Niger’s Prime Minister, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, warned that the region’s continued dependence on imports remained deeply troubling despite its vast natural wealth. He said it was unacceptable that Sahelian countries still rely on foreign supplies for basic items such as needles, matches, footwear and kitchen utensils, as well as everyday consumer goods.

Mali’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Moussa Alassane Diallo, urged closer economic complementarity among AES member states. He argued that the alliance should prioritise intra-regional trade, saying Mali’s gold should benefit Niger and Burkina Faso, Niger’s oil should supply Mali and Burkina Faso, and Burkina Faso’s iron resources should be used to support development across the region.

Burkina Faso’s Minister of Trade , Serge Gnaniodem Poda, said the meeting demonstrated a shared determination to translate the vision of AES leaders into practical outcomes. He stressed the need for a strong national private sector, describing it as dynamic, patriotic, committed and disciplined.

Poda added that the AES offers a rare opportunity to rebuild member economies and establish a genuinely integrated regional market.

The discussions are part of broader efforts to put in place the legal and institutional foundations of the Sahel Alliance, ahead of a Heads of State Conference scheduled to take place later this month.

“We have no big enemies in the world in the true sense. If we have any enemy, it is our dependence on other countries. This is our biggest enemy,” he said. “The enemy must be defeated. We always have to repeat this. The more foreign dependence, the greater the failure of the country.”

He urged collective action to reduce this vulnerability, framing self-reliance as a pillar of national strength rather than merely an economic plan. Modi’s remarks come at a tense moment in India–U.S. relations, with trade and energy policies at the centre of dispute.

Washington recently imposed a 25% reciprocal duty on Indian goods from August 7, followed by an additional 25% penalty tariff beginning August 27 — a direct response to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil.

New Delhi has defended its stance, insisting that it will secure the “best deal” on oil to protect its citizens’ interests. Indian officials have accused Washington of double standards, pointing to ongoing U.S. imports of Russian chemicals and fertilisers, allegations rejected by President Donald Trump .