North News
New Delhi, November 16
In his departure statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that he is embarking on a five-day visit to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana. The trip will begin with a visit to Nigeria at the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Modi said that this would be his first visit to the West African nation, a key partner in the region. He emphasised that the visit would help strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries, which is grounded in shared democratic values and pluralism. Modi also expressed his eagerness to meet the Indian community in Nigeria, who had sent warm welcome messages in Hindi.
The Prime Minister will then head to Brazil, where he will participate in the 19th G-20 Summit as a Troika member. Highlighting the success of India’s presidency of the G-20 last year, Modi said that it helped elevate the forum to a “people’s G-20” and brought the priorities of the Global South to the forefront. This year, he added, Brazil had built upon India’s legacy. He anticipates meaningful discussions during the summit, centered around the theme “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” and plans to engage with other world leaders to strengthen bilateral ties.
Modi’s visit will also take him to Guyana, where he will become the first Indian Prime Minister to visit in over 50 years. At the invitation of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Modi said the visit would focus on furthering the unique relationship between India and Guyana, which is rooted in shared heritage, culture, and values. Modi will also pay respects to the Indian diaspora in Guyana, whose ancestors migrated more than 185 years ago, and address the Guyanese Parliament during his visit.
Additionally, Modi will join leaders from Caribbean partner countries for the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit, where they will discuss enhancing cooperation and renewing historical ties between the regions.
