India’s 79th Independence Day drew global congratulations, with leaders and diplomats from neighbours to major powers hailing the nation’s achievements, partnerships, and shared democratic values….reports Asian Lite News
India’s 79th Independence Day on Friday drew warm wishes from leaders across the globe, with neighbouring nations, key strategic partners, and global institutions marking the occasion with messages of friendship, shared values, and strengthened ties.
From the Maldives and Nepal to the United States, Singapore, France, South Korea, and beyond, diplomatic goodwill poured in through social media posts, official statements, and symbolic gestures underscoring India’s growing role on the world stage.
Neighbouring nations reaffirm ties
Former Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was among the first to send greetings, taking to social media platform X to convey his warm regards to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the people of India. Describing India as a “steadfast friend and neighbour whom Maldivians can count on at all times,” Solih wished for the friendship between the two nations to “grow from strength to strength.”
Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Arzu Rana Deuba, also extended congratulations to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and the Indian people. Emphasising the “longstanding and enduring partnership” between the two Himalayan neighbours, she called India “a shining example of democracy” and wished its citizens continued prosperity, unity, and harmony.
US highlights strategic partnership
Across the Pacific, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a statement reaffirming the strength of the India–US relationship. Calling the partnership between “the world’s largest democracy and the world’s oldest democracy” both “consequential and far-reaching,” Rubio underlined shared democratic values, mutual respect, and collaboration in critical sectors, from space exploration to emerging technologies.
“Our two countries are united by our shared vision for a more peaceful, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific region,” he said, noting that cooperation now extends into industries that “push the boundaries of innovation.”
Global missions in India join festivities
Diplomatic missions based in India marked the day with creative gestures celebrating bilateral and cultural connections. The Singapore High Commission surprised Indian travellers arriving at Changi Airport with cuddly plush toys of “Merli,” the city-state’s destination mascot. Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan also sent greetings, noting that his recent meeting with Indian counterparts reflected the strength of ties as the two countries celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations.
The French Embassy in India blended festive wishes with a cultural nod, posting a light-hearted video of French diplomats answering rapid-fire questions on Indian food, traditions, and heritage. “Our warmest wishes on #IndependenceDay2025!” the embassy said, reflecting the spirit of camaraderie that has defined Franco–Indian ties.
The US Embassy in New Delhi joined in, writing on X: “The United States joins India in celebrating this important occasion, honouring our shared achievements in advancing global peace and prosperity. We look forward to strengthening the #USIndia partnership in the years ahead.”
Messages from East Asia
From East Asia, the Embassy of India in Tokyo shared images of its flag-hoisting ceremony, where Ambassador Sibi George read the President’s Independence Day address. The South Korean Embassy in New Delhi went a step further, releasing a special video in which Korean diplomats highlighted the shared historical significance of 15 August — both India and South Korea mark their independence on this date.
Korean Ambassador Chang Jae-bok remarked on the “growing peace and harmony” between the two countries and expressed hope for further strengthening of ties.
India’s national celebrations
In Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the official ceremonies by hoisting the tricolour at the Red Fort. This year’s theme, Naya Bharat, reflects the government’s vision of achieving a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, the centenary of independence.
The day saw nationwide events — from cultural performances to patriotic displays — with Indians across the globe taking part in festivities.
Google’s tribute
Adding a digital flourish to the celebrations, Google unveiled a special doodle honouring India’s cultural and national achievements. Illustrated by artists Makarand Narkar and Sonal Vasave of Boomranng Studio, the doodle used the motif of traditional tiles from across India, each representing a different style and national accomplishment.
The artwork incorporated Jaipur blue pottery to form the letter “G,” a depiction of a space shuttle symbolising Chandrayaan-3 and other space achievements, cricket bats celebrating India’s T20 World Cup win, a chess piece marking the rise of prodigies like D. Gukesh and Divya Deshmukh, and a film reel highlighting India’s growing global recognition in cinema with successes from RRR to Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light.
Google described the design as “an enduring artistic expression of India” that celebrates the country’s diversity in art, sport, science, and culture.
