PM Modi's Nigeria visit may bolster defence ties with West African nation: Report

Several African countries have already expressed keen interest in procuring Indian military platforms, equipment and hardware.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nigeria today is expected to strengthen defence ties between India and the West African nation, which is seeking partnership in areas like small arms, ammunition, and armoured vehicles, Economic Times reported.

Nigeria’s top military leadership has been trained in India for decades and the two nations have forged closer defence ties in recent years, the report added.

Moneycontrol couldn't independently verify the report.

In March this year the India-Africa Army Chiefs’ Conclave was held. The conclave, held on the sidelines of the second Africa-India Joint Exercise ‘AFINDEX’ in Pune, was attended by army chief General Manoj Pande and the chiefs and representatives of 31 African nations.

Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s commitment to providing support to African countries in defence related matters at the conclave.

India is currently emerging as a key defence supplier to Africa, with sales to Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Tanzania and Mozambique. State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has offered its indigenous Prachand Attack light combat helicopters to Nigeria, the report further added.

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Several African countries have already expressed keen interest in procuring Indian military platforms, equipment and hardware. In the last few years, India has been positioning itself as a leading voice, flagging concerns, challenges and aspirations of the Global South or the developing nations, especially the African continent.

India's ties with the African continent have witnessed a major uptick amid China's persistent efforts to expand its influence in the African countries. The induction of the 55-nation African Union as a permanent member of the G20 was seen as major milestones of India's presidency of the grouping of the world's 20 big economies in 2023.

PM is on a five-day visit to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana. From Nigeria, he will travel to Brazil.

In his departure statement, Modi said, "I am also eagerly looking forward to meeting the Indian community and friends from Nigeria who have sent me warm welcome messages in Hindi." Modi also said it would be an opportunity to "build upon our strategic partnership that is based on a shared belief in democracy and pluralism."

In Brazil, he will attend the 19th G20 Summit as a Troika member.