Indian Diaspora welcomes PM Modi in Nigeria with slogans of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’

Heartwarming welcome for PM Modi from Indian diaspora in Nigeria

On his first-ever visit to Nigeria, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an enthusiastic and heartfelt welcome from the Indian community in the West African nation. As he arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Sunday, members of the Indian diaspora gathered in large numbers to greet him with slogans of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram.’ The warm reception underscored the deep cultural ties and a strong sense of pride the Indian community shares with their homeland.

In a heartfelt response, PM Modi expressed his gratitude to the diaspora through a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), saying: “Heartwarming to see the Indian community in Nigeria extending such a warm and vibrant welcome!” He went on to praise the community for staying connected to their roots, language, and culture despite being far from home.

During his visit, PM Modi took time to interact with Indian women, children, and men, sharing pictures with them. In another tweet, he acknowledged the enthusiasm of the Marathi community in Nigeria, highlighting their pride in the recognition of Marathi as a Classical Language in India. “It is truly commendable how they remain connected to their culture and roots,” he wrote.

The Nigerian capital, Abuja, was adorned with posters and hoardings of PM Modi ahead of his arrival, with the city visibly excited for the Prime Minister’s visit. PM Modi’s arrival in Abuja marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years, and it is the first leg of his five-day tour to three countries, which will include Brazil and Guyana.

This visit to Nigeria is expected to strengthen the strategic ties between India and Nigeria, with both nations seeking to expand cooperation in key sectors. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally welcomed PM Modi at the airport and expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, calling it an opportunity to deepen bilateral relations between the two nations.

“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 after his arrival. President Tinubu, in a post on social media, expressed his eagerness for their upcoming discussions on expanding the strategic partnership and cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

As part of the ceremonial welcome, PM Modi was presented with the Key to the City of Abuja by Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the Minister for Federal Capital Territory, symbolizing the honor and trust placed in him by the Nigerian people.

“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,” President Tinubu had said earlier.

PM Modi’s visit is expected to further strengthen the growing ties between the two nations, with a focus on sectors such as trade, energy, and security. India and Nigeria share a long history of cooperation, and this visit is seen as an important step towards cementing that relationship in the years to come.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.

The post Indian Diaspora welcomes PM Modi in Nigeria with slogans of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ appeared first on PGurus.