India's minister of Water Resources and Minority Affairs, Salman Khurshid, who made the pledge on Sunday in Abuja on the sidelines of President Goodluck Jonathan's inauguration, told journalists that the smooth inauguration was a sign of healthy political growth and development in Nigeria.

"It is a great joy and satisfaction to see how Nigeria has consolidated its democracy in spite of the difficulties faced in a developing society,'' he said.

Khurshid, who is also the Head of the India delegation to the inauguration ceremony, said that India was willing to share experiences with Nigeria in all spheres, since they shared a lot in common in terms of population and cultural diversity.

He described Nigeria as India's major partner in Africa, adding that the participation of Vice President Namadi Sambo in the just concluded Indo-African summit in India was a testimony of the growing ties.

He called for the strengthening of ties between both countries, especially in the area of education, youth development and job creation.

In the same vein, Mikhail Margelov, the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation, told journalists that the occasion was an epoch making event.

Margelov said the credible elections and steady political stability in Nigeria would help send a positive signal to the rest of Africa and serve as a catalyst for the development of the continent.

According to him, Russia is ready to help Nigeria in the development of its energy and defense sectors.

On the issue of security, he said that Russia was "ever ready" to support Nigeria in overcoming some of its security challenges.

"Russia is willing to support Nigeria in that area (security) because we have had our challenges in that area too,'' Margelov said.