External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during his visit to Nigeria on Sunday, emphasized India’s pride in its rich traditions, culture, and history. He noted that India stands among the few ancient civilizations that have successfully evolved into a modern nation, a fact that serves as a source of immense pride for the country. Jaishankar made these remarks while addressing members of the Indian community in Nigeria, marking his first visit to the country as the External Affairs Minister.
Jaishankar’s visit to Nigeria followed his participation in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit held in Uganda, where he represented India on the global stage. Addressing the Indian diaspora in Nigeria, Jaishankar underlined the significance of India’s cultural and historical heritage in shaping its modern identity. “We are today sending a message to the world, that this is also an India which is proud of its traditions, of its culture, of its history,” he said, reinforcing the deep connection between India’s past and its current global stature.
He further highlighted that India’s evolution as a modern nation is unique in the context of world civilizations. “There are very few civilizations that have survived as a modern nation, and we are one of them,” Jaishankar remarked. His statement reflects India’s ability to maintain its cultural identity while advancing on the path of modernization and economic growth.
Jaishankar also spoke about the ongoing developmental activities in India, noting a significant sense of progress and a positive investment climate. He mentioned that India is witnessing a substantial flow of investments, which is contributing to the country’s growth and development. “There is a sense today that India is being built, and there is a flow of investment,” he said, emphasizing the optimism surrounding India’s economic future.
Focusing on India-Nigeria relations, Jaishankar highlighted the robust business ties between the two countries, which currently amount to approximately $12-15 billion. He encouraged Nigerian investors to explore the growing opportunities in India, pointing out the nation’s expanding capabilities in various sectors. “There are many more possibilities because Indian capabilities in many areas are growing very, very strongly. I would say, we’ve had a long record in pharmaceuticals, but today India, for example, has become a big producer of medical devices, which was not the case earlier,” Jaishankar noted. His comments underscore India’s rapid advancements in industries beyond its traditional strengths, signaling new avenues for bilateral cooperation.
During his visit, Jaishankar will co-chair the sixth India-Nigeria Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) with his Nigerian counterpart. This meeting is expected to further solidify the bilateral relationship between the two nations, fostering closer economic and diplomatic ties. In addition to the JCM, Jaishankar will participate in several key events aimed at strengthening the partnership between India and Nigeria.
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Among these events is the inauguration of the third edition of the Nigeria-India Business Council meeting, where Jaishankar will engage with business leaders to explore opportunities for enhancing trade and investment between the two countries. He is also scheduled to deliver a speech at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, where he is expected to outline India’s foreign policy priorities and its vision for strengthening ties with Africa, particularly Nigeria.
Jaishankar’s itinerary includes the inauguration of a bust of Mahatma Gandhi, symbolizing the enduring connection between India and Nigeria and their shared commitment to the principles of peace and non-violence. Furthermore, he will chair the regional conference of Indian heads of missions, where discussions will focus on India’s diplomatic strategies in Africa and ways to better serve the Indian diaspora in the region.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described Jaishankar’s visit as a significant step towards consolidating bilateral relations between India and Nigeria. “India and Nigeria have traditionally enjoyed close and friendly relations. This is the external affairs minister’s first visit to Nigeria, which will further consolidate bilateral relations between the two countries,” the MEA stated.
Jaishankar’s visit to Nigeria is seen as a crucial moment in reinforcing India’s role in Africa and deepening its ties with one of the continent’s largest economies. The visit not only underscores the historical and cultural bonds shared by India and Nigeria but also highlights the potential for future collaboration in various sectors.
