Nigeria and India have solidified their military cooperation, with a focus on intelligence sharing, joint training, and support for Nigeria’s efforts to combat insecurity.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle, emphasised this commitment during a meeting with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence India, Mr. Anurag Bajpai, and his delegation in Abuja.
This strategic alliance underscores Nigeria’s dedication to strengthening bilateral ties with India in the defence sector, as conveyed in a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike.
Dr. Matawalle said that the meeting on defence collaboration marked a significant step towards fostering a strategic partnership between Nigeria and India in Defence sector.
He expressed profound pleasure as he hosted the delegation, highlighting the importance of the collaborative effort for the mutual benefit of both countries.
“The defence cooperation between the two countries will strengthen the existing bond between Nigerian and Indian governments and will enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces,” he said.
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Acknowledging Nigeria’s commitment to upgrading its military-industrial complex, Dr. Matawalle said that the newly signed DICON bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would boost joint Defence cooperation.
He assured the Indian government of fast-tracking efforts to amend the draft Memorandum of Understanding, (MoU) between the two countries on defence cooperation.
The Minister noted that Nigeria has remained a major participant in joint bilateral activities with India, adding that significant achievements have been made but more can be done, especially in the security sector.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence Nigeria, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, appreciated the Indian government for the cordial relationship between both countries.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence India, Anurag Bajpai described Nigeria as a strategic partner to India in military-diplomatic ties and promised to continue to build on the existing relationship between both countries.
