Strengthening Ties with Neighbors

In a gesture of appreciation, PM Modi thanked Nepal’s Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli, for his congratulations, which celebrated both India’s 75th year as a Republic and the long-standing friendship between the two nations. Modi’s response emphasized the historical ties and expressed confidence that the relationship would only grow stronger in the future. Oli’s message to India had highlighted the importance of democracy and unity, reinforcing the shared values between the two nations.

Similarly, Modi expressed gratitude to Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu for his Republic Day greetings. In his response, the Prime Minister underscored the enduring partnership between India and the Maldives, reaffirming a shared commitment to deepening cooperation in both bilateral and strategic areas. Muizzu had also celebrated the mutual trust and respect between the nations, promising to further strengthen the partnership.

PM Modi also responded warmly to Bhutan’s Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, acknowledging the unique and special relationship between India and Bhutan. In his message, Modi thanked Tobgay for his Republic Day wishes and expressed his appreciation for Bhutan’s spirit of unity and collaboration. Tobgay’s congratulatory message to India highlighted India’s global inspiration and its role as a beacon of democracy.

Broader Regional Appreciation

Apart from the heads of state in neighboring countries, PM Modi also thanked former Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and former Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih for their kind messages. Modi reiterated the strong ties of friendship between India and these nations, further exemplifying the importance of regional solidarity.

A Celebration of Culture and Unity

India’s 76th Republic Day was celebrated with grandeur at New Delhi’s Kartavya Path, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage and military prowess. The event featured more than 30 tableaux from 16 state governments, Union Territories, and ministries, all reflecting this year’s theme of ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’ (Golden India: Heritage and Development).

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the distinguished chief guest at this year’s Republic Day celebrations. The event, attended by over 10,000 special guests, recognized the key figures behind India’s journey towards ‘Swarnim Bharat’ and highlighted India’s commitment to progress and strengthening international partnerships.

In his thank-you notes to global leaders, PM Modi encapsulated India’s growing influence on the world stage, where democracy, unity, and enduring partnerships form the foundation of its foreign policy. The 76th Republic Day not only celebrated India’s national achievements but also the bonds that continue to unite nations across the globe.

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France’s Message of Friendship and Progress

The French Embassy in India took to social media to share its warm greetings, expressing, “On this 76th Republic Day, France extends its best wishes to India and its people. We celebrate your rich heritage and join in your commitment to further progress and prosperity in the years ahead.” The French message highlighted the enduring partnership between the two nations and the shared values of democracy and freedom.

Brazil’s Heartfelt Congratulations

The Embassy of Brazil in India sent a message of goodwill, saying, “On this special occasion of India’s 76th Republic Day, we extend our warmest congratulations to the people of India. Your country’s remarkable journey toward democracy and its growth on the global stage inspire us all.” The message reflected Brazil’s appreciation of India’s democratic values and its strengthening ties with the South American nation.

South Africa Celebrates with Cultural Festivities

In South Africa, the High Commission of India in Pretoria organized a festive celebration, featuring a stunning “Bhangra” folk dance performance. The event, attended by South African dignitaries and members of the Indian community, was a true reflection of India’s cultural richness. The High Commission posted a message on social media, noting, “We celebrate this important day with the people of South Africa, as we honor India’s journey toward a democratic and inclusive society.”

UAE Recognizes India’s Progressive Path

The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi marked the occasion by unfurling the Indian tricolor. Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir emphasized India’s evolving relationship with the UAE, highlighting the transformation in bilateral ties in recent years. The Embassy’s message underscored the day’s importance, stating, “Republic Day serves as a reminder of our nation’s devotion to constitutional principles and the sacrifices made for our democratic future.”

Nepal’s Warm Felicitations

Nepal’s Embassy in India also shared its best wishes, posting a message that read, “On the occasion of India’s 76th Republic Day, we extend our warm felicitations to the Government and people of India. This day symbolizes India’s resilience and its continuous path toward prosperity.” Nepal’s gesture reflected the longstanding friendship between the two neighboring nations.

Russia Honors India’s Republic Day

The Russian Embassy in India joined the global chorus of congratulations, offering a message that celebrated India’s achievements. The Embassy wrote, “The Russian Embassy in India congratulates all Indian friends on the occasion of Republic Day. We recognize India’s steadfast democratic journey and the role it plays in shaping global discussions.”

China Offers Congratulations

China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, shared a message of goodwill, stating, “The Chinese Embassy in India extends heartfelt congratulations to all of India’s citizens on this important day.” The greeting was a reminder of the shared history and the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

Uzbekistan Celebrates with Cultural Performances

The Indian Embassy in Uzbekistan also marked the occasion with a cultural celebration, including lively performances by the Indian community. Ambassador Smita Pant unfurled the national flag, while sharing excerpts from the President’s Republic Day speech. The Embassy’s post expressed, “We celebrate India’s achievements and democratic values with friends and fellow Indians in Uzbekistan.”

Cambodia’s Tributes to India

In Cambodia, the Indian Embassy hosted a traditional celebration featuring the singing of the national anthem and cultural performances by members of the Indian diaspora. The Embassy’s message expressed, “On this 76th Republic Day, we honor India’s remarkable democratic journey and extend our warm wishes to all citizens of India.”

Vietnam Joins in the Global Celebration

The Indian Embassy in Vietnam, too, marked the Republic Day with flag hoisting and cultural performances. The Embassy’s message read, “As we celebrate Republic Day in Vietnam, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the bond between India and Vietnam, celebrating our shared democratic values and the achievements of India.”

Czech Embassy Celebrates India’s Unity

The Czech Embassy in India expressed admiration for India’s Constitution and its guiding principles, posting a message on social media: “The Czech Embassy in New Delhi extends warm wishes to India on its Republic Day, celebrating the spirit of unity, democracy, and the enduring strength of the nation’s constitution.”

Australia’s Message of Partnership

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong sent her greetings to India, highlighting the importance of the India-Australia relationship in the Indo-Pacific region. In a post, she wrote, “On behalf of the people of Australia, I wish India a very happy Republic Day. We are proud of our growing partnership and will continue to work with India for a peaceful and stable region.”

Japan Honors India with Patriotic Celebrations

In Japan, the Indian Embassy celebrated Republic Day with a ceremony that included the unfurling of the tricolor by Ambassador Sibi George. The Embassy shared that the celebration also featured renditions of patriotic songs by children from Indian schools, capturing the attention of the large gathering of Indian community members and their friends. Japan posted on social media, saying, “We extend our warm congratulations to India on its Republic Day, honoring its democratic spirit and rich cultural diversity.”

United States Reflects on the India-US Relationship

In the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent his wishes to India, recognizing the deepening relationship between the two countries. He stated, “The United States congratulates India on its Republic Day, celebrating the adoption of the Indian Constitution, which remains the foundation of the world’s largest democracy. We value our strong and growing partnership with India.”

Indonesia’s Special Invitation

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto attended India’s Republic Day celebrations as the Chief Guest. His presence underscored the deep and enduring relationship between the two nations. The day’s events, marked by a grand display of military strength, cultural diversity, and India’s achievements, symbolized the nation’s journey as the world’s largest democracy.

As India celebrated its 76th Republic Day, these global tributes reflected a shared appreciation for India’s democratic values, its progress, and its role in shaping the future of global diplomacy. The warm wishes from embassies worldwide highlighted the unity and mutual respect that India continues to inspire across the globe.

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As the first-ever Track 1.5 Dialogue centered on technology policy and international partnerships, the ‘Technology Dialogue’ aims to foster deeper collaboration on a range of vital topics. The theme for this year’s dialogue is “Exploring New Frontiers in Technology Diplomacy.” Over the two-day event, policymakers, industry leaders, scientists, and scholars will convene to discuss India’s role in shaping the future of global technology. Key areas of focus include quantum advancements, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, space exploration, and bioeconomy.

This dialogue comes at a time when technology and innovation are playing an increasingly central role in shaping international relations. The event will build on the momentum seen at global leadership-level summits such as the G20, GPAI, and iCET, where the importance of technology has dominated the agendas of major international forums and bilateral engagements.

By bringing together experts and stakeholders from across the world, the Technology Dialogue aims to create synergies that can drive both global progress and socio-technological advancements. It serves as a unique platform to discuss the critical role that technology plays in shaping global economic and social landscapes, while also showcasing India’s thriving tech and science ecosystem.

The inaugural session, set for January 24, will address “India’s International Technology Engagement Framework.” Esteemed dignitaries including Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology; Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India; Dr. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairperson and Managing Director of Biocon; Prof. G. W. Diector of IISc Bengaluru; and Prof. G.K. Ananthasuresh, Professor and Dean of the Division of Mechanical Sciences at IISc, will share their insights on India’s technology diplomacy and future global collaborations.

This groundbreaking event is expected to lay the foundation for future technology-driven partnerships, further solidifying India’s position as a key player in the global tech arena.

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