World leaders wish India on 75th Republic Day
As India celebrated its 75th Republic Day on Friday, leaders from the world over extended their wishes to the nation.
United States, United Kingdom, Russia, France and Maldives included those who extended greetings on the day.
"On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of India on India's Republic Day. The Constitution of India continues to provide an enduring framework for the world's largest democracy and a foundation for its global leadership," said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in an official statement.
The statement read, "As President Biden has said, our relationship with India is one of the most consequential in the world. "
UK's King Charles III also extended Republic Day wishes to India and expressed confidence in strengthening India-UK ties.
"On the special occasion of your National Day, my wife and I would like to convey our warmest congratulations to Your Excellency and the people of the Republic of India. I cherish the close bond shared between our nations and I am confident that our ties will continue to flourish in this very special seventy-fifth anniversary year of the Commonwealth a fitting reminder of the enduring values and aspirations that unite us," said the King in a congratulatory note addressed to Indian President Droupadi Murmu, the King hailed India and the UK's close bond and shared values.
Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal extended Republic Day wishes to India expressing confidence over the strengthening of bilateral ties and collaboration across sectors.
Additionally, the Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong congratulated Indian Prime Minister Modi and the people of India on the 75th Republic Day and underscored bilateral relations based on trade, finance, defence and close people-to-people ties.
Moreover, Mauritius PM also extended wishes and posted on X, "Warmest congratulations to Prime Minister Shri Modi Ji @narendramodi and our Indian sisters and brothers on the glorious occasion of the 75th Republic Day of India."
Russian President Vladimir Putin heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and credited India for pursuing an 'independent' foreign policy which is not easy in today's world, as per Russian media reports.
"India has one of the highest rates of economic development and growth in the world, and that too is due to the leadership qualities of incumbent Prime Minister. It was during his leadership that India reached such a pace," Putin said during the interaction.
Seeking to repair bilateral ties after seeking the withdrawal of Indian troops from its waters and the row over unsavoury remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the country's ministers, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu also extended his greetings to New Delhi on the occasion of the 75th Republic Day.
He recalled the centuries-old friendship between the two nations built on "mutual respect and a deep sense of kinship".
In keeping with the tradition, the Tricolour was unfurled and followed by the playing of the National Anthem. Once the anthem trailed off, the booming of the indigenous 105-mm Indian Field Guns filled the air during the 21-gun salute.
President Murmu and her French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, who is the chief guest at this year's Republic Day celebrations were escorted by the President's Bodyguards--' Rashtrapati Ke Angrakshak'