Nigeria and India have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, defence cooperation, and collaboration among developing nations, as both countries seek to strengthen strategic partnerships in an evolving global landscape.
The commitment was reiterated during a courtesy visit by participants of the 66th Course of the National Defence College, New Delhi, India, to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Monday.
The delegation, led by Ms Anvita Sinha, was received by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, who described the visit as a significant opportunity to enhance mutual understanding and expand cooperation in critical sectors.
Ambassador Ahmed noted that Nigeria and India have maintained longstanding and cordial relations built on shared democratic values, historical ties, growing economic engagement, and cooperation within regional and multilateral institutions.
He highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration in defence, security, capacity building, technology transfer, and sustainable development, while commending India’s continued support for military training, professional development, and defence cooperation with Nigeria.
According to him, such support has contributed significantly to strengthening institutional capacities and promoting regional peace and security.
During discussions, both sides examined Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities, contemporary geopolitical developments, regional security challenges, and emerging opportunities for enhanced bilateral cooperation.
The Permanent Secretary stressed the need for stronger collaboration among countries of the Global South and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing South-South cooperation through platforms such as BRICS and other multilateral arrangements aimed at promoting the interests of developing nations.
He also outlined Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa, particularly in implementing the African Union’s Agenda 2063, promoting regional peace and security, advancing infrastructure development, and fostering economic integration across the continent.
Ambassador Ahmed further reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in Africa through diplomacy, strategic partnerships, and regional cooperation.
The discussions also explored prospects for deeper collaboration in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing, border management, professional military education, and the deployment of emerging technologies to address evolving security threats.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Indian Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Colonel Manoj, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and fruitful engagement.
He praised the enduring relationship between Nigeria and India and expressed confidence that sustained dialogue and cooperation would further strengthen bilateral ties while contributing to global peace, security, and development.
The meeting concluded with both countries reaffirming their commitment to expanding cooperation in diplomacy, defence, security, education, technology, and socio-economic development.
