TheCable

Abhay Thakur, Indian high commissioner to Nigeria, says his country and Nigeria are working on developing an improvised explosive device (IED) detector to tackle insecurity.

Thakur disclosed this on Sunday, while responding to questions from journalists during the commemoration of the 75th independence anniversary of India in Abuja.

Speaking on the relationship between both countries, he said India will continue to support Nigeria’s defence agencies in the fight against insecurity.

“There are a number of counter-terrorism initiatives both in terms of security exchanges and capacity building. Counter-terrorism is a key area of training for the Nigerian military,” he said.

“We are also jointly developing an improvised explosive device detector, which will work at a standoff range of 15 metres.

“There is just one example of joint defence research to counter terrorism. We have had very important visits of Nigeria’s defence and security establishments to India in the past two years.

“All heads of agencies, all heads of security establishments have met. We are working together to tackle radicalism in all our discourse.

“India and Nigeria have really stood by each other, both at the United Nations and in building bilateral relations.”

Speaking on the significance of celebrating the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, Thakur described it as a time for “stock-taking”.

“As the President of India has said in his speech, we should look at what we will do in the next 25 years and where we want to be; how do we progress to the 100th anniversary in 2047,” he said.

“So, it is a time for stock-taking, looking forward, celebrating, and also charting the way forward. It is an important day to renew our friendship with our diasporas, with our friends across the world.”