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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In his address, Ambassador Srivastava reflected on the strides India has made over the past 75 years since its transition into a republic, acknowledging the sacrifices that made this progress possible. He stated, “Republic Day is an occasion when we can pay tribute and homage to the founders of our nation, their contributions, and take inspiration from them.” Highlighting the inclusive social and political system India has developed, he emphasized the nation’s commitment to integrating people from diverse backgrounds and forging a path toward collective growth.

The ceremony saw a significant turnout of Indian nationals residing in Nepal, who gathered to celebrate the occasion. A special moment of connection came with the screening of the Republic Day address by Indian President Droupadi Murmu, which resonated deeply with the attendees.

The event also featured symbolic gestures of goodwill and solidarity. Ambassador Srivastava distributed books to educational institutions in Nepal, underscoring the importance of education in fostering bilateral ties. Additionally, insurance amounts were provided to the families of fallen Gurkha soldiers who served in India’s armed forces, honoring their sacrifice and service.

Cultural performances added to the festivities, with students from the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre of the Embassy and Kendriya Vidyalaya School in Kathmandu presenting patriotic songs and dances that celebrated India’s heritage.

The occasion was marked by warm greetings from Nepal’s leadership. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli extended his congratulations to India on the 76th Republic Day via Twitter, expressing hope for strengthened ties between the two nations. Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba also offered her best wishes, underscoring the longstanding friendship between India and Nepal, built on shared history, mutual respect, and collaboration in various sectors.

The celebration of India’s Republic Day in Nepal highlighted the enduring friendship between the two countries and the importance of continued cooperation for a prosperous future.

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As the tricolor fluttered high in the sky, a thunderous 21-gun salute rang out with the firing of 105-mm Light Field Guns, an indigenous weapon system that symbolizes India’s military prowess. The President was joined by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the chief guest for the occasion, in a grand ceremonial procession. The two heads of state were escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, India’s senior-most regiment, as they arrived in the iconic ‘traditional buggy,’ a ceremonial practice that had been revived in 2024 after a 40-year hiatus.

The parade at Kartavya Path was a visual feast, starting with a stirring rendition of “Sare Jahan Se Achha” played by 300 cultural artists using traditional musical instruments from across the country. The ensemble included the Shehnai, Sundari, Nadaswaram, Been, and Mashak Been, along with instruments like the Ransingha, dhol, gong, and Thavil, among others. This blend of regional sounds resonated with the unity and diverse culture of the Indian subcontinent, capturing the hearts of millions across the nation.

One of the most poignant moments of the day was the recognition of gallantry award winners. The Param Vir Chakra, the highest wartime honor, was awarded to Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar (Retd). Lt Col Jas Ram Singh (Retd) was honored with the Ashok Chakra for his bravery and sacrifice. These heroes of the nation reminded everyone of the supreme courage displayed by the men and women of India’s armed forces.

In a solemn tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, located at the iconic India Gate. Following this, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries proceeded to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade in all its glory.

In an unprecedented move, this year’s celebrations also saw around 10,000 special guests invited to witness the parade. These guests, from diverse backgrounds, represented the many faces of a vibrant and progressive India. Their inclusion was in line with the government’s goal to enhance ‘Jan Bhagidari’ or public participation in national events, showcasing individuals who have excelled in various fields and made the most of government schemes.

For the first time, a tri-services tableau highlighted the spirit of jointness and integration among India’s armed forces. The tableau, themed ‘Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat’ (Empowered and Secure India), depicted a Joint Operations Room designed to improve communication and coordination across the three services – Army, Navy, and Air Force – emphasizing India’s military modernization.

The Republic Day festivities will conclude with the ‘Beating Retreat Ceremony’ on January 29 at Vijay Chowk. This age-old military tradition marks the cessation of battle at sunset, symbolizing the soldiers’ return to camp as they sheath their arms. For the first time in history, only Indian tunes will be played by the participating military bands, underlining the country’s rich musical heritage.

This year’s Republic Day celebrations were a powerful reminder of India’s unwavering commitment to unity, progress, and the valor of its armed forces, with a vivid display of cultural diversity that painted a hopeful picture of a resurgent nation.

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This marks President Subianto’s first state visit to India since assuming the presidency in October 2024, following his inauguration. His visit highlights the deepening ties between the two nations, which have shared a long history of friendship and cooperation across various domains.

According to a statement by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), “India and Indonesia share warm and friendly ties spanning over millennia. As a Comprehensive Strategic Partner, Indonesia is an important pillar in India’s Act East Policy and our vision of the Indo-Pacific.” This reflects the strategic importance of Indonesia in India’s foreign policy, especially in the context of regional and global dynamics.

The visit is expected to provide a platform for both leaders to review the progress of bilateral relations and discuss issues of mutual concern, both in regional and global contexts. The two countries are also celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations, further emphasizing the enduring strength of their partnership.

Prime Minister Modi and President Subianto previously met during the G20 Summit in Rio in 2024, where they reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship within the framework of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both leaders expressed their desire to celebrate the 75-year milestone in a fitting manner, reinforcing their dedication to deepening cooperation across various sectors.

President Subianto has been a key figure in Indonesia’s leadership, having assumed office in October 2024 following a successful election campaign. In his previous role as Indonesia’s Defense Minister, he had visited India in 2020, underscoring the importance of defense and strategic ties between the two nations. His first official visit to India as president is expected to focus on strengthening this collaboration further.

The Indo-Indonesian relationship continues to grow in significance, with both nations committed to enhancing cooperation in areas such as defense, trade, technology, and cultural exchanges. As the two countries celebrate the enduring ties between them, President Subianto’s visit will undoubtedly mark a new chapter in this longstanding partnership.

The Indonesian leader’s presence at India’s Republic Day celebrations is a gesture of the growing diplomatic engagement between the two countries and serves as a reminder of their shared vision for peace, prosperity, and regional stability.

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How to Obtain Passes:

Passes for the Full Dress Rehearsal can be obtained free of charge by registering through the Aamantran Portal or mobile app. To access the portal, visit aamantran.mod.gov.in, or download the Aamantran app from the Mobile Seva App Store. Alternatively, users can scan the available QR code to directly access the registration page.

Registration Details:

The registration process for obtaining passes commenced on January 13, 2025, and will remain open until January 17, 2025, or until all available passes for the event are claimed. Given the high demand for tickets to the Republic Day celebrations, it is advisable for interested individuals to complete their registration promptly.

Encouraging Public Participation:

This initiative is part of the Ministry of Defence’s effort to foster greater public engagement with the Republic Day celebrations. By offering free passes to the Full Dress Rehearsal, the government hopes to allow more citizens to witness the scale and preparation behind one of the country’s most significant national events. The Full Dress Rehearsal is a major part of the Republic Day festivities, offering a preview of the parade that includes vibrant performances, military displays, and cultural presentations, which will be seen again on January 26, 2025.

Further Information:

For more details about the Republic Day events and other related information, visit the official website at rashtraparv.mod.gov.in.

The Ministry of Defence invites citizens to register and be a part of this monumental occasion as India celebrates its 75th Republic Day in 2025.

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