By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA — Nigeria has conveyed its support for India’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, further strengthening diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.
India’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E. Abhishek Singh, disclosed this during a media engagement in Abuja, describing the development as another demonstration of the growing strategic partnership between both countries.
Singh said India has also conveyed its support for Nigeria’s candidature, highlighting what he described as mutual backing on issues concerning global governance and representation of developing countries.
He said India’s campaign for the UN Security Council is built around the theme “Shanti,” a Hindi word meaning peace.
According to him, the acronym represents “Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity,” reflecting India’s aspiration for a peaceful, inclusive and reformed global order.
The High Commissioner said India supports reform of the UN Security Council, including expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership.
He explained that India and Nigeria share common interests in strengthening the voice of developing countries and advancing the aspirations of the Global South.
Singh also highlighted Nigeria’s growing engagement with the BRICS platform, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been invited to the upcoming BRICS Summit scheduled to take place in New Delhi on September 12 and 13.
He expressed hope that President Tinubu would lead a high-powered Nigerian delegation to the summit.
According to him, Nigeria’s participation in BRICS is significant because the country is Africa’s largest economy and one of the world’s most populous nations.
He said Nigeria brings considerable strategic, demographic and economic weight to the BRICS partnership and contributes to strengthening the voice of the Global South.
Singh described the India-Nigeria relationship as one of the most promising partnerships within the Global South, built on trust, understanding, mutual respect and shared interests.
He said the relationship between both countries is no longer restricted to historical ties or economic exchanges but increasingly covers global governance, security, technology, development and multilateral cooperation.
The High Commissioner said India’s BRICS chairship would provide another opportunity for both countries to deepen cooperation and advance shared priorities.
He noted that India’s engagement with Nigeria reflects a broader commitment to strengthening partnerships with African countries.
Singh expressed confidence that India and Nigeria would continue to work together in shaping a more inclusive international system that gives developing countries a stronger voice.
