Nigeria, India commit to zero tolerance for terrorism

Nigeria and India have reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism and fostering a zero-tolerance approach toward all forms of violent extremism.

This stance emerged during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Nigeria, where he and President Bola Tinubu held extensive discussions to deepen bilateral ties across various sectors, including security, economy, energy, and healthcare.

The leaders, in a joint statement, unequivocally condemned terrorism, cross-border terror networks, and the financing of extremist activities.

Highlighting the growing threats in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean, the two countries committed to enhancing counterterrorism efforts through intelligence sharing, joint naval exercises, and coordinated action against piracy.

“The leaders reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” the statement read, emphasizing their shared resolve to finalize and adopt the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework.

In a bid to secure vital maritime trade routes, Nigeria and India agreed to intensify anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea and bolster regular naval collaborations.

Prime Minister Modi also assured India’s support for Nigeria’s defence modernization, positioning India as a reliable partner in defence manufacturing.

India, Nigeria’s largest trading partner, reaffirmed its role in Nigeria’s economic growth.

President Tinubu lauded the contributions of over 200 Indian companies operating in Nigeria, generating substantial employment opportunities.

Both leaders directed their teams to finalize agreements on economic cooperation, double taxation avoidance, and bilateral investment, aiming to unlock further trade and investment potential.

The visit also solidified commitments by Indian investors who pledged over $14 billion during the September 2023 Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable.

Recognizing the strategic importance of energy security, the nations agreed to long-term contracts for crude oil and LNG supply and collaborations in pipeline security.

India also extended support for Nigeria’s infrastructure development through concessional credit lines and technical expertise.

Nigeria and India pledged to strengthen healthcare systems by establishing hospitals and diagnostic centres and leveraging India’s CoWIN digital platform for efficient vaccination management.

India also offered affordable pharmaceutical products to improve healthcare access for Nigeria’s vulnerable populations.

On education, both countries emphasized scholarships and cultural exchanges to build human capital.

The eVBAB virtual learning initiative was highlighted as a critical tool for Nigerian students.

The two nations committed to regional peace and security, with India inviting Nigeria to join the Global Biofuel Alliance and Global Rivers Cities Alliance.

They also agreed to intensify their collaboration on renewable energy projects as part of the International Solar Alliance.

The leaders expressed satisfaction with their shared efforts at the United Nations, pledging continued cooperation on Security Council reforms and mutual support for memberships.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit underscored the long-standing partnership between the two countries, rooted in mutual aspirations and historical ties.

This commitment signals a renewed era of cooperation, with a focus on peace, prosperity, and sustainable development for both nations.

Both leaders emphasized that the strategic relationship would continue to evolve, benefiting their populations and addressing global challenges collaboratively.

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