Abuja: Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, has announced that the forthcoming India-Africa Forum Summit is set to enhance economic and technological partnerships between India and Africa. Singh revealed this information during a news conference on Thursday in Abuja, highlighting the significance of the summit, which is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on May 31 after a decade-long hiatus.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Singh emphasized that the summit’s return would create an essential platform for African leaders and India to bolster cooperation across various sectors, including security, political dialogue, trade, development, and cultural exchanges. He noted that this would be the fourth edition of the India-Africa Forum Summit, with the last one held in 2015. The summit aims to address the transformational changes both Africa and India have experienced over the past decade, providing an opportunity for structured and high-level discussions.
Singh stated that the summit would occur at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, which also hosted the 2023 G20 Summit. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended an invitation to President Bola Tinubu to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the event. Highlighting Nigeria’s pivotal role in India’s engagement with Africa, Singh pointed to Nigeria’s democratic credentials, economic size, and expanding market potential as key factors.
Singh explained that the current trade volume between India and Nigeria stands between eight and nine billion dollars annually. However, he acknowledged the substantial untapped opportunities that exist for both countries. Discussions are ongoing to address market access issues affecting certain agricultural commodities and exports.
Furthermore, Singh reiterated India’s commitment to supporting digital partnerships with Nigeria and other African nations. He highlighted India’s global reputation as a leader in information technology and ICT, stressing the importance of digital public infrastructure, digital payments, and the use of ICT in education and development.
The High Commissioner also noted the flourishing cultural relationship between India and Nigeria. Nigerian Afrobeat stars like Wizkid and Davido are gaining popularity in India, while Indian films and culture continue to be well-received in Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions. Singh emphasized that cultural exchanges serve as a bridge between countries and peoples.
Singh mentioned that the summit would feature side events, including music and dance festivals, track-two diplomatic engagements, and business forums. These activities aim to strengthen India-Africa collaboration beyond governmental relations.