President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said the Nigerian Defence Academy was established by Indians.

Buhari noted that the two countries – Nigeria and India – have firm relationship economically, politically, and in the area of security.

Buhari spoke when he hosted Indian Minister of State for External and Parliamentary Affairs, Vellamvelly Muraleedharan, at State House, Abuja.

He added that Nigeria and India must continue to build on the longstanding relationship, to the benefit of both countries.

President Buhari also went down memory lane on his one-year training in India as a military officer.

The President recalled the 1973 visit, saying; “it was a very good experience. I think I was a Lt Colonel then, and I spent a year in India. We travelled and met international people from different countries. It became part of my success story in the military.”

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Muraleedharan, who is in the country to take part in the Nigeria-India Business Council, described Nigeria as “centre of our engagement with Africa.”

He also said President Buhari was a “worthy alumnus of our Defence Services College.”

Muraleedharan brought greetings from the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, adding that Nigeria and India have robust relations in business, defense, education, and many other areas.

He said India as the largest democracy in the world was willing to partner with Nigeria towards successful general election in 2023.

The Star