By Gloria Ikibah.
Nigeria and India have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, with economic cooperation, consular matters, education and cultural exchanges featuring prominently in talks between their foreign ministers. 
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, held bilateral discussions with her Indian counterpart, Dr S. Jaishankar, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi.
The summit was hosted by India under the theme, “Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”.
A major issue discussed was the welfare of Nigerians living in India, particularly those who have overstayed their visas.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu sought a further extension of the existing amnesty arrangement to allow affected Nigerians to return voluntarily without facing penalties.
The two ministers also discussed the possibility of concluding a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
Such an agreement will establish a framework for the humane and orderly transfer of eligible prisoners between Nigeria and India.
Economic relations also featured prominently during the meeting, with both sides exploring opportunities to expand trade and investment and strengthen mutually beneficial economic partnerships.
The ministers further identified education and cultural exchanges as key areas for improving people-to-people relations between the two countries.
Greater cooperation in these areas is expected to promote mutual understanding and create more 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, open up new economic opportunities and strengthen South-South cooperation.
Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025, providing a platform for Abuja to deepen engagement with major emerging economies while pursuing its broader economic and diplomatic interests.
The bilateral talks with India therefore added a practical dimension to Nigeria’s participation in the New Delhi summit, particularly in areas directly affecting Nigerians in India and the wider economic relationship between both countries.
