PM Modi will visit Nigeria. He will be the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the African nation in 17 years. Modi will meet with Nigerian leaders to discuss the strategic partnership between the two countries. The Prime Minister will also attend the G20 Summit in Brazil. He will then travel to Guyana for the Second CARICOM-India Summit.
This marks a critical moment for India’s foreign policy, emphasizing stronger ties with countries in the Global South. These nations, united by shared development challenges and a collective vision for a more equitable global order, form a vital part of India’s international outreach. This visit is designed to amplify India’s leadership on the world stage.
India and Nigeria have a longstanding strategic partnership, with over 200 Indian companies investing more than USD 27 billion across energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors. The two countries are also working together on defence cooperation and counterterrorism. During his visit, Modi will focus on expanding trade, technology collaboration, and addressing mutual concerns such as climate change and sustainable development.
With India and Nigeria sharing common development challenges as members of the Global South, Modi will stress on India’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development goals through technology transfer and capacity building, particularly in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and healthcare.
The visit will also reinforce India’s role as a leader of the Global South, advocating for greater cooperation among developing countries to address shared issues like poverty, inequality, and climate vulnerability.
Prime Minister Modi will travel to Brazil next, from November 18-19, 2024, to attend the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil, as the host of this year’s summit, provides a critical platform for India to engage with world leaders on a wide range of global issues. As a member of the G20 Troika alongside Brazil and South Africa, India will actively participate in shaping the discussions on key topics, such as global economic recovery, climate change, and poverty alleviation.
The Global South will be at the forefront of these discussions, with Modi advocating for a more inclusive and equitable global economic system. India’s strong stance on climate action, exemplified by its leadership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA), will be a critical part of the conversation. Brazil’s concerns about the environmental impact of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest will also feature prominently, with India offering support in sustainable energy and climate resilience.
At the G20 Summit, Modi will emphasize the need for comprehensive reform of global institutions like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), to better reflect the realities of the 21st century and the aspirations of the Global South.
Prime Minister Modi’s final destination will be Guyana, from November 19-21, 2024. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana since 1968, and it reflects the growing importance of India’s engagement with the Caribbean. Guyana, which has a significant Indian-origin population, has been a key partner in the region.
The prime minister’s agenda includes an address to the National Assembly of Guyana’s Parliament, a gesture that symbolises the strength of the democratic bond between the two nations.
He will meet with President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and other leaders in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to discuss expanding cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, agriculture, and disaster management. Guyana’s vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters makes it an important partner in India’s efforts to promote climate resilience across the Global South.
Through the Second CARICOM-India Summit, PM Modi will strengthen India’s outreach to the Caribbean, advocating for shared development priorities such as sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction, and infrastructure development. India’s experience in renewable energy and disaster risk reduction will be valuable in helping CARICOM countries.
In recent years, India has made significant contributions to Guyana’s defence capabilities strengthening regional security cooperation. Notably, India provided two Dornier-228 aircraft to the Guyana Defence Force under a $23.37 million line of credit, enhancing the country’s aerial surveillance and disaster response capabilities. India’s “Make in India” initiative further facilitates affordable access to high-quality defence equipment for Guyana helping to bolster the country’s security infrastructure while promoting regional stability.
Additionally, the Commonwealth of Dominica has announced that it will honour Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with its highest national award – the Dominica Award of Honour – in recognition of his contribution to the country during the Covid-19 pandemic and his dedication to strengthening the bilateral partnership between the two nations.
PM Modi’s sojourn to these regions of the world will emphasise the importance of technology and innovation in addressing the developmental challenges of the Global South. The visits are a testament to India’s commitment to promoting the aspirations of developing nations and advocating for a more inclusive and equitable global order.
