Indian diaspora, missions celebrate Republic Day worldwide

Sharing solidarity with the country on its Republic Day, Indian High Commissions and communities across the globe celebrated 70th Republic Day on Saturday. In some places, it was a gala affair with cultural events and in few places, it was relatively low key with tri-colour raised to mark the day.
One of the first countries to celebrate India’s Republic Day was New Zealand with High Commissioner Sanjiv Kohli unfurling the national flag. In South Asia, Indian missions and community celebrated India’s Republic Day with full enthusiasm. In Bhutan, the national flag was unfurled by Ambassador Jaideep Sarkar. Dasho Ugyen K. Namgyel, Gyalpoi Zimpon to Bhutanese King, presented a scarf to the Ambassador on behalf of the Royal Government of Bhutan.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his regards to PM Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind and said, “India has achieved impressive success in socio-economic, scientific, technical and other spheres. Your country rightfully enjoys high authority in the international arena, actively participates in tackling pressing issues of the regional and global agenda.”
In Islamabad, High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria unfurled the tricolour and read Rashtrapati Kovind’s message. Speaking to WION, Anas Mallick in Islamabad, he said, “This has a special resonance in Islamabad because of common history and common legacy and we hope 2019 is going to be a positive year and a breakthrough year for India-Pakistan relationship, there are many challenges and we need to work hard to get there.”
The Indian troops who are part of the UN peacekeeping forces in South Sudan celebrated the Republic Day at the Indian mission in capital Juba. Indian ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar unfurled the flag at the Indian embassy in Kabul. In Myanmar, Indian Ambassador Saurabh Kumar unfurled the flag at the Indian embassy in Yangon, while in Dhaka Acting High Commissioner Dr Adarsh Swaika unfurled the flag.