By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Nigeria and India have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with trade, consular affairs, education and cultural cooperation featuring prominently in discussions between their foreign ministers in New Delhi.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, held bilateral talks with her Indian counterpart, Dr. S. Jaishankar, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, hosted by India under the theme, “Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
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 among the key issues discussed during the meeting.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu particularly sought a further extension of the existing amnesty arrangement for Nigerians who have overstayed their visas, to enable affected persons 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.
The proposed agreement would provide a framework for the humane and orderly transfer of eligible prisoners between Nigeria and India.
On economic relations, the ministers explored opportunities to expand trade and investment, while emphasizing the need to deepen mutually beneficial economic partnerships between both countries.
They also identified education and cultural exchanges as key areas for strengthening people-to-people relations, with increased cooperation expected to promote mutual understanding and create broader opportunities for citizens of Nigeria and India.
The meeting formed part of Nigeria’s efforts to use its participation in the BRICS platform to advance bilateral partnerships, expand economic opportunities and strengthen South-South cooperation.
