Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited President Bola Tinubu to attend the 2026 BRICS Leaders’ Summit, as India and Nigeria look to deepen their growing diplomatic and economic relationship.
The summit is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, according to India’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Singh expressed hope that Tinubu would attend the summit alongside a Nigerian delegation.
Why Nigeria’s participation matters
Singh said Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest economy and one of the world’s most populous nations makes its participation in BRICS particularly important.
Nigeria joined BRICS as a partner country, giving it an opportunity to take part in discussions on issues affecting developing nations and the wider Global South.
The envoy also highlighted the growing cooperation between Abuja and New Delhi, noting that both countries support each other’s positions on international platforms, including their respective bids for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council.
India-Nigeria economic ties
Beyond diplomacy, Singh pointed to the longstanding relationship between the two countries, including the large Indian community living in Nigeria.
He said about 60,000 Indians currently reside in Nigeria, with some families having been in the country for generations and contributing to sectors such as business, healthcare, education and culture.
Economic ties have also expanded, with bilateral trade now approaching $10 billion.
According to Singh, more than 200 Indian companies operate in Nigeria and collectively employ nearly 100,000 Nigerians.
Cooperation between both countries has also extended to areas including energy, defence, agriculture, healthcare and technology.
Singh said Tinubu’s attendance at the BRICS summit would provide another opportunity for Nigeria and India to strengthen their partnership and advance shared interests across the Global South.
Source: Statements by India’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh.
