India-Nigeria Boost Defence Ties in Delhi Meeting

Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth and Nigerian Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle met in New Delhito enhance bilateral defence ties, focusing on counter-terrorism, maritime security, joint R&D, and defence industry collaboration.

Highlights:

• The bilateral meeting took place in New Delhi on August 12, 2025.
• Discussions on expanding defence cooperation, including counter-terrorism, maritime security, and industry partnerships.
• India showcased its defence manufacturing capabilities: Light Combat Aircraft, Helicopter, Offshore Patrol Vessels.
• The Indian delegation extended an invitation to the Nigerian Defence Research Bureau to collaborate on joint research and development initiatives.
• Nigeria extended an invitation to the Indian delegation to explore potential investment opportunities within its defence industry.
• Nigerian delegation visiting India from August 11-14, interacting with Indian defence industries.
• India-Nigeria defence ties date back to the 1960s, reflecting deep-rooted friendly relations.

On August 12, 2025, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth met with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, in New Delhi for a pivotal bilateral discussion focused on enhancing and broadening the defence partnership between India and Nigeria across various areas.

During the meeting, the two Ministers explored pathways to deepen military engagements and collaboration in key areas such as counter-terrorism training, research and development, maritime cooperation—including hydrography and anti-piracy operations—and defence industry partnerships. Shri Sanjay Seth highlighted the impressive capabilities of the Indian defence industry, showcasing its production of advanced equipment such as the Light Combat Aircraft, Light Combat Helicopter, and Offshore Patrol Vessels. He pledged complete support to fulfill Nigeria’s defence needs.

The Indian delegation also expressed a keen interest in joint research and development and invited the Nigerian Defence Research and Development Bureau to collaborate closely on innovative defence technologies. In reciprocation, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle extended an invitation to the Indian delegation to visit Nigeria’s defence industry to explore potential investment opportunities.

Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle is leading a delegation visiting India from August 11 to 14, during which they are engaging with Indian defence industries to foster deeper ties. This engagement builds on the warm, friendly, and historically rich relations between India and Nigeria, which date back to the early 1960s. As the largest democracies in Asia and Africa respectively, both countries continue to find natural synergy in enhancing defence and strategic cooperation.

This meeting marks a progressive step in fortifying India-Nigeria defence relations, paving the way for closer collaboration in defence manufacturing, technology sharing, and joint efforts to address contemporary security challenges.