Speech at Independence Day Reception 15 August, 2025
Namaste,
My dear Friends of India,
My Indian Sisters and Brothers,
Excellencies, Distinguished guests, Ladies & gentlemen
Herzliche Willkommen,
Very warm welcome to all of you at India House.
My sincere thanks to you all for joining us this afternoon to celebrate India’s Independence Day.
And my warmest greetings to friends from the Principality of Liechtenstein – on your National Day today.
It is more than a coincidence that in the month of August, we celebrate national days of India, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
Our three countries share common values and principles. Our democracies, as Hon. President of India said yesterday, are upheld by the four pillars of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Today is the time to not only cherish our freedom, but also to recall our tryst with destiny, and to uphold these civilizational values.
Friends, as we reflect on our journey since 1947, every Indian’s heart is full of pride today. We have come a long way since then. India has become the fourth largest economy in the world, and is among the fastest growing major economies for over a decade now.
As Hon. PM Sh Narendra Modi said earlier today from the ramparts of Red Fort in Delhi-“To fulfil the resolve of a developed India, India is today developing a modern economy in every sector.”
Today’s India stands for inclusive and sustainable growth rooted in tradition and for partnerships with like-minded countries, which are anchored in mutual respect and shared values. Much like Switzerland and Liechtenstein, India is a shining example of harmonious coexistence while celebrating diversities in our society.
Friends, our ties with Switzerland and Liechtenstein have grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. In these turbulent times when rules-based world order has come under duress, our shared values and ethos have brought our three countries much closer to meet these challenges.
The Trade and Economic partnership agreement between EFTA countries and India signed last year will be operationalised in coming October. This surely is a game changer in our already solid and mutually beneficial trade and economic partnership. We are most confident of an upward trajectory in our friendly ties in the coming years.
Friends, I conclude by again thanking you all for joining today’s reception.
May I express my heartfelt thanks to colleagues at the Embassy for their dedicated efforts in putting up today’s celebrations!
Thank you, Dhnayawad,
Danke
