Rajnath Singh, India's defence minister, championed India’s growing global stature, attributing it to the country’s burgeoning economy and proactive governmental initiatives.

Speaking to the Indian Diaspora in Nigeria on Tuesday,  May 29, Rajnath Singh emphasised the growing importance of the Indian Diaspora globally, praised the Indian community there, and expressed confidence in their ability to protect India's reputation.

The minister emphasised India's ambitious "Aatmanirbharta" initiative for national self-reliance while highlighting the country's outstanding achievements in the field of defence exports. Singh emphasised the "Make in India, Make for the World" mission and praised the nation's military services for their effectiveness in overcoming dangers and difficulties.

The focus of  Rajnath Singh’s visit to Abuja was to participate in the inauguration ceremony of Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu. With over 50,000 Indians residing in Nigeria, Indian-run enterprises have grown into substantial employment sources within the nation.

“Rajnath Singh hld meetings with representatives from the Nigerian industry and the Armed Forces to identify the equipment and platforms, through which the Indian defence industry can support the country’s requirements.”  

The Indian diaspora in Nigeria has a long and significant history, dating back to the early 20th century. The Indian community in Nigeria is one of the largest and oldest expatriate communities in the country. Over the years, Indians have made significant contributions to various sectors of Nigerian society, including commerce, industry, education, and healthcare. Nigeria has an estimated 50,000 members of the Indian Diaspora. 

Many Indians in Nigeria are engaged in business and trade, particularly in the areas of textiles, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and information technology. They have established successful enterprises, ranging from small businesses to large corporations, and have played a crucial role in the economic development of Nigeria.

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