Flag hoisting marks 74th Republic Day of India |27 January 2023

HC Pande addressing the gathering

Some members of the Indian community living in Seychelles were at the ex-Indian high commission, Le Chantier, yesterday morning, for a flag hoisting ceremony to mark the 74th Republic Day of India.

The annual event is celebrated every year by Indians living here and it was the new Indian high commissioner, Kartik Pande, who presided over the flag raising ceremony.

The Republic Day of India is celebrated by Indians on the date that the Constitution of India came into effect on January 26, 1950.

After the hoisting of the Indian national flag, which was accompanied by the Indian national anthem, HC Pande addressed the gathering where he highlighted his country’s achievements in ensuring economic and social wellbeing of its people and its contribution to global peace, security and prosperity.

“During our 75 independent years and 74 years as a republic, India has emerged as a proud nation of over 1.35 billion people and a major global player in almost every field of human activity, while remaining steadfast to the values that bind the nation,” HC Pande said.

He noted that while his country will commence its term as president of the G2O summit, it will in this capacity work to expand the reach of the developing world and to broaden the summit’s themes of discussion.

He added that the priorities for India’s Presidency will include inclusive, equitable and sustainable growth, lifestyle for environment, women empowerment, digital public infrastructure and tech-enabled development in areas ranging from health to disaster risk reduction and resilience, developmental cooperation, fight against economic crime, and multilateral reforms.

With regard to the bilateral relation between Seychelles and India, HC Pande stated he was happy to note that this relation, expanded over the many years of mutual friendship, was strengthened further in 2022 with substantial engagements across several sectors, especially in areas of maritime security, health, education, local government, defence and cultural relations.

“Today, both countries are also working closely at the bilateral, regional, and international forums on variety of issues including non-traditional maritime challenges. Both countries support each other on issues relating to climate change and environment,” HC Pande said.

He said it was heartening to witness that nearly 5000 visitors came to Seychelles from India (as compared to fewer than 450 in 2021) while bilateral trade is also on the increase.

He added that India has and will continue to stand steadfast with Seychelles as a close friend and a reliable all-weather partner, be it assisting in securing its maritime borders or realising its developmental aspirations for the growth and prosperity of the Seychellois people.

“I firmly believe that the India-Seychelles friendship and cooperation will further prosper and reach new heights,” said HC Pande, who noted that celebration of his country’s constitution here is also a cause for celebration for the warm and cordial ties between India and Seychelles.

During the short ceremony, members of the Indian community were also able to listen to a message for the occasion from the Indian President, Droupadi Murmu, that was read out.

The President also highlighted India’s economic progress which made it the fifth largest economy in the world in 2022.

Text & photos by Patrick Joubert