Nigeria and India are seeking to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, education and other areas, while addressing consular challenges affecting Nigerians living in India.
The issues were discussed when Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, met her Indian counterpart, Dr S. Jaishankar, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the minister’s Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Dr Magnus Eze, the welfare of Nigerians residing in India was a major focus of the meeting.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu specifically sought an extension of the existing amnesty arrangement for Nigerians who have overstayed their visas, to allow those affected to return to Nigeria voluntarily without penalties.
The two ministers also discussed the possibility of concluding a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
Such an agreement would establish a framework for the humane and orderly transfer of eligible prisoners between Nigeria and India.
Beyond consular matters, the ministers explored ways to expand trade and investment between both countries, with emphasis on developing mutually beneficial economic partnerships.
Education and cultural exchanges were also identified as areas where increased cooperation could strengthen people-to-people relations and create more opportunities for citizens of both countries.
The talks formed part of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, hosted by India under the theme, “Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
Nigeria’s participation in the BRICS platform is also being used to pursue stronger bilateral partnerships, expand economic opportunities and advance South-South cooperation.
