By Stella Joshua
Nigeria and India have discussed fresh opportunities to expand economic cooperation and address consular challenges affecting Nigerians living in India during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi.
The meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and her Indian counterpart, Dr. S. Jaishankar, focused on strengthening bilateral relations and promoting mutually beneficial partnerships.
India is hosting the summit under the theme, “Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
A statement issued on Sunday by the minister’s Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Dr. Magnus Eze, said the welfare of Nigerians residing in India was a key issue raised during the discussions.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu specifically sought an extension of the existing amnesty arrangement for Nigerians who had overstayed their visas.
The extension, she noted, would allow affected Nigerians to return to the country voluntarily without penalties.
The ministers also considered the possibility of concluding a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
The proposed agreement would provide a structured framework for the humane and orderly transfer of eligible prisoners between Nigeria and India.
Economic cooperation also featured prominently, with both sides examining ways to increase trade, promote investment and deepen economic partnerships.
The discussions further highlighted education and cultural exchanges as important tools for strengthening relations between the two countries and fostering greater people-to-people connections.
The meeting forms part of Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts to leverage its BRICS participation to advance national interests, strengthen economic ties and promote South-South cooperation.
The engagement reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to expanding collaboration across key sectors while addressing issues affecting their citizens.