Nigeria and India have pledged to strengthen ties across defence, security and technology sectors. Both countries are now looking to expand strategic partnerships with developing nations worldwide.
The commitment came during a visit by officers from India's 66th National Defence College Course to Nigeria's Foreign Ministry in Abuja on Monday. The delegation, headed by Anvita Sinha, came to study Nigeria's development trajectory and security outlook firsthand.
Dunoma Ahmed, Permanent Secretary at the Foreign Ministry, praised relations between the two nations. He noted their bond rests on shared democratic ideals, historical connections and rising trade ties.
Ahmed told the visitors the meeting would help expand cooperation in key areas. Defence, security, technology and sustainable development topped the list of priority sectors.
Nigeria greatly values India's military training programmes, he said. Such support has bolstered local institutional capacity and regional security, according to the Permanent Secretary.
"This visit gives us a platform to strengthen ties and find new ways both nations can benefit," Ahmed remarked. He stressed the importance of exploring fresh areas of engagement together.
Officials discussed Nigeria's foreign policy goals during the talks. Regional security threats and global political shifts were also on the agenda.
Ahmed underscored the need for stronger cooperation among developing countries. He called for closer partnerships within the Global South to tackle shared economic and security problems.
Nigeria remains committed to South-South cooperation, he added. The country backs multilateral bodies like BRICS pushing developing nations' interests forward.
Nigeria plays a leadership role in Africa, Ahmed highlighted. The nation champions African Union Agenda 2063 goals while promoting peace across the continent.
Both sides discussed counter-terrorism work, intelligence exchanges and border management. Professional military training and new defence technologies also featured in their talks.
Ahmed expressed Nigeria's eagerness to work with India on these fronts. Such cooperation is vital for tackling modern security threats, he said.
Colonel Manoj, India's Defence Adviser in Nigeria, thanked the Foreign Ministry. He praised the warm welcome and productive nature of the discussions held.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ministry's spokesperson, confirmed both delegations explored expanded cooperation channels. The meeting underscored mutual interest in deepening bilateral relations across multiple sectors.
