Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, India.

During the two-day summit, VP Shettima participated in high-level plenary sessions and engaged in strategic bilateral discussions aimed at advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic interests.

A central focus of the visit was a high-profile meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Both leaders evaluated avenues to strengthen bilateral cooperation, specifically discussing:

Renewed crude oil trade and bilateral investments, Collaborations in pharmaceuticals and defense, Partnerships in digital technology, fintech, and renewable energy

On the sidelines of the summit, the Vice President held talks with World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, reaffirming Nigeria’s firm commitment to multilateralism and an inclusive global economic order.

Addressing the broader assembly, VP Shettima delivered a message from President Tinubu advocating for comprehensive reforms of global governance and financial structures. He also positioned Nigeria as a prime economic gateway to Africa through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Nigeria utilized the multilateral platform to forge deeper partnerships with BRICS member and partner nations.

Discussions centered heavily on expanding cooperation in agriculture, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, energy, and human-capital development.