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I did not come alone… brought with me fragrance of Indian soil: PM Modi in Nigeria

Highlighting that Mahatma Gandhi had spent a considerable time in Africa, Modi said, “India is the mother of democracy while Nigeria is the biggest democracy of Africa.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi being welcomed by members of the Indian community in Nigeria’s Abuja on Sunday. (PTI)

Calling democracy, diversity and strength of demography as common factors between India and Nigeria, PM Narendra Modi Sunday underlined that the Indian diaspora has always been with Nigeria through its thick and thin. “You are happy with the progress of India, and because of your progress, the chest of every Indian swells with pride, and mine becomes 56 inches,” he said.

At an event in Abuja, attended by thousands of diaspora members and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Modi said that although this was his first visit to Nigeria as the PM, he did not come alone. He said, “I have brought with me the fragrance of Indian soil and many good wishes for all of you on behalf of crores of Indians.” NSA Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri were also present.

“When it comes to furthering growth, prosperity and democracy, India is a ray of hope for the world,” he said.

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Highlighting that Mahatma Gandhi had spent a considerable time in Africa, Modi said the people of India and Nigeria had left no stone unturned in their freedom struggles. “India is the mother of democracy while Nigeria is the biggest democracy of Africa,” he said.

Read | Modi in Nigeria: ‘We give high priority to our strategic ties’

Talking about Nigeria as a big centre for the future growth of Africa, Modi said in the last five years, 18 new embassies have been started in Africa. Touching upon the diversity in Nigeria, Modi said that he expressed gratitude of Indians to the Nigerian government for their support in building of temples. “You people become happy with India’s growth and every Indian takes pride in your growth… I thank the President and the people of Nigeria for the kind of welcome that I have received is incredible. President Tinubu honoured me with Nigeria’s National award, today, it’s not an honour to Modi but crores of the citizens of India,” he said.

Divya A

Divya A reports on travel, tourism, culture and social issues - not necessarily in that order - for The Indian Express. She's been a journalist for over a decade now, working with Khaleej Times and The Times of India, before settling down at Express. Besides writing/ editing news reports, she indulges her pen to write short stories. As Sanskriti Prabha Dutt Fellow for Excellence in Journalism, she is researching on the lives of the children of sex workers in India. ... Read More

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