Global leaders celebrate India’s 78th Independence Day

Commuters walk on a street decorated with Indian national flags during the country's Independence Day celebrations in Kolkata, India, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)
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Leaders from around the globe, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin, extended their greetings to India as it marked its 78th Independence Day on Thursday. Leaders from South Asian neighbouring countries highlighted historical friendships and stronger bilateral relations in their messages, while those from other regions focused on strategic ties and regional ethos.

French President Macron, in a message on X, reminisced about his warm welcome during his January visit to India, expressing eagerness to collaborate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on ambitious goals within their strategic partnership. Russian President Putin sent greetings to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, emphasising the privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India. He expressed confidence that recent agreements from talks in Moscow would further develop Russian-Indian cooperation, which serves the interests of both nations and contributes to international stability.

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Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also congratulated India on X, noting India’s significant role in international affairs. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni shared a picture with Modi, extending heartfelt wishes to the Indian people and highlighting the growing bond between Italy and India. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz praised India’s diversity and unity, sending warm wishes in both English and Hindi.

UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth, David Lammy, congratulated Indians worldwide on their 77th Independence anniversary, noting the strength of the UK-India relationship seen in Delhi. UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum called India’s celebration a testament to its developmental journey, expressing commitment to reinforcing UAE-India friendship and cooperation.

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Nepal’s Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba both extended warm congratulations to India, hoping to strengthen bilateral ties. Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay sent his best wishes, emphasising the special friendship between Bhutan and India. Maldives’ President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer celebrated the enduring partnership between the two countries.

Jammu Kashmir Armed Polce soldiers march during India's Independence Day celebrations, in Jammu, India, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024. India gained its independence from British colonial rule on this day in 1947.(AP Photo/Channi Anand).
Image Courtesy of Associated Press.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister M U M Ali Sabry expressed confidence in the strengthening of bilateral ties with India. Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and Foreign Minister Maneesh Gobin honoured the relationship between their nations, using Hindi slogans to signify their message.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the deep bond between the US and India, built on shared values of democracy and freedom. Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan looked forward to the 60th anniversary of Singapore-India ties next year. Other leaders, including Iran’s acting Foreign Minister Bagher Kani, Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, also sent their greetings.

Former President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid expressed gratitude for India’s support in the Indian Ocean region, wishing for the enduring friendship between India and Maldives.

Various Ministries of Foreign Affairs from countries like Egypt, Ukraine, Malaysia, Bulgaria, Serbia, North Macedonia, Iran, Armenia, Georgia, Cyprus, Estonia, Oman, Romania, Iceland, and Latvia also conveyed their congratulations on their official X handles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions asked about this news

What did French President Macron say on India’s Independence Day?

Macron expressed his eagerness to work with Prime Minister Modi on their strategic partnership.

What was Russian President Putin’s message to India?

Putin emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership and recent agreements between Russia and India.

How did the UAE Prime Minister congratulate India?

He praised India’s developmental journey and reinforced the commitment to bilateral cooperation and friendship.

What did the US Secretary of State say about US-India relations?

Antony Blinken highlighted the shared commitment to democracy, freedom, and human dignity between the two countries.

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