Section Article

Indo-Nigeria Socio-Cultural Relations: Reflections for Future Prospects
Author(s): Dr. Kausar Neyazi Ansari

Abstract
Relations between India and Nigeria have always been warm friendly and deep-rooted without any contentious issues. Formally bilateral relations between India and Nigeria deepened when India established a diplomatic mission at Lagos in 1958 two years prior to Nigeria’s independence in October 1960. Subsequently the diplomatic and commercial visits between officials of both the countries led to strengthen their socio-cultural economic and political ties. Certain common features in terms of their colonial experiences large multi-ethnic multi-religious and developing societies have brought both the countries closer to each other. In addition both India and Nigeria share common perspectives on international social political and development issues. Using historical and analytical approach the paper seeks to reflect the structure of the relationship between India and Nigeria for their future prospects. Seeing the magnitude of the cordial relations between the two countries and their development potentialities the paper finds that they stand a very good chance of further solidifying and enriching their interactions with regard to several important issues such as the development of democratic institutions as well as economic relations between the two states. The paper argues that this would not only make their political and economic relations stronger but also bring mutual benefits. In essence the socio-cultural relationship between India and Nigeria is employed in quest of national interest of both the countries.