India’s engagement with West Africa, particularly with Nigeria, has gained momentum in recent years as part of its broader strategy to enhance ties with Africa. This relationship is shaped by historical linkages, economic opportunities, energy security, and a shared commitment to South-South cooperation. Read here to learn more.
On the way to Brazil to participate in the G-20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strategic halt in Nigeria.
The visit to Nigeria is significant as it marks the first African visit of the Prime Minister in his third term. This visit is also the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years.
The Indian Prime Minister was conferred Nigeria’s second-highest national award, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger. He became the only second foreign dignitary to receive the distinction since 1969, after Queen Elizabeth II, underlining India’s rising global stature and the trust and recognition Mr Modi has gained for his commitment to the Global South.
Read: This time for Africa: On India, Africa and the Global South-The Hindu
India’s Strategic Engagement with West Africa
Strengthening Economic Ties
- Trade Relations:
- India is a significant trading partner for West African nations, especially Nigeria, which is one of India’s largest trading partners in Africa.
- Trade is driven by India’s demand for crude oil, gas, and commodities like cashew nuts and cocoa.
- Investment in Infrastructure:
- Indian companies invest in sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and manufacturing.
- India’s commitment to capacity-building and technology transfer complements its investments in the region.
Energy Security
- Oil and Gas Imports:
- Nigeria is a key supplier of crude oil to India, meeting a substantial portion of its energy needs.
- India is also exploring partnerships in refining and upstream oil exploration in Nigeria and other West African nations.
- Diversifying Energy Sources:
- As part of its energy strategy, India seeks to deepen energy cooperation with other oil-rich West African nations like Ghana and Angola.
Development Partnerships
- Lines of Credit and Capacity Building:
- India extends concessional lines of credit to finance development projects in West Africa, focusing on infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
- Initiatives under the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) promote skill development and technology-sharing programs.
- Healthcare Diplomacy:
- India is a major supplier of affordable generic medicines and has supported healthcare infrastructure in the region.
- Collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as vaccine supply through the Vaccine Maitri initiative, bolstered India’s soft power.
Strategic Rivalry with China
- Infrastructure Financing:
- China’s aggressive investments in West African infrastructure, under initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), present competition for India.
- India emphasizes sustainable financing and local capacity-building to differentiate itself.
- Soft Power Diplomacy:
- India leverages its democratic model, cultural connections, and focus on human resource development to strengthen its partnerships.
Cultural and People-to-People Ties
- Diaspora Engagement:
- A significant Indian diaspora in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Ghana, fosters socio-cultural ties.
- Indian festivals, cuisine, and educational exchanges contribute to goodwill.
- Education and Training:
- India provides scholarships and training programs under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) initiative, enhancing its influence in the region.
Challenges to India’s Engagement
- Security Concerns: Rising insurgency, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and political instability in West Africa pose risks to investments and trade.
- Competition from China and Other Global Players: China’s financial and technological clout often overshadows India’s relatively modest economic presence.
- Logistical Barriers: Inadequate connectivity and infrastructural challenges hinder seamless trade and investment.
Opportunities for Growth
- Renewable Energy Cooperation: India can support West African nations in developing renewable energy infrastructure, particularly solar power, leveraging the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
- Digital and Agricultural Innovation: Investment in digital technologies and agricultural modernization can strengthen ties, given West Africa’s focus on economic diversification.
- Deepening Defense Cooperation: India can expand its defence collaboration by offering training and capacity-building support to address regional security challenges.
India-Nigeria Relations
India and Nigeria share a robust and multifaceted relationship underpinned by historical ties, economic cooperation, and shared values as developing countries.
Both countries are significant players in their respective regions and have maintained strong bilateral relations since Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
Historical Ties:
- India and Nigeria share a colonial past and have been members of the Commonwealth.
- Both nations actively collaborated in the Non-Aligned Movement and contributed to global South-South cooperation.
Economic and Trade Relations:
- Trade Volume:
- Nigeria is India’s largest trading partner in Africa.
- Bilateral trade has surpassed USD 15 billion, driven primarily by Nigeria’s crude oil exports to India.
- Energy Cooperation:
- India is one of the largest importers of Nigerian crude oil, meeting a significant portion of its energy needs.
- There is potential for collaboration in renewable energy and oil and gas exploration.
- Investments:
- Indian companies have invested in Nigeria in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy, telecommunications, and automotive industries.
- Over 135 Indian companies operate in Nigeria, contributing to industrial growth and job creation.
- Economic Assistance:
- India provides lines of credit and developmental assistance to Nigeria for projects in agriculture, power, and healthcare.
Cultural and People-to-People Ties:
- Indian Diaspora:
- Nigeria hosts a significant Indian community, which plays a vital role in its economy, especially in trade and industry.
- Education and Training:
- Many Nigerian students pursue higher education in India under scholarships like the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program.
- Skill development initiatives have been crucial in enhancing people-to-people ties.
- Cultural Exchange:
- Indian films, cuisine, and cultural practices enjoy popularity in Nigeria.
- Both countries participate in cultural festivals and exchanges to foster mutual understanding.
Political and Strategic Relations:
- Bilateral Engagements:
- Regular high-level visits and consultations strengthen ties.
- India and Nigeria cooperate in various multilateral forums like the United Nations, the African Union, and the Commonwealth of Nations.
- Defence Cooperation:
- Collaboration in areas like counter-terrorism, maritime security, and peacekeeping operations.
- Nigerian personnel are trained in Indian defence institutions.
Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Cooperation:
- India is a significant provider of affordable pharmaceuticals to Nigeria, making essential medicines accessible.
- Indian healthcare companies and hospitals have established a strong presence in Nigeria. Medical tourism to India is also common among Nigerians.
Conclusion
India’s strategic focus on West Africa is driven by a blend of economic pragmatism, energy security, and geopolitical considerations.
India-Nigeria relations exemplify a partnership built on mutual respect, shared goals, and complementary strengths. With a focus on energy, trade, cultural exchange, and strategic collaboration, the partnership is poised for growth, contributing to the prosperity of both nations and the global South.
While challenges remain, India’s emphasis on sustainable development, human resource capacity-building, and soft power initiatives positions it as a valuable partner for the region.
By leveraging its strengths and addressing barriers, India can consolidate its influence in West Africa amidst growing global competition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What are the countries in West Africa?
Ans: The West Africa UN subregion includes the following countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo.
Related articles:
- ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States)
- Colonization of Africa
- Decolonization
- Coup in Niger
- Asia-Africa growth corridor
-Article by Swathi Satish
Leave a Reply