Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent six-day visit to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana showcased India’s growing global stature and its commitment to inclusive development, South-South cooperation, and pragmatic diplomacy. The trip, which included significant bilateral discussions and impactful participation in the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, reaffirmed India’s leadership as a voice for the Global South and a champion of sustainable growth. In Nigeria, Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit in 17 years, marking a major milestone in bilateral relations. Warmly received by President Bola Tinubu, their discussions focused on security, economic cooperation, and counterterrorism. Key agreements on maritime security and anti-piracy measures underscored shared priorities in safeguarding trade routes in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean. Highlighting economic ties, Modi emphasized Indian investments worth $27 billion in Nigeria, with Tinubu expressing eagerness to attract further investments. Both leaders called for reforms in global governance, including aspirations for permanent UN Security Council seats. A symbolic gesture of deepening ties, President Tinubu conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, on Modi. In Guyana, President Mohammed Irfaan Ali honoured Modi with the country’s highest civilian award, recognizing India’s support, including the supply of 50,000 COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic. The visit resulted in the signing of 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), strengthening economic and developmental cooperation. This collaboration highlighted India’s dedication to being a reliable partner in South-South development.
In Brazil, Modi’s participation in the G20 Summit built on India’s presidency theme, “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” He advocated for inclusive solutions to global challenges like poverty, hunger, and climate change. During bilateral meetings with leaders such as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, Modi emphasized India’s achievements in lifting 250 million people out of poverty and promoting sustainable agriculture through initiatives like organic farming and climate-resilient crops. A significant summit outcome was the creation of a global coalition to combat hunger and poverty, supported by over 80 nations. Modi pledged India’s full backing and positioned the country as a key player in global food security. He also praised Brazil’s leadership and reaffirmed India’s commitment to sustainable development goals, emphasizing women-led development and youth empowerment. Prime Minister Modi’s visits to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana were more than diplomatic engagements—they were assertions of India’s expanding influence. By reinforcing bilateral ties, advocating for the Global South, and addressing pressing developmental challenges, Modi underscored India’s leadership in shaping a more inclusive and equitable global order.
