What's New

India’s Strategic Engagement with West Africa

Syllabus:

GS – 2- India and its relations with West Africa, Foreign policy of India

Focus :

The article delves into India’s strategic engagement with Nigeria, emphasizing the significance of the relationship in the broader West African context. It explores India’s developmental partnership, defence cooperation, and trade ties while contrasting them with China’s growing influence. The piece highlights India’s efforts to strengthen the Global South and the need for sustained engagement to achieve mutual benefits.

Introduction

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nigeria during his third term signifies a pivotal moment in India’s Africa policy.
• This visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years and comes at a time when West Africa’s geopolitical and economic significance is rising.
• Nigeria is Africa’s largest democracy and economy, making it a natural partner for India in its Global South diplomacy.
• The visit highlights India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with African nations, especially in light of China’s growing influence in the region.

Nigeria: A Key Partner in Africa

Nigeria’s Regional Importance

• Largest Economy in Africa:Nigeria is the largest oil producer in Africa and holds significant natural resources.
• Democratic Role Model:Its political stability and democratic framework set an example for the region.
• Regional Hegemon:Nigeria wields considerable influence in the African Union and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
• Peace Mediator:Played a critical role in mediating disputes and promoting stability in West Africa.

Nigeria’s Geopolitical Role for India

• A natural ally for India’s Africa strategy.
• Gateway to enhancing India’s presence in West Africa.
• Strategic influence in the Global South collaboration.

Diplomatic Highlights of PM Modi’s Visit

• Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally welcomed PM Modi at Abuja airport, emphasizing the importance of the visit.
• PM Modi was awarded Nigeria’s second-highest civilian honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, a recognition of India’s strategic importance.

Areas of Collaboration

• Defense Cooperation:Strengthened military ties, including the purchase of Indian arms and joint counterterrorism initiatives.
• Energy Partnerships:Discussions on sustainable energy solutions and collaboration on hydrocarbons.
• Technology and Trade:Enhancing digital connectivity and fostering economic ties.
• Education and Health:Expanding educational opportunities and sharing expertise in public health.

India-Nigeria Historical Partnership

• Development Assistance
• Over six decades of collaboration, India has provided concessional loans worth $100 million to Nigeria.
• Capacity-building initiatives aimed at empowering Nigerian professionals.
• The ‘India Way’ Approach
• Emphasis on a partnership model based on respect, mutual growth, and local empowerment.
• India’s development model contrasts with the dependency-based approach of some other nations.

India as an Emerging Defense Partner

• Strengthening Defense Ties
• India is positioning itself as a significant arms supplier to African nations.
• Nigeria expressed interest in Indian weaponry and counterterrorism expertise.
• Follow-up to a defense industry delegation’s visit to Lagos earlier this year.
• Broader Defense Collaboration in Africa
• Indian arms sales to nations like Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Tanzania, and Mozambique.
• Contribution to peacekeeping operations across the continent.

Economic Relations: Opportunities and Challenges

• Decline in Bilateral Trade
• Trade between India and Nigeria decreased from $14.95 billion in 2021-22 to $7.89 billion in 2023-24.
• India’s increasing oil imports from Russia partially account for this decline.
• Areas of Continued Cooperation
• Energy Trade:Despite the decline, Nigeria remains a key supplier of hydrocarbons to India.
• Technology and Innovation:Collaborations on digital infrastructure and skill development.
• Expanding Economic Opportunities
• Diversifying trade to include pharmaceuticals, technology, and textiles.
• Encouraging Indian investments in Nigeria’s manufacturing and mining sectors.

Nigeria’s Growing Engagement with China

• China’s Investments in Nigeria
• Over 200 Chinese companies operate in Nigeria.
• $47 billion invested in 22 large infrastructure projects, including:Lekki Deep Sea Port: Boosts Nigeria’s trade capabilities and job creation.Abuja Light Rail Project and airport expansions.
• Significant presence in the mining sector, with investments in lithium processing.
• Technological Cooperation
• Huawei’s contributions:
• Deployed 27,500 mobile towers and 10,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable.
• Trained thousands of Nigerian government employees in cybersecurity and digital skills.
• Infrastructure Projects:E-surveillance systems at Nigeria’s land borders.
• Economic Challenges from Chinese Engagement
• Concerns over Nigeria’s dependence on Chinese loans, which form 11.28% of its external debt.
• Potential risks of debt distress and loss of sovereign control over critical infrastructure.

India vs. China: Contrasting Engagement Models

• India’s Partnership-Based Approach
• Focus on local capacity building and skill development.
• Developmental assistance with concessional terms and mutual respect.
• Avoidance of debt traps or over-dependence on foreign investments.
• China’s Influence Model
• Heavy reliance on infrastructure investments and loans.
• Limited emphasis on skill transfer or local empowerment.
• Long-term implications for sovereignty and debt sustainability.

Strategic Implications for India

• Geopolitical Significance
• Nigeria as a gateway for India’s influence in West Africa and beyond.
• Strengthened ties align with India’s broader Global South agenda.
• Strategic Advantage Over China
• India’s developmental partnership offers a sustainable alternative to Chinese debt-driven investments.
• Building people-to-people ties enhances cultural and social cooperation.

Challenges to India-Nigeria Relations

• Competition from China
• China’s financial and technological investments dwarf India’s current footprint.
• Perception of India’s engagement being less comprehensive compared to China’s.
• Trade and Security Challenges
• Declining trade volumes necessitate diversification and rejuvenation of economic ties.
• Security concerns, including terrorism, piracy, and separatism, pose hurdles to investment and stability.

Recommendations for Strengthening Bilateral Ties

• Economic Cooperation
• Diversify trade to include non-energy sectors like technology, education, and health.
• Promote Indian investments in Nigeria’s infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.
• Defense and Security Collaboration
• Expand arms exports and training initiatives for Nigerian forces.
• Share counterterrorism expertise to combat threats like Boko Haram.
• Cultural and Educational Exchange
• Enhance student exchange programs and scholarships for Nigerian youth.
• Foster cultural diplomacy to deepen people-to-people ties.
• Diplomatic Follow-Up
• Regular high-level meetings to ensure the implementation of agreements.
• Establish mechanisms for periodic review of bilateral cooperation.

Conclusion

• India’s engagement with Nigeria, symbolized by PM Modi’s visit, marks a new chapter in India-Africa relations.
• While the goodwill generated is a strong foundation, sustained efforts are essential to translate promises into tangible outcomes.
• Strengthened India-Nigeria ties can not only benefit both nations but also set an example for South-South cooperation in a multipolar world.

Associated Article

https://universalinstitutions.com/indias-g-20-opportunity-for-an-african-renaissance/

Mains UPSC Question GS 2

Examine India’s strategic interests in West Africa with a particular focus on Nigeria. How does India’s engagement compare with China’s influence in the region? Suggest measures to enhance bilateral ties between India and Nigeria.(250 words).