India’s Independence Day was celebrated with enthusiasm across the world. On the occasion of India’s 78th Independence Day on Thursday, many foreign leaders including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken extended their greetings. Indians living all over the world celebrated India’s 78th Independence Day with great enthusiasm on Thursday. Indian Ambassador to China’s capital Beijing Pradeep Kumar hoisted the tricolor at a program organized at the embassy premises, which was attended by members of the Indian community. In the program, the ambassador also read some excerpts from President Draupadi Murmu’s message to the nation.
The Indian Embassy said in a post on the social media platform ‘X’, “The Independence Day celebrations witnessed a vibrant glimpse of Indian culture. Mr. Biwakar Chowdhury (tabla) and Ms. Mee Xuanye (santoor) enthralled the audience with their music.” Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha hoisted the flag at India House in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo. The Bihu dance performance by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) contingent from Assam was a special part of the event. Jha said in a post on ‘X’, “78th Independence Day of India! My heartfelt greetings to all fellow citizens in India, Sri Lanka and around the world.” The flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Indian High Commission premises in Bangladesh.
High Commissioner Pranay Verma hoisted the national flag and read out President Murmu’s address to the nation. The celebrations in Dhaka came amid fast-changing political developments in Bangladesh. In Maldives, High Commissioner Munu Mahawar hoisted the tricolour. He also read out President Murmu’s address to the nation. In Singapore, High Commissioner Shilpak Ambule hoisted the Indian national flag at 8:30 am and read out the President’s message. In Australia, the High Commissioner hoisted the national flag and read out President Murmu’s address to the nation in the presence of NRIs and Mission officials. The Indian High Commission in Canberra said in a post on ‘X’, “As part of the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, High Commissioner Gopal Baglay planted a tree at the High Commission after the Independence Day celebrations. He encouraged the NRIs present at the event to take care of the environment for a better tomorrow!”
Apart from this, Indian missions and NRIs in various countries including Fiji, New Zealand, Nepal and Cambodia also celebrated Independence Day with great enthusiasm. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated the people of India on the occasion of Independence Day and said that relations between the two countries are growing rapidly. Expressing hope for a bright future of US-India strategic relations, Blinken said that the two countries have deep ties based on shared commitment to democracy, freedom and human dignity. Blinken said in a statement issued on Wednesday, “On this important day (India’s Independence Day), we celebrate the rich and diverse history of the people of India and the bright future of US-India relations.” Blinken said, “I wish Happy Independence Day to Indians living in India, America and around the world.”
Most of the leaders of the South Asian neighbours called for lasting friendship and strengthening bilateral ties while congratulating their counterparts. Nepal PM Oli said on social media platform ‘X’, “Hearty congratulations to PM Narendra Modi and the people of India on 78th Independence Day! May this day further strengthen the bond of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. I look forward to taking Nepal-India relations forward.” Nepal’s Foreign Minister Dr Arju Rana Deuba also said on ‘X’, “On the occasion of India’s 78th Independence Day, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to S Jaishankar and the people of India.” Referring to the ties between the two countries, she said, “May the ties of friendship and cooperation between Nepal and India continue to grow stronger. I wish peace, prosperity and progress for the people of India.”
Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said on X, “Heartiest greetings to the Government and people of India on Independence Day. May the special friendship between Bhutan and India grow stronger.” Maldives President Muizzu said on X, “On the occasion of India’s Independence Day, I extend my heartiest congratulations to President Draupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India.” He said, “Our enduring friendship has deepened with the promotion of prosperity and development in Maldives and the region… I am confident that our partnership will grow stronger, leading to mutual prosperity and achieving shared goals.” Indian High Commissioner to Singapore Dr. Shilpak Ambule celebrated Independence Day with 1,100 members of the Indian community at the Chancery Complex here. The High Commissioner hoisted the Indian national flag at 8:30 am and read out the message issued by the President to the Indian community and local leaders here. On this occasion, students of Indian schools sang patriotic songs and performed dances. During this time, Indian cuisine was served to the people.
