indian arms products, especially following direct meetings, signifies a shift towards bolstering domestic security through international partnerships.
Editor: Prime Minister Modi mentioned a “strategic partnership based on shared beliefs in democracy and pluralism.” How does this comment frame the relationship?
Dr. Khanna: Modi’s phrasing underscores the ideological alignment between the two countries, as both are democratic nations navigating their paths amidst various challenges. This common ground strengthens their diplomatic rapport and offers a broader perspective, not only around defense but also in light of regional stability in West Africa.
Editor: With India emerging as a major defense supplier to African nations, how does Nigeria fit into this growing trend?
Dr. Khanna: Nigeria is just one piece of a larger puzzle. India has successfully forged defense relationships with countries such as Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco, leading to an increase in defense exports. By establishing strong ties with Nigeria, India could potentially solidify its presence in the West African market, which has been traditionally dominated by Western suppliers. It’s a strategic maneuver to widen India’s influence in that region.
Editor: What can we expect in the near future regarding defense cooperation between India and Nigeria?
Dr. Khanna: We are likely to see a series of agreements focusing on arms sales and possibly a framework for joint exercises and training missions. The intent is clear: India wants to be a key partner in enhancing Nigeria’s defense capabilities. Furthermore, this cooperation could lead to technology transfers and collaborations in indigenous defense production, which could be beneficial in long-term strategic terms for both nations.
Editor: Thank you for your insights today, Dr. Khanna. As the situation develops, it will be fascinating to observe how these relationships evolve.
Dr. Khanna: Thank you for having me! I look forward to discussing these developments in the future.