-
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited President Bola Tinubu to the 2026 BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, signalling Nigeria’s growing strategic relevance in the bloc’s engagement with Africa and the Global South.
-
India says Nigeria’s status as Africa’s largest economy and one of the world’s most populous countries makes its participation vital to discussions on economic cooperation
-
Both countries have reaffirmed support for each other’s ambitions at the United Nations while expanding cooperation across trade, defence, healthcare, agriculture, technology and investment, with bilateral trade nearing $10 billion.
-
Nigeria’s attendance is expected to strengthen diplomatic ties with emerging economies, attract greater investment, and enhance South-South cooperation.
August 13, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu has been invited by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the 2026 BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, in a diplomatic move that reinforces Nigeria’s rising profile among emerging global powers and highlights the country’s growing importance in the evolving architecture of international politics and economic cooperation.
THEWILL reports that the summit, scheduled for September 12–13, 2026, will be hosted by India as Chair of BRICS and is expected to bring together leaders of member states and partner countries to deliberate on pressing global economic challenges, multilateral reforms, sustainable development, trade, investment and cooperation across the Global South.
The invitation was disclosed in Abuja by the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, who said New Delhi is optimistic that President Tinubu will personally lead a high-powered Nigerian delegation to the summit.
According to Singh, Nigeria occupies a strategic position that makes its participation indispensable to BRICS’ broader engagement with Africa.
“President of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has been invited to the BRICS Summit, which is going to take place in New Delhi in a few weeks from now, and we are very hopeful that the Honourable President of Nigeria will be leading a high-powered delegation for the BRICS Summit very soon,” Singh said.
He explained that India considers Nigeria’s participation particularly important because of its economic strength, population size and growing influence in continental and international affairs.
He added, “Why do we feel that Nigeria’s participation as a BRICS partner country is important? Because as Africa’s largest economy and one of the most populous nations in the world now, Nigeria as a partner country brings immense strategic importance.”
READ ALSO: Tinubu Congratulates Modi On Becoming India’s Longest-Serving Elected Prime Minister
Nigeria’s Expanding Role In BRICS And Global Governance
India assumed the BRICS Chairmanship in 2026 and has announced that this year’s summit will focus on addressing pressing global challenges, strengthening economic cooperation, promoting sustainable development and expanding collaboration among emerging economies.
Diplomatic observers believe Nigeria’s participation would further elevate its standing within the Global South while opening new opportunities for investment, infrastructure financing, technology transfer, industrial development and expanded trade with some of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
Singh also revealed that Nigeria and India are strengthening diplomatic cooperation beyond BRICS through reciprocal support at the United Nations.
According to him, Nigeria has conveyed its backing for India’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, while India has equally pledged support for Nigeria’s own candidacy.
India’s campaign is being advanced under the “SHANTI” initiative—Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity—which promotes a peaceful, inclusive and rules-based international system.
The envoy reiterated India’s longstanding position that reforms of the UN Security Council should include expansion of both permanent and non-permanent membership to better reflect contemporary global realities.
READ ALSO:Â BRICS Summit: Tinubu Calls For Reevaluation Of Global Governance Structure
Nearly Seven Decades Of Strategic Partnership
Singh also highlighted the growing contribution of the Indian community in Nigeria, estimating that about 60,000 Indians currently reside in the country.
He said many are second- and third-generation residents who have become deeply integrated into Nigerian society while contributing significantly to commerce, education, healthcare, manufacturing and cultural exchange.
Expressing appreciation to the Nigerian government and people, Singh said the Indian community has flourished because of the opportunities provided by Nigeria and now serves as a strong bridge between both nations.
According to him, many members of the community proudly regard India as their motherland while embracing Nigeria as their fatherland.
He recalled that India established its Liaison Office in Lagos in 1958, two years before Nigeria gained independence, laying the foundation for one of Asia’s oldest diplomatic relationships with an African nation.
The relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in October 2007, significantly expanding cooperation in politics, security, defence, trade and investment.
Today, bilateral trade between Nigeria and India is approaching $10 billion, with more than 200 Indian companies operating in Nigeria and providing employment for nearly 100,000 Nigerians.
Cooperation has also expanded across critical sectors including energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing and defence.
For India, Nigeria has evolved beyond being merely a major African trading partner into a strategic ally capable of shaping the future of Africa, the Global South and the emerging multipolar international order.
For Nigeria, participation in the New Delhi summit would not only strengthen bilateral ties with India but also provide another platform for advancing its economic diplomacy, attracting foreign investment and asserting a stronger voice in ongoing debates over reforms of global financial and governance institutions.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
