Nigeria - India's Gateway To The African Goldmine

Chasing China in resource-rich Africa, Prime MinisterIn the coming six months, agreements on double
Manmohan Singh who flew to Nigeria on Sunday intaxation avoidance agreement and bilateral
the first state visit there by an Indian prime ministerinvestment and protection would be signed .Another
in 45 years. Energy-starved India has been courtingpact on bilateral air service agreement are also likely
oil-rich African countries in recent years. Nigeriato be finalized by April 2008. An extradition treaty
already provides for 11 percent of India's crude oiland an agreement on science and technology would
supply, and Nalin Surie, a foreign ministry official, toldbe ready by then.
reporters that India would seek deeper energy ties.In a global context Dr Singh made the goals for both
Expressing confidence Dr Singh said India canthe countries very clear when he said, "a partnership
continue to sustain a growth rate of between nineto steer the global economic and political agenda
and ten per cent with unlimited opportunities totowards addressing the legitimate concerns of
overseas communities to contribute towards it.developing countries." Stressing the importance of
"India has entered an exciting new phase. It is afriendly ties between India and Africa dating back to
vibrant and self-confident nation. I invite you all toa shared history of historical struggle based on
contribute your spirit, endeavor and enterprise in theGandhian ways against colonialism and apartheid and
service of your homeland," he told the Indianwith an optimistic picture of the continent's resurgent
community at a reception hosted in his honor. Callinggrowth with India playing a key role in it the Prime
India 'a close partner in Africa's resurgence', Dr SinghMinister sounded very positive.
Monday unveiled a new vision of strategic partnership'We envision an Africa that is self-reliant, economically
between India and Nigeria based on energyvibrant and at peace with itself and the world. It is
requirements ,security and common perspectives onthis promise that our partnership with Africa seeks to
global issues in his historic address to the joint sessionfulfill. India will offer its fullest cooperation to harness
of the Nigerian parliament.the great potential of the African people. We seek
"We are approaching the fiftieth year of theto become close partners in Africa's resurgence,'
establishment of our diplomatic relations. There candeclared Dr Singh
be no better occasion than to launch a strategicIndia's road map towards Africa was made very clear
partnership between India and Nigeria. It will beduring this visit which can be understood from the
anchored in the past and look to the future. India isfocus of the Prime Minister's statement. With
the largest democracy in the world. Nigeria is thedevelopment being a key factor in it. "We will share
largest democracy in Africa. We are multi-religious,our experiences with African countries on holistic
multi-ethnic and multi-lingual societies. Our societiesapproaches to development. We will work closely
embrace modernity while preserving their traditions.with the African Union in promoting the achievement
There is a natural logic in ties between the twoof internationally agreed developmental goals."
countries." said the Indian Prime Minister in his addressWith India hosting the next India-Africa summit in
Dr Singh made the Indian Interest on Nigeria veryDelhi next year ground for a common destiny was
clear and candid when he said "It is a partnership formade clear in this visit. "We need to establish a
energy security. Nigeria's rich natural resourcessustained dialogue with Africa to identify joint
provide the base for our mutually beneficialapproaches on international issues such as combating
cooperation for energy security. India and Nigeriaterrorism, nuclear disarmament, proliferation of
should also promote research and development inweapons of mass destruction, trafficking of small
efficiency of energy production, clean technologiesarms and narcotics. India will work with Africa in the
and renewable sources of energy."areas of peacekeeping and peace-building. I believe
After such a long interval a visit of the Highestthat India and Africa have a shared destiny and a
Dignitary from India to that country assumes all thecommon future. Ours is a relationship that must now
more importance looking into the global perspectivebe brought to full bloom. Let us work together to
of the changing contours of International politics andmake this happen" declared Dr Singh.
Africa's emerging role in it. Four agreements will beWith a new focus on India's approach towards Africa
signed during the visit. India's Foreign Service Instituteone can hope for a new and very important
and the Nigerian Foreign Service Academy will sign abeginning in the coming time. With huge opportunities
memorandum of understanding (MoU). The Indianfor India in a developing Africa potentials are huge.
Council for World Affairs and the Nigerian InstituteThe need of the hour is a long sustained and focused
for World Affairs will sign another MoU.approach and the Indian Prime Minister has rightly
A protocol on foreign office consultations anddone that. This needs to be sustained in the long run.
another on defense cooperation too will be signed.With several western countries, USA Russia and
The two countries will finalize an all-embracing agendaChina focusing deeply on Africa India cannot afford
for closer energy and joint economic partnershipto loose out in this international game of geo politics
based on new oil exploration blocks and infrastructurebased on economic platform .Nigeria could be a
developments as well as a clear cut strategy forlaunching pad for India in her long term interest
diversifying relations between them. The focus will betowards Africa. In fact the key to the goldmine called
on improving connectivity and expanding bilateralAfrica lies in Nigeria's hand and it depends whether
trade, which is currently estimated to be around $8India can hold that key on the long run.
billion.