India reiterates commitment to promoting democracy, women’s empowerment

The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Abhishek Singh, on Monday, reiterated his country’s commitment to democracy, national unity, and women’s empowerment.

Singh reiterated this during the unfurling of the Indian national flag to mark the country’s 77th Republic Day, in Abuja.

While delivering the Republic Day address of the President of India, Mrs Droupadi Murmu, the high commissioner reflected on the Southeast Asian country’s democratic journey since the adoption of its Constitution on January 26, 1950.

He highlighted the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in the Indian Constitution, describing them as the foundation of the world’s largest democracy.

The envoy also emphasised the role of women in nation-building, highlighting their increasing contributions across governance, the economy, science, sports, entrepreneurship, and the armed forces.

The President’s address further acknowledged the contributions of farmers, workers, youth, security personnel, and overseas Indians in strengthening India’s democratic institutions and national development.

Following the flag unfurling ceremony, Singh, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said that celebrating India’s Republic Day in Nigeria reflected the strong bond between both countries.

“Celebrating our Republic Day in a friendly country like Nigeria gives me immense joy.

“It reflects the shared democratic values between the world’s largest democracy and Africa’s largest democracy,” he said.

The high commissioner expressed appreciation to the government and people of Nigeria for their hospitality to the Indian community.

Singh said women’s empowerment remained a central pillar of India’s development agenda, adding that the country would continue to promote inclusive growth and women-led development.

He reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Nigeria, expressing confidence in the continued expansion of bilateral cooperation across key sectors.

The envoy noted that India and Nigeria, as the world’s and Africa’s largest democracies respectively, shared common values and aspirations and would continue to deepen collaboration in the years ahead.

An entrepreneur from the Indian community in Nigeria, Mr Sriram Venkateswaram, described the celebration of India’s Republic Day in Nigeria as symbolic.

“From the world’s largest democracy to Africa’s largest democracy, it is a great feeling to celebrate Republic Day in Nigeria,” he said.

“Nigeria has welcomed us warmly and treated us like brothers and sisters.”

Also speaking, Mrs Ritu Pathak, President of the Indian Women Empowerment Association (IWEA) in Nigeria, described the host country as a second home for many of their families.

“We have lived here for decades. Our children grew up here. Nigeria is home for us,” she said.

On women’s empowerment, she said that Indian women living in Nigeria work closely with their Nigerian counterparts.

“Nigerian women are our co-sisters. We work together, empower one another, and grow together,” Pathak said.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Indian community n Nigeria.