Nigeria, India move to deepen defence, security, technology cooperation

Nigeria and India have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, expanding defence cooperation and promoting greater collaboration among countries of the Global South.

This was as both nations seek to deepen strategic partnerships in security, technology, education and sustainable development.

This commitment was reiterated during a courtesy visit by participants of the 66th Course of India’s National Defence College to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Monday.

The delegation, led by Anvita Sinha, was in Nigeria as part of a foreign study tour aimed at gaining insights into the country’s socio-economic development, foreign policy direction, security landscape and strategic outlook.

Speaking during the engagement, Dunoma Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described relations between Nigeria and India as longstanding and cordial, built on shared democratic values, historical ties and growing economic cooperation.

Ahmed said the visit provided an important opportunity to deepen mutual understanding and broaden collaboration in key sectors, including defence, security, capacity building, technology transfer and sustainable development.

According to him, Nigeria values India’s continued support in military training, professional development and defence cooperation, noting that such partnerships have helped strengthen institutional capacities and contributed to regional security efforts.

“The visit offers a valuable platform for strengthening cooperation and exploring new areas of engagement that will benefit both countries,” he said.

Discussions also focused on Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities, regional security concerns, global geopolitical developments and opportunities for enhanced strategic cooperation between the two countries.

Ahmed stressed the growing importance of collaboration among developing nations, urging stronger partnerships within the Global South to address common economic and security challenges.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to South-South cooperation through multilateral platforms, including BRICS and other international arrangements aimed at advancing the interests of developing countries.

The Permanent Secretary also highlighted Nigeria’s leadership role on the continent, particularly in advancing the goals of African Union Agenda 2063, promoting regional peace and security initiatives, supporting infrastructure development and driving economic integration across Africa.

He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to fostering peace, stability and prosperity on the continent through diplomacy, regional cooperation and strategic partnerships.

According to a statement by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides explored opportunities for increased cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing, border security management, professional military education and the deployment of emerging technologies in defence and security operations.

Ahmed expressed Nigeria’s readiness to expand collaboration with India in these areas, describing such cooperation as critical to addressing contemporary security challenges and enhancing regional stability.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, Colonel Manoj, India’s Defence Adviser to Nigeria, thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the warm reception and productive discussions.

He commended the enduring relationship between both countries and expressed optimism that sustained dialogue and engagement would further strengthen bilateral ties while contributing to global peace, security and development.