Shri Balasubramanian, the new Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, has commended the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission for engaging the Diaspora in nation building.
The envoy said this on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the NiDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja.
Balasubramanian said that the commission’s strong link with its Diaspora in the last three years of its establishment towards national building was laudable.
The High Commissioner expressed willingness to collaborate with the Commission to successfully share the Indian Diaspora experience.
He said that the Diaspora was a very positive force to India’s development.
The Diplomat stated that more than 60,000 Indians had made Nigeria their homes across the 36 states of the country, adding that a larger number was residing in Lagos.
The Indian High Commissioner stressed that the relationship between both countries had remained robust and cordial even before Nigeria got her independence.
Balasubramanian said there were more than 135 Indian companies in Nigeria and nearly $20 billion worth of investments were generated in Nigeria.
The High Commissioner said: “Continuity and change is part of life for Indians, while collaboration is a great step to the development of India and Nigeria.”
He said that three to four generations of Indians were in Nigeria and were comfortable with the system.
Responding, Dabiri-Erewa welcomed the partnership and collaboration, saying: “Life is about learning.
“As long as you are a human being, you should always be ready to learn.”
She said there was a lot to learn from India and her Diaspora.
The NiDCOM boss assured Balasubramanian that the new partnership would enhance socio-cultural exchanges and fast track development of the two countries.