Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has formally invited President Bola Tinubu to attend the upcoming BRICS Leaders’ Summit. The event is slated to take place in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. Abhishek Singh, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, announced the invitation in Abuja, stating that Nigeria’s role as a major African economy and a densely populated nation is crucial for the bloc.
As a BRICS partner, Nigeria stands to play a vital role in debates concerning emerging economies and the Global South. High Commissioner Singh emphasized the deepening diplomatic alignment between the two nations, particularly regarding mutual support for seats on the United Nations Security Council. The relationship is further bolstered by a significant Indian diaspora of 60,000 people who have integrated into Nigerian society for generations.
Economic ties are also robust, with annual trade volumes approaching $10 billion. Currently, more than 200 Indian businesses function in Nigeria, creating jobs for roughly 100,000 citizens. Beyond trade, the partnership encompasses technology, energy, defense, and healthcare. Singh believes that President Tinubu’s presence at the summit would solidify these bilateral bonds and promote collective interests within the international community.
