The Federal Government has extolled the government and people of the Republic of India on the country’s 76th Republic Day anniversary celebration.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, described January 26 as a “very important day” in the history of India.
Tuggar added in the statement, signed by the acting spokesman of the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, that India commemorates the adoption of its constitution on Jan. 26, 1950.
This, he said, marked the country’s transition to a sovereign republic.
Tuggar congratulated Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India, on the journey so far.
Tuggar pointed out that India and Nigeria have witnessed a long history of cooperation and collaboration in various areas.
He added that the countries have equally worked closely on a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing political and economic prosperity.
“Both countries share certain similarities such as multi-religious, multi-lingual and multi-ethnicity societies.
“It is, therefore, a great honour to extend our very sincere wishes to the government and people of India, the largest democracy in the world, on the auspicious occasion of your Republic Day.
“The Government of Nigeria appreciates the excellent relations between our two countries and the efforts we are making to build on these firm foundations for the benefit of our people.
“We, therefore, wish the government and the people of the Republic of India peace, prosperity, progress and Nigeria’s continuing friendship and support,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria and India have maintained strong ties and strategic partnerships in global affairs since the establishment of diplomatic relations decades ago.
The areas of cooperation include trade, education, healthcare and technology among others. (NAN)
