President Bola Tinubu hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja on Sunday, marking a significant diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and India. Modi arrived in Abuja on Saturday evening and was formally received at the Forecourt of the Presidential Villa at approximately 10:20 am.
The ceremonial welcome included the Indian national anthem, followed by a Guard of Honour mounted by a Brigade of Guards. The Nigerian national anthem was also played, and the Indian leader inspected the parade amidst a 21-gun salute.
After completing the ceremonial proceedings, President Tinubu escorted Prime Minister Modi into his office for a closed-door meeting. During their private discussions, both leaders focused on strengthening bilateral ties, with several key agreements and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) expected to be signed to enhance cooperation in vital sectors.
The meeting will also include delegation-level talks aimed at fostering collaboration between the two nations in areas critical to their mutual interests. The Presidency emphasized the importance of the visit, stating, “President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi will further enhance Nigeria’s and India’s ties during their bilateral discussions. Both leaders will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to boost collaboration in critical sectors.”
Modi’s visit is particularly significant as it marks the first by an Indian prime minister since Dr. Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007, during which a strategic partnership between Nigeria and India was established.
