Breaking: Tinubu receives Indian prime minister at Aso Villa

President Bola Tinubu has received the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Modi, who arrived in Abuja on Saturday evening, was welcomed at the Forecourt of the Villa on Sunday.

Upon his arrival, the Indian leader was greeted with the Indian national anthem, followed by a Guard of Honour mounted by a Brigade of Guards, which performed the Nigerian national anthem and led the visiting Prime Minister in inspecting the mounted parade.

This was followed by a 21-gun salute, after which Modi completed his inspection of the Guard of Honour. Tinubu then escorted Modi into his office for a closed-door meeting.

Both leaders are expected to discuss and sign several bilateral agreements during their restricted session.

The visit also includes delegation-level discussions and the exchange of memoranda of understanding.

According to the Presidency, Tinubu and Modi aim to strengthen Nigerian-Indian relations during this visit.

“President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi will further enhance Nigeria’s and India’s ties during their bilateral discussions. Both leaders will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to boost collaboration in critical sectors,” the Presidency stated on Saturday.

Modi’s visit marks the first by an Indian prime minister since Dr Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007, during which the two nations established a strategic partnership.