Nigeria

Nigeria-India: Shettima and Modi strengthen ties on defense, energy, and global order

In New Delhi, Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima and Narendra Modi agreed on Sunday to deepen the strategic partnership between Abuja and New Delhi, focusing on defense, energy, and multilateral cooperation.

Nigeria and India decided on Sunday, September 13, in New Delhi to enhance their strategic partnership following a meeting between Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.

The two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, defense and security, energy, agriculture, health, and digital technologies. The official Indian report indicates that they reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the strategic partnership between Abuja and New Delhi.

Politically, Kashim Shettima and Narendra Modi also discussed the priorities of the Global South. They emphasized the need for closer coordination in multilateral forums and the pursuit of a more representative, inclusive, and multipolar international order.

This meeting comes as Nigeria seeks to increase its influence in discussions on global governance. In a speech delivered on behalf of President Bola Tinubu at the summit, Shettima reiterated Abuja’s support for reforming the United Nations Security Council and the international financial system to better reflect current economic and demographic realities.

Nigeria has participated in BRICS as a partner country since January 2025. This format allows Abuja to engage in various discussions within the bloc without holding full member status.

The Nigerian delegation in New Delhi includes several government members, including the ministers of Foreign Affairs, Industry, Trade and Investment, Communication and Digital Economy, Humanitarian Affairs, Women, and Science and Technology.