Indian PM Modi invites Tinubu to 2026 BRICS summit in India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended an invitation to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to attend the BRICS Leaders’ Summit, scheduled for September 12-13 in New Delhi. India’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, expressed hope for Tinubu's attendance with a Nigerian delegation, highlighting Nigeria's crucial role as Africa's largest economy and a highly populous nation. Singh stated that Nigeria's presence as a BRICS partner country would enable valuable contributions to discussions concerning developing nations and the broader Global South. The envoy also emphasized the deepening diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and India, noting their shared support for each other's positions on international forums, including their aspirations for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council. Beyond governmental ties, Singh pointed to a long-standing people-to-people connection, with approximately 60,000 Indians residing in Nigeria, some for generations. This Indian community actively contributes to bilateral relations through business, healthcare, education, and cultural exchange. Economic ties have also flourished, with bilateral trade approaching $10 billion. Over 200 Indian companies operate in Nigeria, employing nearly 100,000 Nigerians. Cooperation now extends across energy, defense, agriculture, healthcare, and technology sectors. The High Commissioner believes President Tinubu's participation in the BRICS summit will further solidify bilateral relations and create new avenues for cooperation, advancing the collective interests of the Global South.

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Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest economy and one of the world’s most populous countries makes its participation in BRICS significant.