A three-nation visit as a foray into summit diplomacy

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana from November 16–21, 2024, underscored India’s proactive foreign policy, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties, advancing Global South priorities, and showcasing India’s global leadership. This strategically timed journey offered insights into India’s evolving diplomatic agenda, embracing Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Nigeria: Solidifying Strategic Ties in Africa”

• Nigeria marked the first leg of the visit, highlighting the significance of Africa in India’s foreign policy. Nigeria, a growing regional power, has strengthened ties with India, evidenced by its participation in the G-20 and BRICS. The state visit reflected mutual recognition of shared democratic and cultural values.

Key outcomes included:

• Development Cooperation: Renewed focus on trade, energy, health, and digital transformation, alongside exploring new areas such as agriculture and urban transportation.
• Strategic Convergence: A joint commitment to counter terrorism and extremism.
• Symbolic Gestures: Honoring Prime Minister Modi with a national award underscored Nigeria’s acknowledgment of India’s growing influence.
• However, the signing of only three MoUs hinted at bureaucratic delays, which may temper immediate gains. Nonetheless, the visit was a testament to deepening India-Nigeria relations.

G-20 Summit: Global South in Focus:

• In Brazil, the centerpiece was the 19th G-20 summit, where India sought to sustain momentum from its New Delhi presidency. The Rio Declaration emphasized inclusive development, sustainability, and institutional reforms.

Key achievements included:

• Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty: Mobilizing resources to combat poverty, a priority for the Global South.
• Reforming Multilateral Institutions: Adoption of a roadmap for enhancing multilateral development banks.
• Global Challenges: Emphasis on peaceful conflict resolution amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Guyana: Strengthening Caribbean Bonds:

• The final leg of the visit to Guyana highlighted the importance of diaspora diplomacy and regional cooperation. Guyana’s substantial Indian-origin population and growing regional influence positioned it as a strategic partner for India.
• Outcomes included:
  • Expanding Cooperation: Ten MoUs were signed across sectors such as energy, defense, education, and food security.
  • India-CARICOM Summit: Proposals for seven pillars of collaboration addressed regional priorities, including climate resilience, health, and cultural ties.
• Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali’s glowing praise of Prime Minister Modi reflected the visit’s success in enhancing bilateral and regional ties.

Conclusion:

• Prime Minister Modi’s diplomatic tour across three continents demonstrated a comprehensive approach to fostering global partnerships. From Nigeria’s strategic potential in Africa to Brazil’s G-20 stage and Guyana’s Caribbean influence, the visit advanced India’s foreign policy priorities of strengthening the Global South, advocating multilateral reforms, and nurturing regional cooperation.