Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has formally invited Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to attend the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, scheduled to take place in New Delhi on September 12–13, 2026.
The invitation was confirmed by Abhishek Singh, High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, during a media engagement in Abuja. India, which holds the BRICS chairmanship for 2026, is hosting the summit under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
High Commissioner Singh highlighted Nigeria’s strategic importance, noting that as Africa’s largest economy and one of the world’s most populous nations, Nigeria brings substantial demographic, economic and strategic weight that can enhance the voice and influence of the Global South within the BRICS framework. He expressed hope that President Tinubu would lead a high-level Nigerian delegation to the gathering.
Bilateral economic ties between India and Nigeria continue to strengthen. Trade volume reached approximately US$9 billion in the 2025–2026 financial year, up from US$7.13 billion in the previous year. Cooperation spans energy, defence, technology and other priority sectors.
The 18th BRICS Summit will bring together leaders of the 11 member states along with partner and outreach countries. Discussions are expected to focus on economic cooperation, sustainable development, reform of global governance institutions, and practical measures to advance the priorities of emerging and developing economies.
India’s invitation underscores the growing partnership between the two nations and Nigeria’s rising profile in multilateral forums dedicated to inclusive global growth and multipolar cooperation.