Indian Prime Minister Sends Special Envoy To Tinubu’s Inauguration

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra  Modi has sent the Defence Minister of India, Mr. Rajnath Singh, to Abuja as a Special Envoy to attend the inauguration of President-elect, Bola Tinubu who will be sworn in on May May 29.

A statement issued by the Indian High Commission on Friday, noted that Singh will arrive in Abuja, on 28 May 2023, which reflects the growing bilateral relations between India and Nigeria and signifies India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria.

Mr. Singh is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of External Affairs of India. Mr. Singh is the most senior Minister in the Government of India.

According to the statement from the High Commission, sending such a senior Minister to Nigeria as a Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of India reflects India’s commitment to the deep- rooted bilateral relations with Nigeria.

During his stay in Abuja, Mr. Singh is also scheduled to convey warm wishes and felicitations from Prime Minister Modi to the President- elect. 

“It is significant that given special relations with Nigeria, the Government of India has invited Nigeria as a guest country to participate in all the G20 meetings during her G20 Presidency in 2023. Minister Singh is expected to have a special message to the President-elect of Nigeria regarding the G20.

 “As India continues to enhance its engagements in Africa, the visit of Defence Minister Singh to Abuja marks a significant step in deepening the bilateral relationship between India and Nigeria, setting the stage for a new chapter of cooperation and partnership between the two nations,” the statement added.

The G20 summit, 2023 will be held in New Delhi on 9-10 Sep 2023 with the Heads of States of the member countries and invited guest countries.