Deepak Dwivedi
PRIME Minister Narendra Modi’s recent three-nation visit to Nigeria, Guyana and Brazil marked a significant development in India’s outreach to the Caribbean countries. The visit was packed with 31 meetings involving world leaders and heads of major international organizations. The first stop of the tour was Nigeria, where PM Modi engaged with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It marked the first time an Indian Prime Minister had visited Nigeria in over 17 years. Details from the bilateral meeting emphasised the intention to strengthen ties between the two nations and addressing areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, and cultural exchanges.
Following Nigeria, PM Modi moved to Brazil to participate in the 19th G20 Summit. The platform provided him with the opportunity to connect with leaders from across the globe, allowing for 10 additional bilateral meetings. Among these were discussions with leaders from countries such as Indonesia, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. Notably, this was also the first time he engaged with several leaders, including Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia, Luis Montenegro of Portugal, and Keir Starmer of the UK.
Outside of the structured meetings, PM Modi took part in informal interactions with leaders from Singapore, South Korea, and other nations, broadening the scope of India’s diplomatic outreach. These discussions allowed for the exploration of future collaborations and cemented his role as a key player on the global diplomatic front. The Prime Minister’s discussions with heads of international organisations, like Ursula von der Leyen of the European Union and Antonio Guterres of the United Nations, underscored India’s commitment to participating actively on global issues.
After the vibrant engagements during the G20 summit, the final leg of the tour saw him visiting Guyana, marking the first state visit by an Indian PM to this nation since diplomatic relations were established. He held nine bilateral meetings there with leaders from the Caribbean nations, including Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago, aiming to deepen ties with the region. This visit not only highlighted India’s intent to engage with Caribbean nations but also showcased Guyana as an important diplomatic partner.
The tour ended with Modi being honoured with Nigeria’s highest civilian award, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), becoming only the second foreign dignitary to receive this honour. He was also bestowed with the Order of Excellence during his state visit to Guyana, reinforcing his personal diplomacy style which has often focused on building personal connections with world leaders. During his engagements, the PM also emphasised India’s rich culture, presenting each leader he met with state-of-the-art gifts reflective of India’s heritage, which serves as both diplomatic tools and cultural ambassadors.
The significance of PM Modi’s trip lies not just in the number of meetings, but also the strategic conversations and partnerships forged – laying the groundwork for future cooperation across various sectors including trade, defence, and technology between India and the visited nations. Looking back, the whirlwind tour illustrated the ambition of the Modi’s Government to portray India as not just a regional power but as a significant player on the global stage. With successes garnered, the expectation now rests on how effectively these discussions convert to actionable policies and partnerships. The Prime Minister’s engagements reinforced India’s diplomatic relations and showcased its growing influence.
