Nigeria and India have reiterated their commitment to a robust strategic partnership.
The two countries also pledged to strengthen ties in key areas like economic development, defence, healthcare and food security.
The countries made the new agreements known through a joint statement at the end of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Nigeria at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s invitation.
The Indian PM, who arrived on Saturday night and was welcomed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, was received at the forecourt of Aso Villa yesterday morning by the President.
He was treated to a full military parade followed by a 21-gun salute before going into the bilateral meeting with President Tinubu.
During the talks, the two leaders agreed to a greater collaboration in counterterrorism, maritime security, and intelligence sharing.
The two countries, according to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, will continue regular naval exercises and joint anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea to safeguard critical maritime routes.
The statement partly reads: “The leaders reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including the cross-border movement of terrorists and terror financing networks and safe havens.
‘’They called for zero tolerance to terrorism and expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN Framework as well as the implementation of the UNGA and the UNSC resolutions on countering terrorism and violent extremism.
‘’It was agreed to enhance cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism.’’
The Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s readiness to support Nigeria’s defence modernisation efforts, highlighting his country’s emergence as a trusted defence equipment manufacturer.
