Modi Invites Tinubu to Major BRICS Summit in India

(President Bola Tinubu And Narendra Modi. Photo Credit: Nigeria Stories)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended an invitation to President Bola Tinubu to attend the BRICS Leaders’ Summit scheduled for September 12 and 13 in New Delhi.

India’s High Commissioner to Nigeria announced the invitation on Wednesday during a media engagement in Abuja, expressing optimism that Tinubu would participate with a Nigerian delegation.

The envoy characterised Nigeria’s involvement as significant given its status as Africa’s largest economy and one of the world’s most densely populated nations.

He noted that Nigeria’s position as a BRICS partner country would enable it to participate in discussions addressing issues affecting developing nations and the broader Global South.

The high commissioner emphasised the strengthening diplomatic relationship between the two nations, highlighting mutual support on international platforms including their respective bids for permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council.

Beyond formal diplomatic engagement, he underscored the established people-to-people connections between Nigeria and India.

Approximately 60,000 Indians reside in Nigeria, with certain families having inhabited the country across multiple generations.

The Indian community has reinforced bilateral relations through involvement in business, healthcare, education and cultural exchange activities.

Economic engagement has expanded substantially, with trade between the countries approaching $10 billion.

Over 200 Indian companies currently operate in Nigeria, collectively providing employment to nearly 100,000 Nigerians.

Bilateral cooperation has extended beyond commercial activities into energy, defence, agriculture, healthcare and technology sectors.

The envoy stated that Tinubu’s attendance at the BRICS summit would enhance bilateral relations and generate opportunities for Nigeria and India to expand cooperation while advancing Global South interests.