New Delhi, August 12(HS): In a significant step towards bolstering India–Nigeria strategic ties, Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth on Tuesday held wide-ranging bilateral talks with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, in New Delhi. The meeting underscored a shared commitment to expanding defence cooperation across multiple domains, from counter-terrorism and maritime security to joint research and development and defence industry collaboration.

Key areas of discussion included opportunities for specialised counter-terrorism training, advanced defence R&D partnerships, anti-piracy operations, hydrographic cooperation, and enhanced industry-to-industry linkages. Both sides acknowledged the growing strategic convergence between Asia’s and Africa’s largest democracies.

Highlighting India’s indigenous capabilities, Shri Seth showcased platforms such as the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), and Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), affirming India’s readiness to fully support Nigeria’s defence requirements. He also extended an invitation to Nigeria’s Defence Research and Development Bureau to engage directly with Indian institutions to explore joint projects.

Dr. Matawalle, leading a high-level Nigerian defence delegation to India from August 11–14, responded by inviting the Indian side to visit Nigeria’s defence industry ecosystem to assess potential investment avenues and deepen industrial partnerships. During the visit, the Nigerian delegation also interacted with leading Indian defence manufacturers to explore procurement and co-production opportunities.

India–Nigeria defence relations date back to the early 1960s and have since evolved into a robust, multifaceted partnership. With both nations committed to democratic values and regional stability, the latest talks are being viewed as a major step forward in transforming their defence cooperation into a long-term strategic partnership.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar