Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 25th anniversary of his assumption of office as head of government. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Mr. Tinubu described the milestone as a historic achievement, reflecting the confidence the Indian people have continued to place in him as their leader. Mr. Tinubu expressed his warm and fraternal congratulations on behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria.

Mr. Modi's public leadership career spans over two decades, beginning with his appointment as Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001. He served in this position for more than 12 years before becoming Prime Minister of India in 2014. According to Mr. Tinubu, such uninterrupted years of public leadership are considered a rare achievement in a democracy, particularly in India, the world's most populous country. This milestone demonstrates Mr. Modi's enduring presence in Indian politics.

President Tinubu praised Mr. Modi's leadership, citing significant developments in infrastructure, digital public goods, financial inclusion, and innovation. He noted that Mr. Modi's vision and commitment to development have led to substantial progress in these areas. Under Mr. Modi's leadership, India has emerged as one of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies, lifting millions and inspiring nations across the Global South.

The bilateral relationship between Nigeria and India was also highlighted by President Tinubu. He described both countries as great nations and leading voices of the Global South. Mr. Tinubu recalled Mr. Modi's State Visit to Nigeria in November 2024, during which Nigeria conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on the Indian leader. This visit strengthened cooperation between the two nations in various sectors.

President Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria values its strategic partnership with India. As fellow democracies and leading voices of the Global South, both countries share a common commitment to a fairer, more inclusive, and more representative international order. This shared vision underpins the strong bonds of friendship between Nigeria and India.

The congratulatory message from President Tinubu underscores the deep respect and admiration for Mr. Modi's leadership and achievements. Mr. Tinubu expressed his confidence that, under Mr. Modi's continued leadership, the bonds of friendship between Nigeria and India will grow even stronger. This reaffirmation of bilateral ties highlights the significance of the relationship between the two nations.

In conclusion, President Tinubu's congratulatory message to Prime Minister Modi reflects the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and India. The 25th anniversary of Mr. Modi's public leadership is a testament to his enduring impact on Indian politics and his contributions to the country's growth and development. As both nations continue to navigate the complexities of the global landscape, their strategic partnership is poised to play an increasingly important role.

Key points

  • Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu congratulates Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 years in public leadership.
  • Mr. Modi's leadership has contributed to India's emergence as one of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies.
  • Nigeria and India share a strategic partnership, cooperating in areas such as trade, investment, energy, defence, security, health, education, and technology.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.