India, Nigeria pledge to combat piracy, terrorism and radicalisation together

PM MODI RECEIVES NIGERIA'S NATIONAL AWARD

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India and Nigeria reaffirmed their strategic partnership on Sunday during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Abuja. The high-level talks between PM Modi and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu focused on strengthening cooperation in critical areas such as defence, trade, energy, and agriculture. This visit marks the first by an Indian prime minister to Nigeria in 17 years, underscoring the significance both nations attach to their bilateral ties.

Nigeria also conferred its national award - the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger - on Modi for his statesmanship and stellar contribution to fostering bilateral ties, making him the second foreign dignitary to receive the distinction. Queen Elizabeth is the only foreign dignitary who was awarded GCON in 1969.

In a ceremony at the State House, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred the national award on Prime Minister Modi.

"Honoured to be conferred with the 'Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger' Award by Nigeria. I accept it with great humility and dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India and the friendship of India and Nigeria," Modi said after receiving the award.

"We give high priority to our strategic partnership with Nigeria," PM Modi said, addressing the delegation-level talks. "There is immense scope for ties to flourish

Even further in sectors like defence, energy, technology, trade, health, education, and more," he said.