New Delhi: From Russia and France to the US, Israel, Australia and India’s neighbours, leaders and governments across the world extended warm greetings to India, highlighting its remarkable progress, democratic journey and expanding global partnerships on the occassion of 80th Independence Day.
As India marked eight decades of Independence on August 15, saturdya messages of goodwill poured in from capitals across the world. Foreign leaders, diplomats and international institutions celebrated India’s journey since 1947 while reaffirming their commitment to strengthening ties with New Delhi across strategic, economic, technological, cultural and people-to-people domains.
Russian President Putin hails India’s global standing; Reaffirms ‘privileged’ partnership
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praising India’s “remarkable progress” in economic, social, scientific and technological spheres and its growing authority on the international stage.
Putin described Russia-India relations as developing successfully in the spirit of a “particularly privileged strategic partnership”. He highlighted close cooperation between Moscow and New Delhi across the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, BRICS and other multilateral platforms.
The Russian President also expressed confidence that both nations would continue strengthening their partnership in the interests of their peoples, international security and stability. “I am confident that, through our joint efforts, we will continue to comprehensively strengthen the constructive Russia-India partnership for the benefit of our friendly peoples and in the interests of enhancing international security and stability”, Putin said.
French President Macron celebrate deepening strategic partnership
French President Emmanuel Macron also extended his warm wishes to the Indian people, congratulating India on its 80th Independence Day. The French Embassy in New Delhi marked the occasion by reflecting on the strong personal and cultural impressions India leaves on diplomats who live and work in the country.
Congratulations to the Indian people on your 80th Independence Day! 🇮🇳🇫🇷
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 15, 2026
The greetings come as India-France relations continue to deepen. Earlier this year, the partnership was elevated to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership”, with defence, clean energy, space, innovation and deep technology emerging as key areas of cooperation.
India and France are also celebrating 2026 as the “India-France Year of Innovation”, reflecting the growing focus on research, technology and industrial collaboration.
US, Israel, Slovak and Singapore reaffirm strong partnerships
The United States also conveyed its greetings, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio describing the India-US relationship as “stronger than ever”. He highlighted cooperation in defence, energy security, critical minerals, Artificial Intelligence, space and commerce. The US Embassy in India described the relationship between the world’s two largest democracies as “consequential and far-reaching”, while expressing its commitment to strengthening the partnership.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog congratulated President Murmu, Prime Minister Modi and the people of India, expressing hope that the “beautiful friendship” between India and Israel would continue to grow.
Meanwhile, Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, congratulated India on the “joyous occasion” and highlighted the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. He pointed to expanding cooperation in skills development, digitalisation, sustainability and advanced manufacturing.
Similarly, President of Slovak wrote, “My profound congratulations to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India on your 80th Independence Day. It was an honor to meet President Murmu and welcome her on her official visit to Slovakia last year, which further strengthened the bonds between our nations”.
“It was also a privilege to welcome Prime Minister Modi to Slovakia in June and witness firsthand the depth of friendship and growing partnership between our countries. As India marks this remarkable milestone, I am inspired by its extraordinary journey and optimistic about what we can achieve together in the years ahead. I look forward to working closely with President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi to further strengthen our Comprehensive Partnership and turn our shared aspirations for 2047 and beyond into reality. Happy Independence Day, India!”, Slovak President wrote.
Wishes pour from the neighbouring countries with a resolve to accelerate regional engagement
India’s neighbouring countries also conveyed strong messages of friendship and solidarity. Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay addressed Prime Minister Modi as his “elder brother” while wishing India on its 80th Independence Day and expressing hope that the close bond between the two countries would continue to flourish.
To my elder brother PM @narendramodi and the people of India, I extend my warm wishes on the 80th Independence Day.
May the friendship and bond between our two nations continue to flourish. pic.twitter.com/Tw1AsVZR26
— Tshering Tobgay (@tsheringtobgay) August 15, 2026
Nepal Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah highlighted the deep historical ties, close people-to-people relations and cooperation between the two countries. Former Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also described India’s democratic journey as an inspiration for developing countries and wished for stronger Maldives-India ties.
On the occasion of India's 80th Independence Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to PM @narendramodi and the friendly people and Government of India.
May the deep historical ties, close people-to-people relations and cooperation between Nepal and India continue…— PMO (@PM_nepal_) August 15, 2026
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and High Commissioner Mahishini Colonne separately highlighted the enduring historical, cultural and civilisational links between the two countries.
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu also extended greetings to India. “I extend warmest greetings to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government and the friendly people of India on the joyous occasion of their 80th Independence Day. Eight decades of Independence reflect the aspirations, resilience and enduring spirit of the Government and people of India. On this auspicious occasion, I reaffirm the commitment of the Government of Maldives to further advance our close partnership built upon mutual respect, shared prosperity and enduring friendship between our two peoples”, Maldives President wrote.
I extend warmest greetings to Her Excellency President Droupadi Murmu, @rashtrapatibhvn, His Excellency Prime Minister @narendramodi, the Government and the friendly people of India on the joyous occasion of their 80th Independence Day.
Eight decades of Independence reflect the… pic.twitter.com/GWUp7tuAqs
— Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) August 15, 2026
Australian Prime Minister & Foreign Minister hails bilateral ties
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong said India and Australia, committed to a peaceful, stable and prosperous region, had “never been closer”. Similarly, Bulgaria, Latvia and other countries also extended their greetings and wishes for India’s continued progress and prosperity.
Foreign Envoys celebrate India’s journey
Diplomatic missions and ambassadors in New Delhi joined the celebrations, reflecting the breadth of India’s international engagement.
Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov reaffirmed Moscow’s continued support for India, while Finland’s Ambassador-Designate Mikko Kivikoski highlighted the expanding India-Finland partnership in innovation, sustainability, the circular economy and people-to-people ties.
Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar spoke of the shared heritage and national revival story of India and Israel, while British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron described celebrating India’s 80th Independence Day at the Red Fort as an “honour and a privilege”.
The Iranian Embassy underlined the deep civilisational and historical bonds between India and Iran and expressed hope for greater cooperation.
How Independence Day was celebrated across the globe?
Across continents, Indian diplomatic missions and partner countries also joined the celebrations. The Indian mission in Shanghai marked the occasion with the participation of more than 400 members of the Indian diaspora and local “Friends of India”. Australia’s High Commission in New Delhi was illuminated in the colours of the Indian tricolour, while Indian missions in the US and Europe organised celebrations under the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign.
The messages came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort in New Delhi, with the ceremony accompanied by a 21-gun salute. The breadth of the greetings reflected India’s expanding diplomatic footprint and the importance attached by global partners to their relationship with New Delhi.
