On India, Africa and the Global South

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visits to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana are significant not only for enhancing bilateral ties with these countries but also as a statement of India’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its engagement with the Global South.

India’s Strengthening Ties with Nigeria

• Historical Context of India-Nigeria Relations:
  • Strategic Partnership: Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Nigeria in 2023 was the first after Manmohan Singh’s visit in 2007, where both countries declared a Strategic Partnership.
  • Post-Independence Support: India supported Nigeria’s development after independence in 1960 by sending teachers and doctors, fostering strong historical ties.
• Key Areas of Cooperation:
  • Defence and Security: Both nations identified terrorism, separatism, piracy, and drug trafficking as common challenges to address.
  • Economic Collaboration: With over 200 Indian companies investing around $27 billion in sectors like pharma, agriculture, and energy, the two countries share low-cost technologies to tackle issues like poverty and pollution.
    • Nigeria is also a BRICS partner country now.
  • Indian Diaspora: India’s 60,000-strong diaspora in Nigeria serves as a bridge for enhancing bilateral relations.
• PM Modi’s Recognition:
  • Awarded Nigeria’s Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), a rare honour for foreign dignitaries.
  • PM Modi is the second foreign dignitary to receive the distinction dedicated the award to India’s enduring friendship with Nigeria.

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India’s Broader Engagement with the Global South

• Voice of the Global South (VoGS):  India led the third edition of VoGS this year but was not very successful, as low participation has raised concerns about follow-through on its leadership.
  • Hosting could rotate among Global South nations or align with the G20 presidency to enhance engagement.
• India Africa Forum Summit: Last held in 2015, India must convene it promptly to reaffirm its commitment to Africa and bolster ties.
• South South Cooperation: India has expressed strong commitment to South-South cooperation, but there are challenges in translating this into tangible outcomes, especially with regard to global governance, food security, energy, and health security.
• BRICS Partnership: Nigeria’s inclusion as a BRICS partner aligns with India’s priorities in strengthening the Global South’s voice in global governance.

Conclusion

India needs to match its ideals with practical engagement. While it advocates for the Global South, there is a need for decisive action and consistent presence in key forums to ensure its leadership is seen as impactful.