| Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Bilateral Relations |
| Context: |
● A delegation from India, held a Joint Trade Committee meeting with Nigerian counterparts in Abuja. ● Discussions aimed to review bilateral trade and investment ties, identify areas for cooperation, and address impediments to trade. ● India and Nigeria seek to strengthen economic relations amid declining bilateral trade in recent years. |
Analysis of the news:
- A seven-member Indian delegation led by Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Additional Secretary of the Department of Commerce, held a Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting with Nigerian counterparts in Abuja.
- Discussions reviewed recent developments in bilateral trade and investment, acknowledging untapped potential for further expansion.
- Identified areas for enhancing trade and investment cooperation, including resolving market access issues, cooperation in sectors like crude oil, pharmaceuticals, UPI, power, agriculture, education, and MSMEs.
- Emphasised the early conclusion of the Local Currency Settlement System Agreement to strengthen economic ties.
- Nigeria is 2nd largest trading partner of India in Africa region
- India-Nigeria bilateral trade valued at USD 11.8 billion in 2022-23, with declining trend at USD 7.89 billion in 2023-24.
| India – West African Countries Relations |
Importance for India: Economic Opportunities: ● West Africa offers vast economic potential with its abundant natural resources. ● Bilateral trade has been growing in recent times, particularly in sectors like agriculture, energy, and technology. ● India seeks to diversify its trade partners and reduce dependence on traditional markets, making West Africa a strategic choice. Strategic Significance: ● Geopolitical importance due to its location on key maritime routes. ● Collaboration in maritime security crucial for combating piracy and ensuring safe passage of trade. ● West African nations are key partners in India’s Indo-Pacific vision, promoting stability and prosperity in the region. Development Cooperation: ● India’s development assistance focuses on capacity-building, infrastructure, and human resource development. ● Collaboration in healthcare, education, and agriculture enhances socio-economic development in the region. ● India’s lines of credit and grants support infrastructure projects, fostering mutual growth and prosperity. Multilateral Engagement: ● Collaboration in multilateral forums like the United Nations strengthens diplomatic ties. ● India supports West African countries’ aspirations for representation and reforms in global institutions. ● Joint efforts in addressing global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and pandemics demonstrate mutual cooperation and solidarity. |
PYQ: Q.1 How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich Africa? (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2014) Q.2 “If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years. (150 words/ 10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2021) Q.3 Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically examine. (200 words/12.5m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2015) |
| Practice Question: Discuss the significance of India’s relations with West African countries in the context of its economic, strategic, and cultural interests. Examine the opportunities and challenges in fostering closer ties, and suggest measures to enhance cooperation for mutual benefit. (150 Words /10 marks) |
