By Abiola Olawale
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India have both resolved to enhance bilateral relations in several critical domains, including economic development, defence, healthcare, and food security.
In a press statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Modi agreed to work with Tinubu to ensure greater collaboration in counterterrorism, maritime security, and intelligence sharing.
The two leaders noted that there are growing threats in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean, emphasizing the need for coordinated actions to safeguard maritime trade routes and combat piracy.
The two countries pledged to continue regular naval exercises and joint anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea to safeguard critical maritime routes.
The statement reads in part: “The leaders reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including the cross-border movement of terrorists and terror financing networks and safe havens.
”They called for zero tolerance to terrorism and expeditious finalization and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN Framework as well as the implementation of the UNGA and the UNSC resolutions on countering terrorism and violent extremism.
”It was agreed to enhance cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism.”
The New Diplomat reports that Modi arrived in Abuja on Saturday after receiving an invitation from Tinubu.