New Delhi, Aug 12 (NationPress) The focus on collaboration in counter-terrorism training was a key topic during the bilateral meeting between Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and the Nigerian Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, on Tuesday.

The two leaders explored avenues to advance bilateral defence cooperation and military engagements across various sectors, according to an official statement.

They discussed opportunities for collaboration in counter-terrorism training, research and development, maritime cooperation—including hydrography and anti-piracy measures—and industry cooperation, stated the announcement.

Seth emphasized the capabilities of the Indian defence industry, highlighting its ability to produce high-quality defence equipment like Light Combat Aircraft, Light Combat Helicopter, and Offshore Patrol Vessels.

He assured that support would be provided to meet the needs of the Nigerian forces.

The Indian delegation expressed its willingness to host a team from the Defence Research and Development Bureau of Nigeria for discussions on joint R&D.

The Nigerian Minister of State for Defence extended an invitation for the Indian delegation to visit Nigeria’s defence industry to explore investment opportunities.

Dr. Matawalle is leading a delegation visiting India from August 11-14, with plans for the Nigerian team to engage with Indian defence industries during their stay.

India and Nigeria share a long-standing and cordial relationship, with defence ties dating back to the early 1960s. As the world's largest democracy, India naturally partners with Nigeria, the largest nation in Africa.

Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised both public and private sector manufacturers for achieving a record-high defence production value of Rs 1.50 lakh crore in 2024-25.

In a congratulatory message on X dated August 9, Singh stated, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi, India’s Defence production has reached unprecedented heights!”

“In the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, annual Defence production has soared to Rs 1,50,590 crore, marking an impressive 18 percent growth over the previous fiscal year’s output of Rs 1.27 lakh crore, and a remarkable 90 percent increase since FY 2019-20, when it was Rs 79,071 crore,” stated Defence Minister Singh.

He credited the collective efforts of both the public and private sectors for this achievement.

“I commend the combined efforts of the Department of Defence Production and all players involved, including DPSUs, public sector manufacturers, and private industry, for reaching this milestone. This upward trend signifies the strengthening of India’s Defence industrial base,” he concluded on X.