AWC Diplomatic Desk
Nigeria has joined the Government and people of India in celebrating the 77th Republic Day of India, reinforcing long-standing cultural and diplomatic ties between both nations at an event hosted by the High Commission of India in Abuja.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, represented Nigeria at the celebration, where she highlighted the shared democratic ideals, cultural depth and historical connections that bind Africa’s largest democracy with the world’s most populous nation.
Speaking from a public and cultural diplomacy perspective, Musawa noted that Nigeria is deepening engagement with India through culture, film, tourism and creative industry collaboration, leveraging the soft-power strengths of both countries to drive people-to-people relations and economic opportunity.
She emphasized that ongoing cooperation between Nollywood and Bollywood, tourism exchanges, and creative sector partnerships align with Nigeria’s broader strategy to expand its creative economy, create jobs and project Nigerian culture globally.
Observers say the celebration reflects a growing recognition of culture as a performance driver in diplomacy, with Nigeria and India using creative exchange to strengthen bilateral relations beyond traditional trade and politics.
As Nigeria pursues diversification through arts, culture and tourism, engagements such as the Republic Day celebration underscore how cultural diplomacy is increasingly shaping foreign relations, reinforcing mutual respect and shared values between Abuja and New Delhi.
