INDIAN Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, November 17, reached Nigeria on his first-ever visit to the African nation and the Indian community there turned up in big numbers to give him a warm welcome. They chanted ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ (Hail Mother India) and ‘Vande Mataram’ (India’s National Song) at the airport in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.
Modi, who is the first Indian prime minister to set foot in the West African nation in 17 years and will engage with the country’s top leadership to strengthen bilateral ties, thanked the Indian diaspora and wrote in a post on X, “Heartwarming to see the Indian community in Nigeria extending such a warm and vibrant welcome!”
He is on a three-nation tour that comprises Brazil and Guyana besides Nigeria.
Some more glimpses from the welcome in Abuja, Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/TT7ZwxrsYW
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 16, 2024
The Indian PM also praised the Indian nationals living in Nigeria for remaining connected with their roots and culture. He also spoke with a number of Indian women, children and men and got himself pictured with them. He also received gifts and gave autographs.
Modi hails Marathi community in Nigeria
In another post, Modi said, “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.”
He was felicitated by Maharashtra Mandal Residents Association of Nigeria.
Thank you, President Tinubu.
Landed a short while ago in Nigeria. Grateful for the warm welcome. May this visit deepen the bilateral friendship between our nations. @officialABAT https://t.co/hlRiwj1XnV pic.twitter.com/iVW1Pr60Zi
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 16, 2024
Posters and banners were seen installed across Abuja welcoming PM Modi on Saturday, November 16, as the Indian prime minister left the Indian shores.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who invited the Indian PM, received him at the airport and the latter thanked him, saying on X, “Landed a short while ago in Nigeria. Grateful for the warm welcome. May this visit deepen the bilateral friendship between our nations.”
Thank you, President Tinubu.
Landed a short while ago in Nigeria. Grateful for the warm welcome. May this visit deepen the bilateral friendship between our nations. @officialABAT https://t.co/hlRiwj1XnV pic.twitter.com/iVW1Pr60Zi
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 16, 2024
Ahead of welcoming the Indian prime minister, Tinubu said, “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.”
At the airport, Nigeria’s Minister for Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Ezenwo Wike accorded Modi a unique welcome by presenting him with the Key to the City of Abuja, symbolizing the Nigerian people’s trust and honor, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said.
Modi had said before his visit to the West African nation that his visit would be an opportunity to build upon the two countries’ Strategic Partnership “based on shared belief in democracy and pluralism”.
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