Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacted with the Indian diaspora in Nigeria, at an event organised by the Indian High Commission in Abuja on Monday. The event was attended by the Indian community not just from Abuja, but also from other cities of Nigeria such as Lagos.
Singh was at the event after attending the swearing-in ceremony of the President of Nigeria Bola Tinubu. Nigeria is home to more than 50,000 Indians. Indian-owned/operated companies and businesses are among the largest employers in Nigeria.
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh interacted w/ the Indian community in Nigeria at an event organised by Indian High Commission, Abuja on May 29, 2023. The interaction was part of Raksha Mantri’s 3-day visit to the West African nation.@giridhararamane@india_nigeria@PIB_India pic.twitter.com/WcDTn9xGVW
— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) May 30, 2023
In his address to the members of the Indian community in the country, Singh spoke about the increasing importance of India on the world stage owing to its fast-expanding economy and progressive government actions. He highlighted the growing stature of the Indian diaspora abroad and appreciated the positive contribution made by the Indian community in Nigeria, expressing confidence that they will continue to keep the Indian flag flying high.
The Defence Minister also emphasised the government’s focus on ‘Aatmanirbharta’ and the significant progress made in defence exports in recent years towards achieving the objective of ‘Make in India, Make for the World’. He lauded the capabilities of the Armed Forces in effectively countering any threat or challenge from adversaries.
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh attending the swearing-in ceremony of the Nigerian President-elect Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu. A testimony of the importance India attaches to relations with Nigeria.@giridhararamane@india_nigeria@PIB_India pic.twitter.com/gdXxQ4eBQZ
— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) May 30, 2023
Later, Singh interacted with the senior Nigerian dignitaries, including the Chief Justice and Acting Minister of Defence, at the dinner hosted by the Indian High Commissioner.
