Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited President Bola Tinubu to the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi scheduled for September 12 to 13.
Abhishek Singh, Indian high commissioner to Nigeria, confirmed the invitation to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja.
“President of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has been invited to the BRICS Summit, which is going to take place in New Delhi in a few weeks from now, and we are very hopeful that the honourable president of Nigeria will be leading a high-powered delegation for the BRICS Summit very soon,” Singh said.
“Why do we feel that Nigeria’s participation as a BRICS partner country is important? Because as Africa’s largest economy and one of the most populous nations in the world now, Nigeria as a partner country brings immense strategic importance.”
The high commissioner noted that both countries continue to support each other in international forum including mutual aspirations for a seat at the United Nations security council.
Singh added that about 60,000 Indians live in Nigeria, many of whom he said are now deeply rooted in Nigerian culture up to the second and third generations.
The envoy said the community has become an important bridge between the two countries in education, healthcare, culture and commerce.
Singh said bilateral trade between both countries is now approaching $10 billion, with more than 200 Indian companies operating in Nigeria, nearly 100,000 Nigerians employed by Indian firms, and cooperation expanding across defence, energy, healthcare, agriculture and technology.
He noted that the BRICS summit would deepen the relationship between Abuja and New Delhi, while providing opportunities for a wider integration of the Global South.