New Delhi: The Indian diaspora in Nigeria gathered in large numbers to greet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his arrival at the Abuja airport on Sunday, his first visit to the West African country. They chanted “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram.”
Thanking the Indian Diaspora in Nigeria for welcoming him, PM Modi wrote a post on X: “Heartwarming to see the Indian community in Nigeria extending such a warm and vibrant welcome!”
The Indian community in Nigeria was also commended by Prime Minister Modi for maintaining ties to their culture, language, and roots. Additionally, the Prime Minister uploaded photos and interacted with a significant number of Indian men, women, and children residing in the West African nation. In another post, PM Modi tweeted: “In Nigeria, the Marathi community expressed joy at Marathi being conferred the status of a classical language. It is truly commendable how they remain connected to their culture and roots.”
The PM’s five-day visit to three countries, where the leaders of both nations aim to strengthen their strategic ties, begins in Nigeria. PM Modi will move to Brazil for the G20 summit after his November 16–17 visit to Nigeria.
PM Modi was personally welcomed by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Abuja airport on Sunday, who stressed the significance of the visit to strengthen India-Nigeria ties. Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi thanked President Tinubu. “Landed a short while ago in Nigeria. Grateful for the warm welcome. May this visit deepen the bilateral friendship between our nations,” PM Modi tweeted.
“I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his first visit to Nigeria, which is also the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to our dear country since 2007. Our bilateral discussions will seek to expand the strategic partnership between both countries and enhance cooperation in critical sectors. Welcome to Nigeria, PM Modi @narendramodi,” said Nigerian President Tinubu on Sunday.
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, welcomed PM Modi to Abuja after he was invited by President Tinubu of Nigeria. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Minister gave PM Modi the Key to the City of Abuja, which represents the Nigerian people’s honor and trust. “Welcome to Nigeria, Prime Minister Modi,” Tinubu said in a post on X.
In response, PM Modi thanked him, posted pictures of his arrival, and expressed hope that India and Nigeria will become closer allies. PM Modi earlier said, “At the invitation of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it will be my first visit to Nigeria, which is our close partner in the West African region. My visit will be an opportunity to build upon our strategic partnership that is based on shared beliefs in democracy and pluralism. I am also eagerly looking forward to meeting the Indian community and friends from Nigeria who have sent me warm welcome messages in Hindi.”
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