Title: Press Release- Celebration of 68th Republic Day of India 01/26/2017

Press Release: 68th Republic Day Celebrations

India’s 68th Republic Day was celebrated at the Embassy of India, Beijing on 26 January 2017. Ambassador Vijay Gokhale unfurled the Tricolor at Embassy premises, and then read out passages from the President of India’s speech to the nation.

A cultural programme was organized by the Culture Wing of the Embassy and a short movie on “A Day in the Life of India” was screened. This was followed by a reception for the Indian community. The event was well-attended, with over 200 members of the Indian community present.

Previously on 24 January 2017, the Embassy of India held a Republic Day reception for Chinese guests and the diplomatic community in Beijing, ahead of the Chinese New Year holidays. Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou was the Chief Guest at the event. Ambassador Gokhale said in his speech of welcome that 2016 was an important year in our relations with China, having witnessed the State Visit of the President of India to China in May 2016 and three meetings between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping. Other high level engagements included the visits of India’s Defence Minister, Finance Minister and National Security Advisor to China and those of the Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, State Councillor, Foreign Minister and Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission from China to India.

Ambassador Gokhale quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on India-China relations, saying that "I see the development of India and China as an unprecedented opportunity, for our two countries and for the whole world. At the same time, it is not unnatural for two large neighboring powers to have some differences. In the management of our relationship, and for peace and progress in the region, both our countries need to show sensitivity and respect for each other's core concerns and interests.” Ambassador Gokhale said that building on this momentum, we look forward to working with our Chinese friends to continue our engagement in 2017, and making further progress in our relationship.

26.01.2017
Beijing