On Thursday, Christmas night, the United States carried out airstrikes on ISIS strongholds in Nigeria. This event unfolds against the backdrop of a 65-year-old deep bilateral relationship between India and Nigeria, while for India, Nigeria isn't just a trading partner but also holds significant importance from the perspective of energy security and diplomacy. Following these airstrikes, understanding the relationship between the two nations and Nigeria's significance for India becomes even more pertinent.
The United States conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS positions in Nigeria on Thursday night, while former President Trump claimed on social media that ISIS was targeting and killing Christians in the country. Trump labeled ISIS terrorists as 'terrorist garbage' and explicitly stated that the US wouldn't allow radical Islamic terrorism to flourish. In his post, he also extended 'Merry Christmas' wishes to the killed terrorists, underscoring his firm stance, while these airstrikes occurred at a time when Nigeria is also grappling with internal challenges such as communal tensions and poverty.
Historical Foundations of India-Nigeria Friendship
The bilateral relations between India and Nigeria commenced in 1960, the year Nigeria gained independence. This friendship spans 65 years, and India has consistently supported the independence of African nations since its own freedom. It was during this period that the foundation for diplomatic relations between the two countries was laid. India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, visited Nigeria in 1962, which further strengthened the ties, while these relations have not been limited to trade but have also encompassed military and cultural cooperation, deepening over time.
India's Key Imports from Nigeria
According to a report by Trading Economics, India imports several crucial commodities from Nigeria. The most prominent among these are mineral fuel and oil,. Which play a vital role in meeting India's growing energy demands. Also, India procures oil seeds, fertilizers, aluminum, coffee, pearls, precious stones, rubber, zinc, iron, machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers, and various base metals from Nigeria. These imports ensure the supply of essential raw materials and energy sources for India's diverse industries and agricultural sector.
India's Exports to the West African Nation
India also exports a range of products to Nigeria, maintaining a balanced trade relationship between the two countries. India primarily sends pharmaceutical products, vehicle parts, electrical machinery, and plastics, among other items, to Nigeria. Indian pharmaceuticals contribute Importantly to Nigeria's healthcare sector, while vehicle parts and electrical machinery support Nigeria's industrial development. This trade exchange strengthens the economies of both nations and creates employment opportunities.
Indian Investment and Defence Cooperation
India has also played a significant role in Nigeria's development. Over 200 Indian companies are investing in key sectors such as manufacturing, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals in Nigeria. This investment boosts Nigeria's economy and generates employment opportunities for the local population. On top of that, India has collaborated in Nigeria's military training. India established the National Defence Academy in Kaduna and the Naval War College in Port Harcourt, which helped Nigeria's armed forces receive modern training. This cooperation reflects the deep trust and strategic partnership between the two countries.
Nigeria's Strategic Importance for India
Nigeria is special to India in several ways. The country is known for its vast oil and gas reserves, which are extremely crucial for India's energy security, while nigeria is also a significant member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Both these organizations are vital for India's economic and diplomatic policies, as India relies on them for its energy needs and relations with the Middle East, while prime Minister Modi's visit to Nigeria last November, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 18 years (following Manmohan Singh's visit in 2007), underscores India's growing strategic interest in Nigeria.
Demographic Landscape and Internal Divisions
With a population of 240 million, Nigeria is among the fastest-growing countries globally. The United Nations estimates that Nigeria's population will reach 400 million by 2050. The country is divided into two main regions: the northern part, which is predominantly Muslim and experiences higher poverty, and the southeastern part, which is Christian-majority and relatively more prosperous, while disputes and incidents of violence between these two communities have been observed multiple times, posing a challenge to the country's internal stability. Despite these internal challenges, Nigeria remains a crucial partner for India in Africa.
