PM Modi Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana Visit Live Updates: PM Modi holds talks with Italy, France, UK PM on sidelines of G20 summit

PM Narendra Modi and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu committed to jointly fighting terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation as the latter on Sunday hosted Modi for what was the first visit by an Indian PM to the West African country in 17 years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted on Sunday how India has increased its defence exports by almost 30 times, and that the country exports defence equipment to more than 100 countries while addressing the Indian diaspora community in Nigeria.

"The aim is to have a 'Viksit Bharat', when in 2047, when you people will be retired and want to spend a good life, I am doing the work for you right now. When in 2047 we celebrate 100 years of Independence, then when India is 'viksit,' 'bhavya,' every Indian is working on that. That is why you people living in Nigeria also have a big role in that," he said.

"India's defence export has increased almost 30 times. Today, we export defence equipment to more than 100 countries of the world," he said while addressing the community.

He further highlighted how India has also developed their space sector, talking about the Gaganyaan mission to conduct India's first manned flight.

Member of Indian diaspora

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Indian diaspora in Nigeria's capital Abuja on Sunday, highlighted India’s transformation over the past decade and its journey towards becoming a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India). He emphasized India’s emergence as a global symbol of growth, peace, prosperity, and democracy.

Beginning his speech with "Sannu, Nigeria" (Hello), Modi said it was his first visit to Nigeria as Prime Minister, bringing with him “the fragrance of Indian soil” and good wishes from over a billion Indians.

He noted that India has stepped out of its comfort zone, embracing innovation and creating new pathways for progress, which have become hallmarks of the nation’s identity today.

"A confident India has embarked on a new journey. The goal is clear—to build a Viksit Bharat," Modi declared, as the audience chanted his name. He also highlighted the exponential growth of India’s startup ecosystem, with over 1.5 lakh registered startups.

While addressing the Indian diaspora in Abuja, Nigeria, PM Modi highlighted India’s advancements, stating, “India's defense exports have grown nearly 30 times, with equipment now reaching over 100 countries worldwide. We are also committed to sending Indians into space soon through the Gaganyaan mission and establishing our own space station in the near future.”

Addressing the Indian diaspora in Abuja, PM Modi said, "India is the mother of democracy, and Nigeria is the largest democracy in Africa. Both nations share similarities in democracy, diversity, and demographic energy."

"I would like to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and people of Nigeria for the warm welcome that I've received here. President Tinubu has also conferred me with Nigeria's national award. This honour belongs to the crores of people of India. This also belongs to all of you - the Indians living here in Nigeria."

Addressing the Indian diaspora in Nigeria's Abuja, PM Modi says, "You people become happy with India's growth and every Indian take pride in your growth... I thank the president and the people of Nigeria - for the kind of welcome that I have received is incredible. President Tinubu honoured me with Nigeria's National award, today, it's not an honour to Modi but crores of the citizens of India."

"I am extremely glad after getting conferred with 'Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger', and I would like to thank the Nigerian government for this. I dedicate this award to 140 crore Indian nationals and the deep friendship that is between India and Nigeria," said PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed condolences to the people of Nigeria for the loss of lives caused by the devastating floods that struck the country last month. He announced that India would send 20 tons of humanitarian aid to support the ongoing relief efforts.

"On behalf of 140 crore Indians, I express condolences over the loss of lives due to the flood in Nigeria last month. In support of the relief works, India is sending 20 tons of humanitarian aid," PM Modi said during a meeting with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja.

Prior to the Prime Minister’s visit, India had already dispatched 15 tons of aid to Nigeria as the country continues to recover from the floods.

In his address, PM Modi also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Tinubu for his "personal commitment" to strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Nigeria, and highlighted the significant milestones achieved in bilateral relations.

On PM Narendra Modi's visit to the country, a member of the Indian diaspora says, "... We are very fortunate that we got to meet PM Narendra Modi here in Nigeria. The Indian diaspora is very happy. We are having another community address which will be a big celebration for us."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "I express heartfelt gratitude for your decision to confer me with Nigeria's national honour. This honour is not just mine but that of 140 Crore Indians. This is an honour of centuries-old India-Nigeria relations. For this honour, I express heartfelt gratitude to Nigeria, your Government and citizens."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "We give high priority to our strategic partnership with Nigeria. We have strong cooperation in several sectors like defence, energy, financial issues, technology, health, education, and culture. Several new possibilities are attached to our relations."

"I express gratitude for your personal commitment to strengthening strategic relations between India and Nigeria. I am happy that last year, under the chairmanship of India, Nigeria joined G20 Summit for the first time as a Guest Country...Together, we granted permanent membership of G20 to the African Union. I think this was historic. This is delightful that Nigeria has been accorded the status of a Partner Country in Brics. I congratulate Nigeria for this important achievement."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "As it was said right now, an Indian PM is visiting here after 17 years. It is a matter of great joy for me that right at the beginning of my third tenure, I received the opportunity to visit Nigeria."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "On behalf of 140 Crore Indians, I express condolences over the loss of lives due to flood in Nigeria last month. In support of your relief works, India is sending 20 tons of humanitarian aid."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive talks with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday, focusing on strengthening the India-Nigeria partnership in trade, investment, and digital public infrastructure. Modi's visit marks the first by an Indian prime minister to Nigeria in 17 years.

Upon his arrival in Abuja, Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the presidential villa, after which he held a one-on-one meeting with Tinubu.

Both countries are expected to sign several agreements following delegation-level talks.

Modi is in Nigeria as part of a three-nation tour. After Abuja, he will travel to Brazil for the G20 summit, with Guyana being his final stop.

India-Nigeria relations were upgraded to a "strategic partnership" during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Nigeria in October 2007. The two nations have enjoyed close ties for over six decades.

G Balasubramanian, India’s high commissioner to Nigeria, expressed optimism about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Nigeria, emphasizing its potential to strengthen ties with both Nigeria and the broader African continent, while enhancing cooperation on global challenges.

Speaking to ANI on Saturday, Balasubramanian highlighted the significance of PM Modi's first visit to West Africa. He noted Nigeria’s strategic importance as the most populous nation in Africa and one of its largest economies, making it a key partner for India.

Over 200 Indian companies have invested more than $27 billion in Nigeria, positioning them as the second-largest employers after the Nigerian government.

“The relationship between India and Nigeria has deep historical roots. We established a diplomatic presence in Nigeria in 1958, two years before their independence, by opening an office in Lagos. Our political relationship has been strong, both bilaterally and at multilateral forums. Trade and economic ties are also robust, with Indian companies playing a vital role in the Nigerian economy,” said Balasubramanian.

PM Modi’s visit is particularly noteworthy as it follows his meeting with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the G20 Summit in 2023. The trip aims to enhance the strategic partnership between the two nations, which is grounded in shared democratic values and pluralism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour at the President House in Abuja, Nigeria.

Nigeria to honour PM Modi with its award The Grand Commander of The Order of the Niger [GCON]. Queen Elizabeth is the only foreign dignitary who has been awarded GCON in 1969. This will be the 17th such international award being conferred to PM Modi by a country.

PM Modi upon his arrival to Nigeria met with the Marathi community.

"In Nigeria, the Marathi community expressed joy at Marathi being conferred the status of a Classical Language. It is truly commendable how they remain connected to their culture and roots," he said sharing the pictures of the interaction.

The Indian diaspora in Nigeria is abuzz with excitement ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival in Abuja on Saturday. The city is adorned with posters and hoardings of the Prime Minister, and the Indian community is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to see him in person. Dimple Alimchandani, a member of the Indian diaspora, expressed her happiness, saying she was thrilled by PM Modi's visit to Nigeria.

"My name is Dimple Alimchandani. And I have been in Nigeria for 25 years. We have been in business here for many years. And today we are all very excited as PM Modi is coming. And we are very, very happy. Modi Ji is our role model. And our dream has come true, to meet Modi Ji. So we are very, very happy to have PM Modi here. Welcome, PM Modi, to Nigeria. Thank you. We love you, PM Modi," she said, ANI reported.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Abuja, Nigeria, on Sunday, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the West African nation in 17 years. The visit is part of a three-nation tour aimed at strengthening India's global partnerships. Upon arrival, PM Modi was ceremonially welcomed by Nigeria's Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who presented him with the symbolic "Key to the City" of Abuja. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that the gesture reflects the trust and honor bestowed on the Prime Minister by the people of Nigeria, sharing images of the warm reception to underscore the significance of his inaugural visit to the region.

"Thank you, President Tinubu. Landed a short while ago in Nigeria. Grateful for the warm welcome. May this visit deepen the bilateral friendship between our," PM Modi said in a post on X.

The Prime Minister’s visit to Guyana, invited by President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, will be historic as the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over 50 years. The visit aims to deepen the strategic relationship, rooted in shared cultural heritage and democratic values. He will also pay tribute to one of the oldest Indian diaspora communities, who migrated over 185 years ago, and address the Guyanese Parliament.

"During this visit, I will also join leaders from the Caribbean partner countries for the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit. We have stood together through thick and thin. The Summit will enable us to renew historical ties and expand our cooperation into new domains," he said in a press release.

At the invitation of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this will mark the Prime Minister’s first visit to Nigeria, a key partner in West Africa. The visit aims to further build on the strategic partnership between the two nations, grounded in shared values of democracy and pluralism. The Prime Minister is also looking forward to engaging with the Indian community and friends in Nigeria, who have extended warm greetings in Hindi.

"At the invitation of HE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this will be my first visit to Nigeria, which is our close partner in the West African region. My visit will be an opportunity to build upon our Strategic Partnership that is based on shared belief in democracy and pluralism. I am also eagerly looking forward to meeting the Indian community and friends from Nigeria who have sent me warm welcome messages in Hindi," he said in a press release.

Building on India’s successful G-20 Presidency last year, which prioritized the Global South, Brazil has continued this momentum, and the Prime Minister looks forward to meaningful discussions under the theme "One Earth, One Family, One Future." Additionally, he will take the opportunity to discuss strengthening bilateral ties with other world leaders.

"In Brazil, I will attend the 19th G-20 Summit as a Troika member. Last year, India’s successful Presidency elevated the G-20 to people’s G-20 and mainstreamed the priorities of the Global South into its Agenda. This year, Brazil has built upon India’s legacy. I look forward to meaningful discussions in keeping with our vision of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” I will also use the opportunity to exchange views on furthering bilateral cooperation with several other leaders," he said in a press release.

"Over the next few days, I will be in Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana. I will have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of programmes, both bilateral and multilateral, which will add momentum to India’s ties with various nations. I will take part in the G20 Summit in Brazil and will meet Caribbean leaders in Guyana. I will also be interacting with the Indian community during this visit," he said in a post on X.