PM Modi Receives Grand Welcome In Nigeria, Presented With 'Key to the City' Of Abuja

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with 'Key to the City' of Abuja as he arrived in Nigeria on the first leg of his three-nation visit at the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This visit is the first by an Indian prime minister to Nigeria in 17 years.PM Modi was presented the 'Key to the City' by Minister for Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Ezenwo Wike."The key symbolises the trust and honour bestowed on the prime minister by the people of Nigeria," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a late-night post on X.The MEA also shared pictures of the prime minister being welcomed to the country. Several Indian expatriates were seen at the airport to welcome the Prime Minister. The PM was greeted with a traditional Laavni dance, shortly after he stepped out of the plane. PM Modi shared pictures of himself deplaning upon his arrival and greeting the dignitaries and the people who had gathered at the airport."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," he said in the post.In a series of posts later, Modi shared more pictures of his welcome in Abuja.He said in one post, "Heartwarming to see the Indian community in Nigeria extending such a warm and vibrant welcome!"

Some more glimpses from the welcome in Abuja, Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/TT7ZwxrsYW

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 16, 2024

In another post, he 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."Marathi was among several languages granted classical status by the Union Cabinet last month.This is Modi's first-ever visit to the West African Region. He is on a five-day visit to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana. From Nigeria, he will travel to Brazil.In his departure statement, Modi said his visit would provide an opportunity to "build upon our strategic partnership that is based on shared belief in democracy and pluralism".In Brazil, he will attend the 19th G20 Summit as a Troika member.Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden will be among the leaders to attend the summit in Rio de Janeiro on November 18-19.India is part of the G20 Troika along with Brazil and South Africa.In the third and final leg of his trip, Modi will visit Guyana from November 19 to 21 at the invitation of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali. It will be the first-ever visit of an Indian prime minister to Guyana in more than 50 years.With inputs from PTI