In a ceremony at the State House today, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana conferred upon Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi the highest national award of Guyana, “The Order of Excellence”​, for his ‘visionary statesmanship, for championing the rights of developing countries on the global stage, for exceptional service to the global community and for his commitment to strengthening India-Guyana relations.’

While accepting the award, the Prime Minister dedicated the honour to the people of India and to the deep-rooted historical ties between the people of the two countries. He emphasized that his State visit is testament to India’s continued commitment towards deepening India-Guyana friendship.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is only the fourth foreign leader to be conferred with the highest National award of Guyana.

Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, President of the Commonwealth of Dominica conferred the highest National Award-“Dominica Award of Honour” on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, for his statesmanship, support to Dominica during the Covid 19 pandemic and his commitment to strengthening India and Dominica ties. Prime Minister of Dominica H.E. Mr.Roosevelt Skerrit also graced the occasion. President of Guyana, H.E. Dr. Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister of Barbados, H.E. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Grenada, H.E. Mr. Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, H.E. Philip J. Pierre, and Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, H.E. Mr. Gaston Browne also witnessed the award ceremony.

Prime Minister dedicated the honour to the people of India and to the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between India and Dominica. He expressed confidence that the bilateral bond between the two nations will continue to grow and deepen in the years ahead.

The award ceremony was held today, on 20 November 2024, on the sidelines of the Second India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown, Guyana.

“India stands for freedom of navigation & overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce and adherence to international law for peace & prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh while addressing the 11^th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus forum at Vientiane, Lao PDR on November 21, 2024. Sharing his insights on the discussions on the Code of Conduct, he stated that India would like to see a Code that does not prejudice the legitimate rights and interests of nations which are not party to these deliberations. The code should be fully consistent with international law, in particular the UN Convention Law of Sea 1982, he added.

On the ongoing conflicts & challenges to international order, Raksha Mantri asserted that it is “providential” that the 11^th ADMM-Plus is being held in Lao PDR, which has internalised the Buddhist principles of non-violence and peace. He was of the view that it is time that the Buddhist doctrines of peaceful co-existence be embraced more closely by all, as the world is increasingly getting polarised into blocks and camps, leading to increasing strain on the established world order.

“India has always advocated and practiced dialogue for resolving complex international issues. This commitment to open communication and peaceful negotiation is evident in India’s approach to a wide range of international challenges, from border disputes to trade agreements. An open dialogue promotes trust, understanding, and cooperation, laying the foundation for sustainable partnerships. The power of dialogue has always proven effective, yielding tangible results that contribute to stability and harmony on the global stage. India believes that genuine, long-term solutions to global problems can only be achieved when nations engage constructively, respecting each other’s perspectives and working toward shared goals in the spirit of cooperation,” said Shri Rajnath Singh.

Describing 21^st century as the ‘Asian Century’, Raksha Mantri said the ASEAN region, in particular, has always been economically dynamic and bustling with trade, commerce & cultural activities. He added that, all through this transformational journey, India has remained a trusted friend of the region. Citing a quote by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, while he visited South East Asia in 1927, ‘Everywhere I could see India, yet I could not recognise it’, Raksha Mantri stressed that the statement symbolises the deep and widespread cultural & historical ties between India and South East Asia.

On India celebrating a decade of the Government’s Act East policy, Shri Rajnath Singh pointed out that the dividends are paying out in the strengthening of India’s ties with ASEAN and Indo-pacific nations. This vision re-emphasised the pivotal role of ASEAN as a cornerstone of the nation’s policy, he added.

In view of the natural disasters wreaking havoc in different parts of the world, Raksha Mantri stated that it reminds of the perils of climate change. He complimented the chair for choosing the most relevant topic in today’s scenario for the 11^th ADMM-Plus Joint statement. “Strengthening resilience to climate change in the defence domain requires multi-stakeholder engagement, from developing innovative solutions to managing the adverse impacts of climate change. This includes protecting vulnerable populations as well as safeguarding our defence installations,” he added. Raksha Mantri highlighted the need to deepen the understanding of the interlinkages between climate change and threats to security. He called for developing an ADMM-Plus Defence Strategy on Climate Change.

Shri Rajnath Singh drew attention to the Global Commons – the shared natural resources and ecosystems essential to sustaining life and bringing prosperity on the planet. He underscored the need to safeguard these Global Commons in a just and balanced manner by not resorting to unilateral actions. These resources provide invaluable ecological, economic, and social benefits that extend beyond national boundaries, he said.

The 11^th ADMM-Plus forum consisted of 10 ASEAN countries, eight Plus countries, and Timor Leste. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Laos General Chansamone Chanyalath.

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today congratulated the Indian Hockey team on winning the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy.

Shri Modi said that their win will motivate upcoming athletes.

The Prime Minister posted on X:

“A phenomenal accomplishment!

Congratulations to our hockey team on winning the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy. They played exceptionally well through the tournament. Their success will motivate many upcoming athletes.”

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi arrived in Georgetown today on a State Visit to Guyana from 20-21 November 2024. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana in 56 years. As a special gesture, on arrival at the airport, he was warmly received by the President of Guyana, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, along with the Prime Minister of Guyana Hon’ble Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Anthony Phillips and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. More than a dozen Cabinet Ministers of the Government of Guyana were also present at the ceremony.

On his arrival at the hotel, Prime Minister was welcomed by President Ali along with the Prime Minister of Barbados, H.E. Mia Amor Mottley and the Prime Minister of Grenada, H.E. Dickon Mitchell. In addition, Prime Minister received a rousing and colorful welcome from the Indian community and the Indo-Guyanese diaspora in the presence of several Cabinet Ministers of Guyana. Between the welcome at the airport and the hotel, the entire Guyanese government Cabinet was present. As a testament to the close India-Guyana friendship, the Mayor of Georgetown handed over the “Key to the City of Georgetown” to the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the session of the G 20 Summit on Sustainable Development and Energy Transition. Prime Minister noted that during the New Delhi G 20 Summit, the group had resolved to triple renewable energy capacity and double the energy efficiency rate by 2030. He welcomed Brazil’s decision to take forward these sustainable development priorities.

Prime Minister elaborated on the steps taken by India to foster sustainable development. He stated that India had provided housing to 40 million families in the last ten years; 120 million households with clean drinking water in the last five years; 100 million families with clean cooking fuel and 115 million families with toilets.

Highlighting that India was the first G 20 country to meet its Paris commitments, Prime Minister noted that India has set an ambitious target to produce 500 gw of renewable energy by 2030, of which 200 gw has been achieved. He further spoke about the global initiatives taken by India, such as the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Mission LiFE, One Sun One World One Grid, and Global Biofuel Alliance to foster a sustainable planet. Calling for giving primacy to the sustainable development needs of the Global South, particularly the Small Island Developing States, Prime Minister urged countries to support the Global Development Compact announced by India at the third Voice of the Global South Summit.

Full remarks of Prime Minister may be seen at here

The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, held the second India-Australia Annual Summit on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 19 November 2024.

Ahead of the fifth anniversary of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025, the Prime Ministers noted the significant progress made in strengthening bilateral ties across a range of important sectors – including climate change and renewable energy, trade and investment, defence and security, education and research, skills, mobility, science and technology, regional and multilateral cooperation, community and cultural links, and people-to-people ties.

Both Prime Ministers reflected on the shared interests of our region, noting with satisfaction that closer bilateral engagement has benefited both nations and the broader region. They welcomed sustained high-level contact and ministerial engagement between India and Australia. Looking forward, the Prime Ministers reaffirmed commitment to deepening cooperation and announced initiatives to focus and accelerate efforts for mutual benefit, as well as to promote the peace, stability and prosperity of our shared region.

Economy, Trade and Investments

The Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction at the increasing two-way trade, business engagements and market access for goods and services enabled under the landmark India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). They welcomed further work towards an ambitious, balanced and mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), to realise the full potential of the bilateral economic relationship.

The Prime Ministers observed that ‘Make in India’ and ‘Future Made in Australia’ have complementarity and collaborative potential and could help create new jobs, unlock economic growth and secure our future prosperity in a changing world. The leaders called for greater two-way investments reflective of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and instructed officials to explore ways to realise greater synergies between the economies of both the countries and promote mutually beneficial investments in both directions.

The Prime Ministers welcomed the extension of the Australia-India Business Exchange (AIBX) programme for another four years from July 2024. The AIBX continues to boost the confidence and capabilities of Australian and India businesses to connect and develop mutually beneficial partnerships.

Energy, Science and Technology, Space

India and Australia have shared ambition to move faster, work together and deploy our complementary capabilities to drive climate action. The Prime Ministers welcomed the launch of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership (REP) which would provide the framework for practical cooperation in priority areas such as solar PV, green hydrogen, energy storage, two-way investment in renewable energy projects and allied areas; and upgraded skills training for the renewables workforce of the future.

The Prime Ministers noted progress under the Memorandum of Understanding between India’s Khanij Bidesh Ltd. (KABIL) and Australia’s Critical Minerals Office as an opportunity to grow commercial links and advance supply chain diversification interests. The leaders underlined the role of research and innovation, skills development, and professional exchange, including participation in each other’s conferences; and sustainable practices in developing the critical minerals sector in support of the global clean energy transition, including as inputs to technologies such as batteries and roof top solar.

The Prime Ministers welcomed the growing space partnership between the two countries, both at space agency and space industry levels. Cooperation to support the Gaganyaan missions, the planned launch of Australian satellites on-board an Indian launch vehicle in 2026 and joint projects between our respective space industries exemplify this deepening collaboration.

Defence and Security Cooperation

The Prime Ministers welcomed sustained progress under the defence and security pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They expressed intent to renew and strengthen the Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation in 2025, to reflect ambition in both countries’ elevated defence and security partnership and strategic convergence. The Prime Ministers looked forward to a long-term vision of defence and security collaboration between the two countries to enhance collective strength, contribute to both countries’ security and make an important contribution to regional peace and security.

The leaders appreciated the growing frequency and complexity of defence exercises and exchanges and the increasing interoperability through implementation of the Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement.

The Prime Ministers welcomed arrangements for enhancing maritime domain awareness, and increased and reciprocal defence information-sharing to deepen operational defence cooperation, address shared concerns and challenges, and work towards an open, inclusive, peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. They agreed to develop a joint maritime security collaboration road map. The Prime Ministers agreed to continue aircraft deployments from each other’s territories to build operational familiarity.

The Prime Ministers highlighted the significance of defence industry, research and material cooperation, including in the maritime industry, and noted the first-ever participation of Indian defence industries in the Indian Ocean Defence & Security 2024 Conference in Perth and in the Land Forces Exposition in Melbourne. They underscored the need for boosting connections between Indian and Australian defence industrial bases and defence start-ups, including by opportunities for participation in each other’s major defence trade expositions. They also looked forward to the defence industry delegation visits between India and Australia in the near future to take forward the constructive discussions and delineate further steps.

Parliamentary cooperation

The Prime Ministers reiterated that inter-parliamentary cooperation is an important component of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and looked forward to continued exchanges.

Education, Sports and People-to-People Ties

Recognising the strength of growing people-to-people linkages which continue to enrich our bilateral ties, the two leaders welcomed the significant contribution of Australians of Indian heritage and agreed to further strengthen this ‘living bridge’.

The Prime Ministers welcomed the opening of the new Consulate-General of Australia in Bengaluru and the new Consulate-General of India in Brisbane. They expressed confidence that these will further strengthen trade and investment relations and deepen cultural links.

The Prime Ministers recognised that mobility opportunities between Australia and India were a key driver of economic growth. They welcomed the launch of Australia’s Working Holiday Maker visa programme for India in October 2024, and looked forward to the commencement of Australia’s Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES), which will promote mobility of early professionals and provide Australian industry access to some of India’s most talented STEM graduates.

Recognising the value of a strong and growing educational partnership, the Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction at Australian universities establishing their campuses in India. The Prime Ministers noted that the second Australia India Education and Skills Council meeting held in October 2024 helped in advancing educational and skills cooperation.

The Prime Ministers underlined that Sport offers significant opportunities to foster bilateral ties, enhance people-to-people links and cultural exchanges. They agreed to engage on capacity building, focusing inter alia on training and workforce development, sports science and medicine, and major sporting event management.

Regional and Multilateral Cooperation

The Prime Ministers reiterated their commitment to supporting an open, inclusive, stable, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific where sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected. The Prime Ministers underlined the importance of being able to exercise rights and freedoms in all seas and oceans consistent with international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), including freedom of navigation and overflight.

The Prime Ministers reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation through the Quad as a force for global good which delivers real, positive and enduring impact for the Indo-Pacific, to advance their shared vision for a region that is free, open, inclusive and resilient. They appreciated the Quad’s ongoing efforts to undertake ambitious projects to help partners address pandemics and disease; respond to natural disasters; strengthen maritime domain awareness and maritime security; mobilise and build high-standard physical and digital infrastructure; invest in and benefit from critical and emerging technologies; confront the threat of climate change; bolster cyber-security; and cultivate the next generation of technology leaders. Prime Minister Modi looked forward to hosting Australia at the Quad Leaders’ Summit in India in 2025.

The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN-led regional architecture including the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Regional Forum and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus. They expressed ongoing support for the practical implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). They noted the ongoing bilateral cooperation under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), and called for enhanced cooperation in preserving maritime ecology, reducing the impact of marine pollution, ensuring sustainable use of marine resources, and reducing the impact of climate change. The Prime Ministers reflected on the success of the 2024 Indian Ocean Conference, co-hosted by Australia and India in Perth, Australia’s Indian Ocean capital. They reiterated their strong support for the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) as the Indian Ocean region’s premier forum for addressing the region’s challenges and looked forward to working closely together when India assumes the IORA Chair in 2025.

The Prime Ministers agreed on the importance of strengthened cooperation in the Pacific to support the needs and priorities of Pacific island countries and noted both countries’ ongoing commitment to supporting Pacific priorities, including climate action, health and education. They affirmed the central role played by the Pacific Islands Forum and its 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent in addressing regional challenges. Prime Minister Albanese recognised India’s role in extending development partnership to Pacific island countries, including through the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) framework. Both countries also looked forward to support development activities in the Indian Ocean region.

The Prime Ministers exchanged views on contemporary regional and global developments. They reiterated the call for resolution of ongoing conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. They also emphasised the importance of all countries combating the threat of terrorism, including by bolstering cooperation in the Financial Action Task Force, as the global standard setter and international body for countering terrorism financing, and exploring other initiatives to tackle terrorism financing. Both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms.

The Prime Ministers shared their positive assessment of the progress of bilateral engagements and affirmed their commitment to further and deepen ties for mutual benefit and for the benefit of the region. Acknowledging the significance of the approaching fifth anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the Prime Ministers welcomed opportunities to commemorate this milestone in 2025in a befitting manner. They looked forward to the next India-Australia Annual Summit in 2025.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met today with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, H.E. Sir Keir Starmer on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This was the first meeting between the two Prime Ministers. Prime Minister congratulated Prime Minister Starmer on his assumption of office. Prime Minister Starmer also extended warm wishes to Prime Minister on his historic third term in office.

Expressing satisfaction at the progress in the bilateral relationship, the two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with a focus on economy, trade, new and emerging technologies, research and innovation, green finance and people-to-people contacts. They exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including on international and regional issues of significance.

Both leaders underlined the importance of resuming the Free Trade Agreement negotiations at an early date and expressed confidence in the ability of the negotiating teams, to address the remaining issues to mutual satisfaction, leading to a balanced, mutually beneficial and forward looking Free Trade Agreement.

Recognizing the ample opportunities for further engagement between the two sides in the light of growing bilateral economic and business relations and with a view to better serve the consular requirements of the Indian community in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Modi announced the establishment of two new Consulates General of India in the United Kingdom in Belfast and Manchester. Prime Minister Starmer welcomed the announcement.

Prime Minister noted the importance of addressing the issue of economic offenders from India in the UK. The two leaders also agreed on the need to make progress on issues related to migration and mobility.

The two leaders directed their Ministers and senior officials to work towards faster implementation of the various understandings that form part of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They also looked forward to more frequent dialogue and discussions.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met today with the President of the French Republic, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This was the third meeting between the two leaders this year, after President Macron’s visit to India as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebrations in January and their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy in June.

During the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advance the India-France Strategic Partnership as well as their shared vision for bilateral cooperation and international partnership, outlined in the Horizon 2047 roadmap and other bilateral declarations. They commended the progress achieved in bilateral cooperation, including in strategic areas such as defense, space and civil nuclear energy, and committed to accelerating it further with a view to reinforcing their shared commitment to strategic autonomy. They also reviewed the progress of cooperation on India’s National Museum project.

The two leaders commended the strengthening of trade, investment, and technology ties, including in the areas of digital technology and Artificial Intelligence, as well as India France partnership on Digital Public Infrastructure. In this context, Prime Minister welcomed the initiative of President Macron to organize the forthcoming AI Action Summit in France.

Both leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the Indo-Pacific. They reaffirmed their commitment to work together to reinvigorate and reform multilateralism and help build a stable international order.

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Indian diaspora at an event organized in his honour by the Indian community in Abuja, Nigeria today. The Prime Minister expressed happiness over the grand welcome he received with special warmth and exuberance by the Indian community. He said that the love and friendship received from the community was a huge capital to him.

Informing the gathering that it was his first visit as a Prime Minister to Nigeria, Shri Modi said that he had got with him the best wishes of crores of Indians to them. He added that every Indian felt proud about the progress of the Indians in Nigeria. Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu and the people of Nigeria for conferring the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger award on him, Shri Modi with all humility, dedicated the award to crores of Indians.

The Prime minister highlighted that during his talks with President Tinubu, the latter praised the efforts of Indians in Nigeria which made him feel proud. Citing an analogy, Shri Modi said that he felt happy and proud in the same way as parents feel when their children excel in their careers. The Prime Minister underlined that the Indian diaspora here has always been with Nigeria through its thick and thin. He added that there were many Indians in Nigeria in the age group of 40 to 60 years who had been once taught by an Indian teacher. Shri Modi also noted that there were many Indian doctors who were serving selflessly in Nigeria. He added that there were many Indian businessmen who had established businesses and been an active part of Nigeria’s development story. The Prime Minister said that even before Independence, Shri Kishanchand Jhelaram ji had migrated to Nigeria and set up a business which had become one among the biggest business houses of Nigeria. He added that today many Indian companies were bolstering the economy of Nigeria. Shri Modi noted that the Tulsichandra foundation was lighting up many Nigerians’ lives. Lauding the Indian community for walking shoulder to shoulder in the progress of Nigeria, Shri Modi said it was the biggest strength of Indians and also symbolised the culture of Indians. He added that Indians never forgot the ideal of welfare of all and always live with the belief that the entire world was one family.

Shri Modi remarked that the respect earned by Indians about its culture was clearly evident everywhere. Noting that Yoga was constantly becoming popular among the people of Nigeria., he urged the Indians in Nigeria to practise Yoga regularly. The Prime Minister also noted that there was a weekly programme on Yoga in the national television channel of Nigeria. Shri Modi also noted that Hindi and Indian Films was also growing popular in Nigeria.

Highlighting that Gandhiji had spent a considerable time in Africa, Shri Modi said the people of India and Nigeria had left no stone unturned in their freedom struggles. He added that Indian Independence further inspired the freedom struggle of Nigeria. Shri Modi said that life in the days of freedom struggle, even today India and Nigeria was progressing steadily. “India is the mother of democracy while Nigeria is the biggest democracy of Africa”, said Shri Modi. He added that both nations had democracy, diversity and strength of demography as common factors. Touching upon the diversity in Nigeria, Shri Modi said that he expressed gratitude of Indians to the Nigerian Government for their support in building of the temples.

Emphasising that India was the topic of discussion across the globe, Shri Modi also touched upon the numerous struggles India faced in the post Independence period. He added every Indian felt proud of India’s achievements like Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, Made in India fighter planes, etc. “ India is competing with global powers right from space to manufacturing sector, digital technology to healthcare”, said Shri Modi. Highlighting that India had crossed only the $1 trillion mark after 6 decades of Independence, Shri Modi remarked that India had added $2 trillion in the last decade alone, elevating it to fifth largest economy in the world today. He expressed confidence in India becoming a $5 trillion economy very soon and also becoming the third largest economy in the world.

Highlighting that Indians were risk-takers, Shri Modi said India was rapidly growing across various sectors. Adding that India’s start-up ecosystem had more than 1.5 lakh registered startups, Shri Modi said it was the direct result of hard work of Indian youth by moving out of their comfort zones. “There are more than 100 unicorns in India in the last 10 years”, stated Shri Modi.

Noting that India was known for its service sector, Shri Modi said that the Government had also moved out of its comfort zone and given a great boost to the manufacturing sector to make it a world-class manufacturing hub. This, he said, was evident as India is now one of the biggest mobile phone manufacturers in the world and more than 30 crore mobile phones were manufactured in India. He further said that India’s mobile phone exports had increased by 75 times in the last decade. Touching upon the defence exports of India in the last decade, Shri Modi said it had increased by 30 times and India was exporting its defence equipment to more than 100 countries today. The Prime Minister remarked that India’s space sector was being praised across the world. He added that India had decided to send the Indian astronauts to space in its own Gaganyaan. He further added that India was also going to develop a space station in space.

The Prime Minister remarked that India was currently in the mood to innovate and create new avenues by stepping out of its comfort zone. The Prime Minister said in the last 20 years India has lifted 25 crore people out of poverty. He said so many people coming out of poverty is a great inspiration for the world and gives hope to every country that If India has done it, we can also do it. Shri Modi said India has embarked on a new journey today with an aim to build a developed India. He expressed confidence that every Indian was working towards the goal of a developed India by 2047.

The Prime Minister said be it growth, peace, prosperity or democracy, India has emerged as a new hope for the world. He remarked that even the Indian diaspora of Nigeria must have experienced the respect they get when they say they are from India.

The Prime Minister said whenever there is any problem in the world, India reaches there as a first responder as a world brother. He said during the time of Corona there was so much uproar in the world at that time, every country was worried about the vaccine and in that hour of crisis, India decided that the vaccine will be given to as many countries as possible. Shri Modi said this is our Sanskar and thousands of years old culture has taught us this. He added that is why India increased the production of vaccines and sent medicines and vaccines to more than 150 countries of the world.The Prime Minister said  thousands of lives were saved due to this effort of India in many African countries including Nigeria. He emphasised that today’s India believes in the mantra of  ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’.

Talking about Nigeria as a big center for the future growth of Africa, Shri Modi said in the last 5 years, 18 new embassies have been started in Africa. He said in the last years, India has made every possible effort to raise the voice of Africa on the global platform. Outlining India’s presidency of G20 for the first time, Shri Modi said a strong effort was made to make the African Union a permanent member. He remarked that he was pleased to note that every member country of G20 has given full support to this step of India and Nigeria, on India’s invitation, witnessed history being made as a guest country with full glory.

The Prime Minister extended a special invitation to everyone  to visit India in January next year. He said many festivals are going to come together in the month of January beginning with 26th January as Republic Day and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in the second week of January to be celebrated at the feet of Lord Jagannath ji in the land of Orissa. The Prime Minister also spoke about the Maha Kumbh which is going to be held in Prayagraj for 45 days from 13th January to 26th February. Shri Modi said there are so many reasons to come to India together asking the Indian diaspora to come to India during this time, alongwith their  Nigerian friends. The Prime Minister said in Ayodhya, after 500 years, a grand temple of Lord Shri Ram has been built which should be visited by them and their children. Shri Modi remarked First the NRI Day, then the Maha Kumbh and after that the Republic Day, this is a kind of Triveni, a great opportunity  to connect with the development and heritage of India.

Concluding his address the Prime Minister remarked that though they may have visited India before and come many times, but this trip will become a priceless memory of their life. The Prime Minister thanked  everyone for their enthusiasm and warm welcome.

​In a ceremony at the State House, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred the national award – “Grand Commander of the Order of Niger” on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his statesmanship and stellar contribution to fostering India-Nigeria ties. The award citation notes that under Prime Minister’s visionary leadership, India has been positioned as a global powerhouse, and his transformative governance has fostered unity, peace and shared prosperity for all.

While accepting the award, Prime Minister dedicated the honour to the people of India and to the longstanding, historical friendship between India and Nigeria. He further stated that the recognition underscores the Strategic Partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment to the aspirations of the Global South.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is the first foreign leader to be conferred with this award since 1969.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is on a State Visit to Nigeria from 17-18 November 2024. He held official talks with the President of Nigeria, H.E. Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in Abuja today. Upon arrival at the State House, Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial welcome with a 21-gun salute.

The two leaders had a restricted meeting which was followed by delegation level talks. Prime Minister recalled his warm meeting with President Tinubu at the G 20 Summit in New Delhi. He noted that the two countries enjoy special bonds of friendship defined by a shared past, common democratic values and strong people-to-people ties. Prime Minister conveyed his sympathies to President Tinubu for the destruction caused by the recent floods in the country. President Tinubu thanked Prime Minister for India’s timely assistance with relief material and medicines.

The two leaders reviewed the ongoing bilateral cooperation and discussed ways to further strengthen India-Nigeria Strategic Partnership. Expressing satisfaction at the progress of ties, they agreed that there was immense potential for collaboration in the fields of trade, investment, education, energy, health, culture, and people-to-people ties. Prime Minister offered India’s experience in agriculture, transportation, affordable medicine, renewable energy, and digital transformation to Nigeria. President Tinubu appreciated the development cooperation partnership offered by India and its meaningful impact in creating local capacities, skills, and professional expertise. The two leaders also discussed enhancing defence and security cooperation. They reaffirmed their commitment to jointly fighting terrorism, piracy and radicalisation.

The two leaders also discussed global and regional issues. President Tinubu acknowledged India’s efforts to amplify the concerns of developing countries through the Voice of the Global South Summits. The two leaders agreed to work together to meet the development aspirations of the Global South. Prime Minister appreciated the role played by Nigeria as the Chair of ECOWAS and its contribution to multilateral and plurilateral bodies. Alluding to Nigeria’s membership of the International Solar Alliance and the International Big Cat Alliance, Prime Minister invited President Tinubu to join other pro-planet green initiatives launched by India.

Following the talks, three Memoranda of Understanding – on Cultural Exchange Programme, Customs Cooperation and Survey Cooperation – were signed. This was followed by a state banquet hosted by the President in honour of the Prime Minister.