Shettima Leads Nigeria’s Push For Deeper BRICS Partnerships In India

Vice President Kashim Shettima is leading Nigeria’s push for deeper economic and strategic partnerships with India and other BRICS countries as he represents President Bola Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi.

Shettima arrived in New Delhi with a high-level delegation comprising the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; and Environment, Balarabe Lawal.

Nigeria is seeking to expand its trade relationship with India, which has previously stood at about $14 billion, while attracting fresh investment and accessing Indian expertise in technology and artificial intelligence.

Oduwole said major investors of Indian origin had indicated interest in meeting the Nigerian delegation, creating opportunities to translate Nigeria’s BRICS partnership into concrete investment and trade deals.

She said Nigeria was also seeking to rebuild and expand its energy trade with India, particularly crude oil exports, while exploring opportunities beyond the traditional exchange of commodities.

The delegation is also targeting partnerships in agriculture, technology, artificial intelligence, the digital economy and industrial development, with the government seeking to use these sectors to diversify the economy and create opportunities for Nigeria’s large youth population.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said India’s experience in using technology to engage its youthful population was particularly relevant to Nigeria, especially in agriculture and the digital economy.

At the summit, Shettima is expected to participate in high-level discussions on global growth, resilience, innovation and sustainable development, as well as hold bilateral meetings with leaders and senior officials from participating countries.

Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025, providing an additional platform for strengthening economic and diplomatic ties with major emerging economies.

The 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit is being held under the theme, “Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”