REPUBLIC DAY CEREMONY AT EMBASSY OF INDIA, MOSCOW

Despite the extreme cold, several hundred Indian nationals assembled at the Indian Embassy in Moscow on the morning of January 26, 2012, for the celebrations to commemorate the 63rd Republic Day of India. The unfurling of the Indian flag by the Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Ajai Malhotra, was followed by the singing of the National Anthem. The Ambassador then read out the Address to the Nation by the Hon’ble President of India. Thereafter, children of the Embassy of India School, Moscow, sang patriotic songs to the delight of the assembled gathering. This was followed by an opportunity for attendees to interact over refreshments.

Speaking after the Republic Day ceremony in Moscow, Ambassador Malhotra described India-Russia relations as “unique, deep-rooted and time-tested”, adding that they are “characterized by warmth and mutual respect, and are exemplary in many ways”. He noted that: “Pillars of our multifaceted cooperation range from culture to space, from defence to trade and economic cooperation, from science & technology to oil & natural gas, from atomic energy to pharmaceuticals.” He recalled that 2011 had witnessed intense high level dialogue and engagement between India and Russia, the pinnacle of which was the successful visit to the Russian Federation last month by the Prime Minister of India, H.E. Dr. Manmohan Singh. “Our ties have gained enormous variety and strength over the decades and are poised to even further deepen and diversify in 2012”, he added.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Malhotra revealed: “There is unprecedented goodwill and trust between us and we look forward to welcoming the President of Russia to India in late March 2012 for the BRICS Summit and again in end 2012 for the annual India-Russia Summit.” He expressed satisfaction that the 65th anniversary of India-Russia diplomatic relations will be celebrated by both countries on a grand scale on April 13 this year, recalling the unique fact that these ties were established four months before India even became independent. An extensive calendar of cultural activities, conferences, exhibitions, film festivals and other events, has been planned to commemorate the date. In addition, reciprocating the “Festival of Indian Culture” held in Russia in 2011, India will host a “Festival of Russia in India” as well as “Days of Moscow in Delhi” in 2012.

Ambassador Ajai Malhotra will also host a luncheon reception and cultural performance for Russian and other dignitaries later today to mark India’s Republic Day. Flag hoisting ceremonies are also being organized by the Indian Consulates General in St. Petersburg and Vladivostok.