By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, was on Sunday received by Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu as he arrived on a state visit in the West African nation.
PM Modi arrived the Forecourt of the Presidential Villa in Abuja at about 10:20am where members of the Executive Council joined the President in receiving him.
The Indian Leader was welcomed with the Indian Anthem afterwards the guards of honour mounted by Brigade of guards rendered the Nigerian Anthem. PM Modi was also welcomed by 21 gun salutes by the guards of honour.
President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi will hold talks on strengthening existing Nigeria and India’s ties during a session of bilateral discussions.
The leaders will also exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance collaboration in critical sectors.
He will also address a gathering of the Indian community in Nigeria.
The visit is the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years.
India and Nigeria have been strategic partners since 2007 with growing economic, energy and defence collaboration.
More than 200 Indian companies have invested over USD 27 billion in important sectors in Nigeria.
Prime Minister Naranda Modi is on three nations visit to Nigeria, Egypt and Guyana, before proceeding to Rio de Janeiro for the G20 meeting.