Prime Minister Modi Invites President Tinubu to Summit, Eyes Stronger Nigeria-India Partnership
President Bola Tinubu has been invited by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the 2026 BRICS Leaders’ Summit, as Nigeria and India seek to expand their diplomatic and economic partnership beyond traditional areas of cooperation.
India’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, disclosed the invitation during an interaction with journalists in Abuja, saying the summit is scheduled to hold in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. He expressed optimism that Tinubu would attend alongside a Nigerian delegation.
Singh said Nigeria’s role as a BRICS partner country, combined with its economic and demographic weight in Africa, would give the country an opportunity to contribute to discussions on issues affecting developing economies and the wider Global South. He also noted that Abuja and New Delhi have supported each other’s aspirations for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council.
The envoy further highlighted growing economic ties, with bilateral trade approaching $10 billion and more than 200 Indian companies operating in Nigeria. He said these firms employ nearly 100,000 Nigerians, while cooperation between both countries has expanded into energy, defence, agriculture, healthcare and technology, with Tinubu’s expected participation seen as an opportunity to deepen the partnership.
