As a member of the Nigeria-India Business Council, the Minister Vellamvelly Muraleedharan referred to Nigeria as the "core of our relationship with Africa."
A "worthy alumnus of our Defence Services College," he added, was President Buhari.
The president was a major general in the Nigerian Army when he retired.
When asked about the 1973 visit, the president remarked, "It was a very pleasant experience. I spent a year in India at that time and I believe I was a Lt. Colonel. We travelled and interacted with individuals from other nations. It was incorporated into my military career's success tale.
President Buhari emphasised that the Nigerian Defence Academy was founded by Indians and that there is a solid link between the two nations on many fronts, including politics, economy, and security.
The long-standing friendship between Nigeria and India, he continued, must be strengthened for the sake of both nations.
Mr Muraleedharan brought greetings from the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, adding that Nigeria and India have robust relations in business, defence, education, and many other areas.
He said India as the largest democracy in the world was willing to partner with Nigeria towards successful general elections in 2023.