Economic Cooperation, Consular Issues Top Nigeria-India Bilateral Talks at BRICS Summit

Nigeria and India have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with economic cooperation, consular matters, education and cultural exchanges featuring prominently in discussions between their foreign ministers on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi.

A statement issued by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Magnus Eze, said Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, held bilateral talks with her Indian counterpart, Dr. S. Jaishankar, during the summit, which is being hosted by India under the theme, “Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

A major focus of the meeting was the welfare of Nigerians residing in India, particularly those who have overstayed their visas. Odumegwu-Ojukwu appealed for a further extension of the existing amnesty arrangement to enable affected Nigerians to return home voluntarily without penalties.

The two ministers also discussed the possibility of concluding a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, which 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 emphasising the need to deepen mutually beneficial economic partnerships between the two countries.

They also identified education and cultural exchanges as key areas for strengthening people-to-people ties, with increased collaboration expected to promote mutual understanding and create broader opportunities for citizens of both countries.

The meeting formed part of Nigeria’s efforts to leverage its participation in the BRICS platform to advance bilateral partnerships, expand economic opportunities and promote stronger South-South cooperation.