Nigeria and India are taking fresh steps to boost their long-standing military partnership, with talks focusing on counter-terrorism, maritime security, and defence industry collaboration.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Personal Assistant on Media to the Minister of State for Defence, Ministry of Defence, Ahmad Dan-Wudil.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, met his Indian counterpart, Mr. Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth, in New Delhi. The high-level bilateral meeting explored joint training, research and development, hydrography, and anti-piracy operations.
India, known for its cutting-edge military hardware, showcased its capacity to supply Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), and Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs). “India stands ready to fully support Nigeria’s procurement and capacity-building needs,” Minister Seth assured.
In response, Matawalle invited the Indian delegation to visit Nigeria’s defence industry to explore investment and production partnerships aimed at boosting local manufacturing. “We welcome Indian expertise and investment to strengthen Nigeria’s defence production capabilities,” he stated.
The Nigerian minister, on a four-day official visit to India (Aug. 11–14), also held talks with Indian defence industry leaders to solidify growing ties.
Nigeria and India’s military relationship dates back to the early 1960s. As two of the world’s largest democracies in their regions, they remain united in promoting peace, stability, and modern defence capabilities.
PIAK