PM Modi Global Power Play: Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana Visits Designed to Increase Indian Influence
From November 16 to 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a three-nation visit to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana. This tour will be seen as strengthening India's relations with the key global partners across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. India will also affirm its global relevance through participation at the G20 Summit.
Nigeria: Nov 16-17
PM Modi will make his first stop in Nigeria. They will talk about ways to strengthen the age-old friendship between India and Nigeria. There appears to be a bit of reason for panic, however, because Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who extended the invitation to Modi, says it will be the first time an Indian PM has visited the country in 17 years. This is expected to include talks on economic cooperation, defense, and energy due to the huge investments India has invested in Nigeria: over $27 billion through more than 200 Indian companies, according to India's Ministry of External Affairs.
On the side, PM Modi will engage with members of the Indian community in Nigeria for further people-to-people bonding. The talks are to boost India's strategic footprint and trade ties in Africa's largest economy.
Brazil: G20 Summit, November 18-19
PM Modi will proceed to Brazil for the G20 Summit hosted by Brazilian President Luis Inácio Lula Da Silva at Rio de Janeiro. As India hands over the presidency of G20, PM Modi is expected to represent India within the G20 Troika consisting of Brazil and South Africa. India's interests that will be represented at the Summit include sustainable development, global economic stability, and the interests of the "Global South.".
The Prime Minister will have bilateral meetings with other world leaders on the sidelines of this summit and continue to build Indian influence in the issues of global importance like climate action and economic resilience, he said.
Guyana: November 19-21
Lastly, he is off to Guyana for a state visit where he would be the first Indian Prime Minister to pay an official visit after 1968. The leg of the tour maintains focus on the deep-rooted cultural and diplomatic relationship of India with the Caribbean region. It is a follow-up visit by the PM to Guyana after the Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali has recently visited the country last year, where he had been honored in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event.
This visit by PM Modi to Georgetown has outlined dialogue with Guyana's parliament and interaction with members of the Indian diaspora. He will also be attending the Second CARICOM-India Summit and will push forward India's cooperation with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Key issues, no doubt, will be climate resilience as well as economic cooperation, as representing India's commitment to supporting Caribbean nations.
Background and Relevance
The tour holds great diplomatic importance as it declares India's readiness to enhance bilateral relations with countries in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It aims to strengthen relations by discussing common problems and opening new horizons of mutual cooperation to reinforce India's influence in the world and form tighter, more diverse regional ties.
