Nigeria and India are actively working to strengthen their trade relations, focusing on key sectors such as energy, technology, and defense.
This initiative aims to bolster economic growth and development in both nations.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historical visit to Nigeria in November 2024 after a seventeen-year absence of such visits between the nations.
The two governments adopted a plan to strengthen their cooperation in maritime security and intelligence-sharing and counter-terrorism operations during this visit.
Electronic discussions incorporated topics related to healthcare together with economic development and food security management.
The two nations took a pivotal decision to safeguard maritime shipping routes against piracy while fighting maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea and Indian Ocean.
The trade volume between Nigeria and India has shown continuous changes since 2003-04. Bilateral trade decreased from $14.95 billion in 2021-22 to $7.89 billion in 2023-24 as Nigeria reduced its oil exports to India.
Nevertheless India continues to be Nigeria’s significant trading partner through its 135 operating firms which cover pharmaceuticals engineering goods and chemicals sectors and more.
The partnership between these nations develops new avenues of business cooperation to revitalize their trade connections.
They seek business opportunities in renewable energy sectors together with information technology and defense manufacturing sectors.
The diversification of trading portfolios will help Nigeria and India build economic relations with stronger resistance against global market fluctuations.
Both nations plan to enhance their trade relations with expectations of shared advantages that will lead to economic development and employment creation in addition to technological progress.