On January 26, one of the world's largest democracies and Turkmenistan's strategic partner, the Republic of India, celebrates its main national holiday. Seventy-six years ago, the Constitution came into force, laying the foundation for the modern Indian state, which today amazes the world with its achievements in space, digital technology, and economics.

On the occasion of this significant date, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Turkmenistan, Bandaru Wilsonbabu, addressed ORIENT readers, members of the Indian diaspora, and all friends of India with a special message.

I would like to extend my warm greetings and congratulations to members of the Indian diaspora and friends of India in Turkmenistan on the occasion of the 76th anniversary of Republic Day! It was on this day (January 26) in 1950 that the Indian Constitution came into force, transforming India into a sovereign and democratic republic.

On this auspicious day, I would like to recall the remarkable progress in development achieved by the Republic of India over the past 76 years. India has come a long way to become the world's fourth-largest economy and the fastest-growing major economy. The successful holding of the 2024 parliamentary elections in India, in which over 640 million people participated, further strengthened democratic forces worldwide.

India is home to the world's third-largest startup ecosystem and has established itself as a global leader in information technology, real-time digital payments, renewable energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and more.

India has also emerged as a major space power, as evidenced by recent achievements such as the successful docking of two Indian satellites, the launch of the Aditya L1 spacecraft into a halo orbit for solar observation, and the soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 near the lunar south pole.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is steadily moving towards achieving the vision of "Vikshit Bharat" (Developed India) by 2047, the year India celebrates its 100th anniversary of independence.

I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm that, within the framework of its Extended Neighborhood policy and in line with the ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family), India will continue to share its development experience and expertise in line with Turkmenistan's needs and priorities.

I am confident that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the India-Turkmenistan partnership will reach new heights in the coming days. Long live the friendship between India and Turkmenistan!

Ambassador of India to Turkmenistan Bandaru Wilsonbabu

Facts about India

• The first country to soft-land a spacecraft near the lunar south pole and the fourth to demonstrate the docking of its satellites.

• The world's largest vaccine producer and largest supplier of generic drugs.

• A leading global producer of agricultural commodities.

• A global leader in real-time digital payments.

• Home to the world's third-largest startup ecosystem.

Republic Day of India

Although India gained independence from colonial rule on August 15, 1947, the Constitution of India came into force on January 26, 1950, marking the country's transition to a sovereign and democratic republic. Republic Day is celebrated throughout India annually on January 26 with the raising of the national flag, the performance of patriotic songs, and other cultural events. On this day, a vibrant and colorful military parade takes place in New Delhi, attended by the President of India and other dignitaries. The President of India also addresses the nation on the eve of Republic Day.