JUST IN: Tinubu hosts Indian PM Modi at Aso Rock Villa

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu received the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja on Sunday.

Modi, who arrived in Abuja on Saturday evening, was formally welcomed at the Villa’s Forecourt at about 10:20 am. The reception began with the playing of the Indian National Anthem, followed by a Guard of Honour mounted by the Brigade of Guards. The ceremony included the rendition of the Nigerian National Anthem and a formal inspection of the parade by the visiting Prime Minister.

The welcome ceremony featured a 21-gun salute before Tinubu led Modi into his office for a closed-door meeting.

Both leaders are expected to discuss and sign several bilateral agreements during their restricted meeting. The visit will also include delegation-level talks and the exchange of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) aimed at fostering closer collaboration between Nigeria and India in critical sectors.

According to a statement from the Presidency, Tinubu and Modi will use the visit to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations.

“President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi will seek to deepen Nigeria-India relations during their bilateral discussions. Both leaders will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding to enhance collaboration in critical sectors,” the Presidency noted.

This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria since Dr. Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007, during which the two countries established a strategic partnership.