The Head of Chancery, Indian High Commission in Lagos, Mr. Vyas Choudhary on Saturday expressed satisfaction at the growing relationship between Nigeria and his country.

Choudhary spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at a ceremony to mark India’s 69th Independence Day at the country’s High Commission in Lagos.

He revealed his government’s plan to increase bilateral relations with Nigeria in the years ahead.

He said that his government ‘strongly sees Nigeria as an important ally in Africa’ and would continue to sustain its areas of cooperation with Nigeria.

Choudhary said that the celebration in Lagos and Abuja was to strengthen India and Nigeria cultural relations.

“We are all gathered here today in Lagos, just as is also being done in Abuja, to celebrate our country’s 69th Independence Day.

“This day is very significant to all Indian sons and daughters, whether at home or abroad. This day, we remember and reflect on the great sacrifices made by freedom fighters.

“This day also affords us the opportunity to interact with and showcase our culture to our Nigerian friends,” he said

President of Indian Universities Alumni Association in Nigeria, Dr. Collins Onyeze also said that the celebration of the country’s anniversary was a demonstration of the importance Indians attached to Nigeria.

Onyeze urged the Muhammadu Buhari administration to urgently begin to look at the possibility of encouraging technology transfer from India.

“I have always been an advocate of promoting India and Nigeria relations. Indians strongly believe in having win-win relations with Nigeria.

“There are lots of things for Nigeria and Nigerians to learn from India. There should be an urgent negotiation between both governments in the area of technology transfer.”

NAN reports that no fewer than 450 India nationals were present at the ceremony, which was flagged-off with the hoisting of the country’s national flag.

The nationals include children, men and women clad in different Indian dresses and smears that reflected their culture. (NAN)

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