The High Commission of India hosted a special reception at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Thursday 26th January, to celebrate India's 68th Republic Day. The event was marked by the presence of many eminent guests, including community and business leaders, journalists and politicians.
Speaking at the event, noting the bilateral ties that have emerged between India and Britain as 'truly exciting', the Indian High Commissioner to UK HE Y K Sinha said that Queen Elizabeth II will host a special reception at Buckingham Palace to kick start the UK-India Year of Culture celebrations in Britain this year.
"We are very happy that 2017 is the year of Indian culture in the UK. It is also the year India marks 70 years of independence. They both go hand in hand this year as we celebrate this momentous occasion and we are very honoured by Her Majesty's decision to start off the year with a reception at Buckingham Palace.”
A number of events are being planned to mark the 'momentous' year. The reception is expected to take place around end of February, with a formal date announcement expected in a few weeks.
"The India-UK relationship has never looked better. It has stepped up to a level which is truly exciting, truly encouraging. This year's agenda in particular looks very challenging and very exciting,” he added, the PTI reported.
Describing the bilateral trade in goods last year of $14 billion and another $5.3 billion in services as just the "tip of the iceberg", he reportedly added: "With the United Kingdom exiting the European Union (EU), I think the time has come for India and UK to again re-engage to strengthen our economic engagement."
The Chief Guest for the evening was UK minister for climate change, Nick Hurd. He welcomed HE Sinha’s appointment as the new Indian high commissioner to the UK, as a diplomat of "seniority and experience".
The Minister said, "Republic Day marks a momentous turning point in India's history and today we commemorate the thriving democracy it is. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the long-standing ties between our governments.”
He added, "At the heart of this relationship is our people to people ties or to use Prime Minister Modi's phrase, the 'living bridge' that connects our two countries. The Indian diaspora plays a crucial role in deepening UK- India links. We are committed to harnessing our natural ties and making this an enduring partnership.”
The event was marked by cultural performances representing different states of India.
Prior to this evening celebrations, on the morning of 26 January, the High Commissioner unfurled the national flag at India House in London, and read the address of the Hon'ble President of India. Mr. Kunwar Vijay Shah, Minister School Education, Government of Madhya Pradesh was also present during the celebrations. The event was attended by officers of the High Commission and other Indian nationals.
Photo: Raj D Bakrania, PrMediapix
