Spectre of racism against African nationals in India a cause for concern
The India-Africa Summit, which concluded on Thursday, may have forged greater links between both sides, but the spectre of racism against African nationals in the country remains a cause for concern, said Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.
In an exclusive interview to NDTV, President Buhari said that the attacks on Nigerian nationals in India, as well as racist comments against them were "unfortunate" and exposed the mindset of those perpetrating it.
"Look at the type of people (those practicing racism) and their standards of society. When they (the victims) see that, they shouldn't bother", he said.
Last year, Aam Aadmi Party lawmaker Somnath Bharti, then the Law Minister of Delhi, led a controversial midnight 'raid' targeting Nigerian women in his constituency in South Delhi, in a move that drew widespread criticism.
"(Racism) is the state of mind of people, individuals which a nation state cannot absolutely control. So I don't think people should be preoccupied if somebody says 'get away you black man' or whatever," said Mr Buhari.
In April this year, union minister Giriraj Singh drew flak for his remarks deeply racist comments about Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. "If Rajiv Gandhi had married a Nigerian lady and not a white-skinned woman, then would the Congress have accepted her leadership?," Mr Singh had asked.
The Nigerian Embassy in Delhi had issued a statement, condemning the comment.
When asked what he thought of the BJP leader's remarks, President Buhari said, "I think I better allow the diplomats to sort it out."