Tazul, Rajnath meet in Nigeria, hold discussion on strengthening bilateral ties

Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh and Bangladesh’s Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperative of Bangladesh, Md Tazul Islam shake hands after a meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, on 29 May, 2023

The Defense Minister and Bangladesh Rural Development Minister discussed various issues and expressed the commitment of their respective governments to further expand and strengthen bilateral relations.

An official statement said the meeting between the two ministers was a testament to the goodwill between India and Bangladesh.

After the meeting, Rajnath Singh tweeted, "Nice interaction with Bangladesh Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mr Md Tajul Islam in Abuja."

Earlier in the day, Singh attended the swearing-in ceremony of Nigeria's president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Besides senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, the Defense Minister's delegation to Nigeria included top officials of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), the Ministry of Defense said in an official statement.

These executives met with military and government personnel from Nigeria to determine what Indian defense businesses could meet their needs. To improve cooperation, B2B meetings were organized with Nigerian businesses.

In addition to high-level political representation from countries across the African continent, including several heads of state, India was among the select non-African countries represented at the ministerial 'swearing-in ceremony', reflecting the high priority and strength of our bilateral relationship with Nigeria, Ministry of Defence. The official press release said.

Wonderful interaction with the Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperative of Bangladesh, Mr Md Tazul Islam in Abuja. pic.twitter.com/sRONLG8oCU

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) May 29, 2023

 Rajnath arrived in Nigeria on Sunday as part of a three-day visit. Notably, this is the first visit to Nigeria by an Indian Defense Minister.

The visit of the Indian Defense Minister to the West African country is seen as an important milestone in building strong bonds of friendship between the two countries.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been sworn in as the country's new president despite political unrest and legal challenges to his election from the country's opposition, CNN reported.

After being sworn into office, Tinubu became the 16th President of Nigeria.

At the 5,000-seat Eagle Square venue in the country's capital, Abuja, the event was held amid tight security in front of foreign leaders and dignitaries such as Rwanda's President Kagame and South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa, CNN reported.