Greetings Pour in from World Leaders
In a letter addressed to Indian PM Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu on India’s 74th Republic Day on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin celebrated India’s “substantial contribution” to “international stability and security.” In this regard, he lauded New Delhi’s role in addressing vital regional and global issues and its achievements in science, society, economics, and technology.
Putin also reiterated the “high value” Moscow places on its “privileged strategic partnership” with New Delhi, which he was confident would be expanded to ensure “mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation” to meet the “fundamental interests” of both countries.
Several other world leaders joined Putin in congratulating PM Modi on the occasion.
For instance, French President Emmanuel Macron conveyed his “warmest wishes” and expressed his support for Paris and New Delhi to cooperate in setting “new ambitions” for the G20.
As India celebrates Republic Day, I convey my warmest wishes to my dear friend @NarendraModi and the Indian people. I look forward to setting new ambitions together for the G20 and for our Indo-French strategic partnership as it turns 25 this year.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 26, 2023
Meanwhile, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Modi and the people of India and expressed his belief that the Israel-India partnership “will continue to grow stronger with every passing year.”
Similarly, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said he looked forward to another year of “friendship and cooperation.” Likewise, British Minister for Indo-Pacific at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Anne-Marie Trevelyan extended her support for the teams working on the completion of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement.
Grateful for your warm greetings my dear friend @EmmanuelMacron on India’s Republic Day. I share your commitment to work together for success of India’s G20 Presidency & 25th anniversary of India-France Strategic Partnership. India and France together are a force for global good. https://t.co/BgCavJ97tF
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2023
Australian PM Anthony Albanese marked the occasion as a moment to “honour the rich culture and extraordinary achievements of modern India. He added that 26 January is Australia’s National Day, which allows both countries to celebrate their close ties and flourishing relations together.
Several leaders from South Asia, including Nepalese PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Bhutanese PM Lotay Tshering, and Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, extended their congratulations to the Indian PM as well.
Emphasis on Self-Reliance in Defence
A day before the Republic Day celebrations, Modi addressed National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Service Scheme (NSS) candidates at his New Delhi residence, reiterating the “unprecedented” opportunities for Indian youth due to the newfound emphasis on self-reliance through campaigns like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
During the parade, the Indian military showcased its indigenous weapons, including the 105 mm Indian Field Guns, highlighting self-reliance in the defence sector during the celebrations in New Delhi, which over 7,000 people attended.
Sharing highlights from today’s Republic Day programme. pic.twitter.com/JVWlbPfb0v
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2023
Further, during the concluding air show that displayed the Indian Air Force’s 45 aircraft, India-made Tejas flew alongside France’s Rafales and Russia’s Su-30S.
The parade saw a renewed focus on Nari Shakti, or women power, with the Indian Navy presenting their women aircrew of the Dornier aircraft.
Egypt Pres. Sisi as Chief Guest
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended the 74th Republic Day parade as the Chief Guest. The celebration also saw the participation of a 144-membered military contingent of the Egyptian Army led by Colonel Mahmoud Mohamed Abdel Fattah El Kharasawy.
A day prior to the event, El-Sisi met with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, wherein he said that strengthening ties with India is “an important pillar for maintaining security and stability in the Middle East.”
On the same day, El-Sisi met with PM Modi and vowed to strengthen the defence, intelligence, and counter-terrorism cooperation, and combat extremism. The leaders also expressed their support for collaboration in healthcare infrastructure, securing global supply chains, climate action, and multilateral and regional organisations.