Nigeria and India share a long-standing and dynamic bilateral relationship rooted in mutual colonial histories, development aspirations and shared values within the Global South. Nigeria, Africa's biggest democracy, and India the world's largest democracy, share more similarities than demographic dominance in their respective continents. Both countries are defined by diverse linguistic, religious and ethnic societies that co-exist and shape global narratives on development and diplomacy.
Since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1958, the Nigeria-India partnership has matured into a broad based relationship spanning trade and investment, education, health, energy, security, defense and diaspora engagement. Growing cross cultural engagement, expanding trade and investment, and dynamic diplomatic ties continue to strengthen the Nigeria-India relationship. With both countries elevating their "historical friendship" to a "strategic partnership", Nigeria and India stand as one of each other's foremost partners in their respective continents.
Historical Ties and Political Cooperation
Predating Nigeria's independence, Nigeria and India established early diplomatic engagements grounded in their mutual experiences of colonialism. In support of Nigeria's vision of sovereignty, India opened its diplomatic mission in Lagos in 1958 - a move that Nigeria reciprocated with its High Commission in New Delhi in 1961. In ties spanning over six decades, Nigeria and India have collaborated in several multilateral organizations, including the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the United Nations, Commonwealth, and African Union Summits. The India Africa Forum Summits (IAFS), for example, which has seen Nigeria playing a consistent and significant role, has strengthened bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, defence and energy, providing mutual strategic and economic benefits.
These ties paved the way for a mutually respectful relationship, with foundations in South-South cooperation. Multiple high level visits, strategic dialogues and joint commissions continue to deepen bilateral and multilateral ties as both countries echo the voice of the developing world on the global stage. The convergence of both countries' interests, including calls for increased representation of developing countries in global governance, has cemented this relationship at high levels of political and diplomatic engagements.
Economic and Trade Relations
India is one of Nigeria's most important trading partners in Asia and ranks among its top five global trade allies. Similarly, Nigeria stands as one of India's key economic partners in Africa. Over the years, expanding private sector investments, the flow of expertise and institutional collaboration have deepened the economic ties between the two nations. As of 2022-23, bilateral trade stood at $11.8 billion.
Nigeria’s exports to India are led by crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), contributing significantly to India’s energy mix. Indian exports include pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering goods, machinery and vehicles. Over 135 Indian companies currently operate in Nigeria, with cumulative investments valued at over $27 billion. Prominent Indian firms such as Bharti Airtel, Godrej and Indorama, among others in manufacturing, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and services, maintain a strong presence across the Nigerian economy.
Healthcare
India has emerged as a leading destination for Nigerians seeking advanced and affordable medical care. Indian healthcare services have become a preferred option for Nigerian patients, particularly in areas such as cardiology, oncology and organ transplants. In recent years, medical tourism has become a significant component of Nigeria-India relations. Additionally, collaborations in the pharmaceutical and health technology sectors reflected in the presence of Indian companies such as Cipla and Sun Pharma in Nigeria are creating opportunities to expand telemedicine services and support the development of local drug manufacturing and hospital management systems.
Education
India has emerged as one of the preferred destinations for Nigerian students seeking affordable and high quality education. Thousands of Nigerian students are currently enrolled in Indian institutions, pursuing degrees in fields such as engineering, IT, business studies and medicine. Academic and training linkages, including the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, continue to provide opportunities for skill development.
Diaspora and Cultural Linkages
Nigeria is home to an Indian community of tens of thousands, many of whom are second or third generation residents involved in trade, industry, and healthcare. Active cultural and religious organizations make Nigeria a suitable destination for the growing Indian diaspora.
Afrobeats, Nigeria's contemporary blend of sounds, has carved a distinctive and expanding presence in India's vibrant music scene. The rhythmic influence of Afrobeats is evident in the works of mainstream and independent Indian artists, reflecting the exchange of musical influences between two youthful and culturally dynamic societies where global sounds are constantly reimagined.
Concurrently, India hosts a compact Nigerian community of mostly students. Bollywood, India's film industry, enjoys immense popularity in Nigeria, as seen in its growing influence on fashion and entertainment. Indian cuisine, with its flavorful blend of spices and textures, is widely appreciated by an increasing number of Nigerians.
Shared Multilateral Outlook
Nigeria and India align on global issues like South cooperation, climate change and sustainable development. India supports increased African representation in the UN Security Council, aligning with the broader objectives of the Ezulwini Consensus. Conversely, Nigeria backs India's aspiration for a permanent seat in the reformed Security Council.
Mutual advocacy for equitable trade practices and inclusive global governance reflect shared priorities within broader multilateral platforms.
The Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi remains dedicated to strengthening the
multifaceted partnership between Nigeria and India, advancing co-operation across political,
economic, and cultural spheres.
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