Many heads of states and governments extended their wishes on India’s 73rd Republic Day and highlighted the country’s special place and importance in the world. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in his message spoke about how the two countries were “tied by bonds that span over decades”.
Johnson in his message wrote, “Want to send my best wishes from the UK to the people of India, and to all British Indians, on India’s Republic Day. The UK and India are tied by bonds that span over decades, through generations and across some of the greatest challenges we have faced.”
Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison also extended his wishes to India on the occasion. Morrison wrote in a tweet, “Australia and India enjoy a wonderful friendship. While, we celebrate Australia Day today, I also extend my very best wishes to my good friend Narendra Modi and all Indians on Republic Day.”
The United States also released an official statement extending Republic Day eve greetings to India and expressing hope for the future of bilateral ties.
Another statement was issued by the United Kingdom’s Ministry Of Foreign Affairs which read, “As two diverse democracies, we are proud of our strong friendship, demonstrated by the launch of free trade negotiations this month and our partnership manufacturing the Oxford-Astra Zeneca vaccine, we look forward to fortifying those bonds as we bring our ambitions, people, and economies together to prosper for the next 75 years and beyond.”
India celebrated its 73rd Republic Day on Wednesday, with a grand parade on the Rajpath, apart from parades in different state capitals. Republic Day was also celebrated in Indian high commissions, embassies and consulates across the globe. From this year the Government of India has decided that Republic Day celebrations will be a week-long programme which will commence on 23 January, the birth anniversary of the great freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and culminate on 30 January which is observed as Martyrs’ Day.