21 Gun Salute As President Tinubu Receives Indian PM, Narendra Modi In Aso Rock

President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, received the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, at the State House in Abuja.

The Nigerian leader personally received the Indian Prime Minister at the forecourt of the Aso Rock Villa.

Naija News reports Modi inspected a Guard of Honour, and a 21-gun salute was also made in his honour.

Modi’s visit to Nigeria is the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Dr Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007, when the two nations established a strategic partnership.

According to an earlier statement from Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Nigeria and India would sign Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) during the visit to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

The statement disclosed that “President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi will seek to strengthen Nigeria’s and India’s ties further during their bilateral discussions.

“Both leaders will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to enhance collaboration in critical sectors.”

Earlier, Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Shri G. Balasubramanian, highlighted the long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations, dating back to 2007, with increasing collaboration in sectors such as energy, defense, and the economy.

According to him, over 200 Indian companies have invested more than $27 billion across critical sectors in Nigeria.

India and Nigeria share a robust development cooperation relationship, and Prime Minister Modi has prioritized Africa, particularly Nigeria, as a focal point for India’s West African engagement. This visit will be his first to West Africa, starting with Nigeria.