Indians around the world celebrated the nation’s 80th Independence Day on Saturday, holding festivities at Indian missions and in various diaspora communities. Events spanned from the Pacific islands and East Asia to Europe, the Gulf, and the Americas, with flag-hoisting ceremonies, the singing of national anthems, and cultural performances highlighting the day.

In many places, local governments and organisations joined in the commemorations, promoting a sense of unity. Notably, the “Suryapath Tiranga” initiative saw the Tricolour being raised consecutively at Indian missions worldwide, starting in Fiji and concluding in San Francisco, in line with the broader “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign.

In Wellington, New Zealand, the Indian High Commissioner Muanpuii Saiawi led over 500 attendees in the festivities, reading the President’s address and inviting everyone to join in singing “Vande Mataram” and the national anthem, while also recognising local art competition winners.

Cultural Activities and Community Engagement

The celebrations had significant cultural components, as seen in Tokyo, Japan, where school students and community members performed patriotic songs to honour those who fought for India’s freedom. The Indian mission highlighted that Japanese media provided considerable coverage of the event, showcasing the community’s engagement.

In Beijing, Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami hosted a celebration attended by community members despite inclement weather, inviting individuals to raise the national flag and participate in the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign through selfies and sharing their experiences. Similarly, Moscow’s festivities included floral tributes at the Gandhi statue, wherein attendees sang “Vande Mataram” and enjoyed cultural performances, along with a bike rally organised by the local Indian community.

Berlin’s celebrations featured musical performances that blended traditional and contemporary influences, highlighting India’s cultural richness. In Rome and Geneva, cultural presentations and participation from more than 500 attendees further illustrated the strong presence of the Indian diaspora in engaging with their heritage.

International Greetings and Bilateral Relations

The international response to India’s Independence Day was notable, with leaders from around the world sending congratulatory messages. French President Emmanuel Macron extended his greetings via social media, while Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasised the importance of the constructive partnership between India and Russia during his message.

In a similar vein, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio recognised the strength of ties between Washington and New Delhi, attributing their depth to personal relationships between leaders. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked upon India’s progress over the past eight decades, acknowledging its role as the largest democracy and one of the fastest-growing major economies globally.

Messages from leaders of neighbouring countries were also prominent, with Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah expressing heartfelt greetings and aspirations for continued cooperation. Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay wished well to the Indian people, reaffirming the close relationship that the nations share.

Overall, the global celebrations of India’s 80th Independence Day fostered a spirit of unity and cultural appreciation among Indians and their friends, marking the occasion with both local engagements and international support.

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