New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday expressed concern over a string of alleged attacks on Africans in the country, saying it would be most unfortunate if the people of India were to “dilute our long tradition of friendship with the people of Africa”.
Addressing the delegates of 7th Annual Heads of Mission Conference, the President said, “It would be most unfortunate if the people of India were to dilute our long tradition of friendship with the people of Africa and the welcome we have always extended to them in our country. African students in India should have no reason to fear for their safety and security.”
“India has had trading relations with African countries and everyone of the 54 countries of Africa has a thriving Indian community doing business, industry etc.”
“We cannot allow these to be jeopardised and create a bad precedent which is not part of the core values of our civilization,” a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement quoted Mr Mukherjee as having told the delegation.
