Nigeria, India strengthen ties on artificial intelligence, solar energy

Nigeria and India are moving to strengthen ties in areas of fintech, artificial intelligence, scientific development and solar energy, according to Gangadharan Balasubramanian, Indian high commissioner to Nigeria.

The newly appointed envoy, who disclosed this during the commemoration of India’s 76th Independence in Abuja on Monday, said the partnership between would further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.

Balasubramanian noted that the trade and economic relations between India and Nigeria have been very strong, with over 135 Indian companies operating in Nigeria.

He also said the volume of trade between both countries has increased as well as improved on both sides after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The trade volume between India and Nigeria was $14.95 billion in 2021. The trade volume has increased substantially after COVID-19, both ways,” Balasubramanian said.

“India is a major importer of oil from Nigeria. Nearly about $10 billion worth of oil is being imported from Nigeria,” he said.

India also exports various products, from agricultural to petroleum, pharmaceutical, and textile products, he noted.

The high commissioner said there is a large possibility of increasing this “trade and economic cooperation between our two countries”.

He further said since 1958, when the two countries established diplomatic ties, their relationship has remained one of the best.

“Since then, our relationship has developed in multi-various ways, almost in all places,” he added.

Expressing their area of focus, Balasubramanian said human capacity development is one of the most important areas in which they are concentrating on.

“And we are very happy that with the assistance and cooperation of successive Nigerian governments, we can now say that our relationship is very strong and very cordial,” he said

Balasubramanian said that the two countries have established positive military cooperation, including training of military personnel, and that his country would be happy to continue partnering with Nigeria.