ECOWAS, India to Strengthen Diplomatic and Economic Ties

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and India have indicated their intent to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations. This commitment aims to enhance cooperation in key sectors such as trade, investment, and security.

This strategic collaboration aims to capitalise on mutual strengths, fostering sustainable growth and development.

ECOWAS and India plan to enhance their cooperation relations…https://t.co/vPiizJoFND pic.twitter.com/oA1Z1873QW

— Ecowas – Cedeao (@ecowas_cedeao) February 7, 2025

This was disclosed when the Chief of Mission, Indian High Commission to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ms Vartika Rawat, visited the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

Discussions during the meeting were centred on fostering economic collaboration, capacity-building initiatives, and investment opportunities as viable solutions to addressing insecurity within the ECOWAS region.

In his remarks, Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, praised the collaboration and underlined the significance of ECOWAS and India’s closer economic and security ties.

“Collaboration with key global partners like India is essential in tackling shared challenges, from economic development to regional peace and security,” he said.

“With India being one of the largest emerging economies, its partnership with ECOWAS is expected to unlock new opportunities for trade and investment in the region,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the Chief of Mission, Indian High Commission to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Vartika Rawat, stressed India’s willingness to expand its economic footprint in West Africa, leveraging its expertise in technology, agriculture, and manufacturing to support the region’s development goals.

“India sees ECOWAS as a strategic partner in Africa, and we are committed to deepening our cooperation to promote sustainable economic growth and regional stability,” she stressed.

While both sides continue to look for new areas of cooperation, the revitalised engagement is expected to have a major positive impact on West Africa by promoting regional stability and economic resilience.