India and Nigeria Strengthen Defence Ties in New Delhi Discussion
The Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, convened a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle. The primary focus was on enhancing defence cooperation between the two countries. The discussions encompassed various topics, including counter-terrorism training, research and development, maritime cooperation, hydrography, anti-piracy initiatives, and collaboration within the defence industry.
In the course of the meeting, Seth emphasized India’s defence proficiency by showcasing its Light Combat Aircraft, Light Combat Helicopter, and Offshore Patrol Vessels. He pledged India’s support in fulfilling Nigeria’s defence needs and suggested that Nigeria send a team from its Defence Research and Development Bureau to India to investigate potential joint research and development ventures. Dr. Matawalle, in turn, extended an invitation to an Indian delegation to visit Nigeria to explore potential investment and collaboration opportunities in the Nigerian defence sector.
The Nigerian delegation is visiting India from August 11 to 14, with the aim of engaging with defence industries to enhance bilateral cooperation. India and Nigeria have a long-standing defence relationship that began in the early 1960s. As prominent democracies on their respective continents, the two countries continue to bolster strategic partnerships and pursue enduring collaboration in defence and security.
