NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi departed on Saturday for Nigeria en route to Brazil where he will participate in the G20 summit. The five-day trip to three nations will also see him visiting Guyana where he will co-chair the second India summit with CARICOM (Caribbean Community) countries.
Modi said India’s successful presidency last year elevated 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,” said Modi.
Modi landed in Nigeria late on Saturday for what is his first visit to the West African country. The visit, the first by an Indian PM since 2007, is taking place at the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The PM said his visit will be an opportunity to build upon the India-Nigeria 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.
From Brazil, the PM will travel to Guyana for what will be the first ever visit of an Indian PM to the country in over 50 years.
“We will exchange views on giving strategic direction to our unique relationship, which is based on shared heritage, culture and values. I will also pay my respects to one of the oldest Indian diaspora, who migrated more than 185 years ago, and engage a fellow democracy, as I address their Parliament,” said Modi.
“During this visit, I will also join leaders from the Caribbean partner countries for the Second 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 added.