The article is first appeared in NDTV World on Nov 18, 2024.
India celebrated a proud moment when Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu awarded Prime Minister Narendra Modi the prestigious ‘Grand Commander of the Order of Niger,’ the highest civilian honor in Nigeria. This recognition highlights Modi’s statesmanship and his efforts in fostering stronger India-Nigeria relations. The honor is especially significant as Modi is the first foreign leader to receive it since 1969, following Queen Elizabeth, marking a historic milestone in India’s global recognition.
Prime Minister Modi’s invitation to the African Union to join the G20 as a permanent member was another landmark achievement during India’s G20 summit in September. This move elevated Africa’s representation on the global stage, placing it on par with the European Union, and showcased India’s commitment to inclusive global governance. The 55-member African Union’s inclusion underlines Modi’s dedication to amplifying Africa’s voice in international forums, signaling India’s evolving leadership role in the Global South.
India’s ties with Africa, deeply rooted in shared histories, have gained fresh momentum under Modi’s leadership. Before becoming Prime Minister, Modi, as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, initiated engagements with African nations, inviting investors and fostering partnerships. Notable milestones include his visits to Uganda in 2009 and hosting Rwanda’s Prime Minister Bernard Makuza in 2011, which laid the foundation for stronger bilateral relations.
As Prime Minister, Modi has advanced these connections significantly. His government has prioritized India-Africa relations, evident in hosting the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015 with record participation from African nations.
Under Modi’s leadership, India has invested over $12.37 billion in 206 infrastructure projects across 43 African countries. Nearly 40,000 Africans have been trained through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, while over 15,000 African youth have received scholarships since 2019. India’s tele-education and telemedicine initiatives have further deepened ties, showcasing India’s role as a development partner.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, India emerged as a “first responder,” delivering vaccines and medical supplies to 25 African countries. Personal stories, like former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s praise for Ayurveda, underscore India’s unique contributions to Africa’s healthcare.
While Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy laid the foundation for India-Africa solidarity, Modi has turned this vision into actionable policies, emphasizing mutual development. His leadership has elevated India’s global presence and reinforced its commitment to fostering equitable and inclusive international partnerships.
Read more: NDTV World
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