Press Releases
Press Release
Indian Independence Day celebrated in Azerbaijan
15 August 2017
India's 70th anniversary of Independence was celebrated on 15th August at the Indian Embassy in Baku with flag hoisting by Ambassador Sanjay Rana. India's national anthem was played and Ambassador Rana read out the address to the Nation by the President of India on the eve of Independence Day.
In his speech, Hon’ble President of India Mr. Ram Nath Kovind had recalled the sacrifices made by Indian freedom fighters and great leaders of modern India. He exhorted the people of India to take inspiration from the freedom struggle and work towards creating a ‘New India’ by year 2022. He called for a New India where everyone would have access to housing, electricity and water, and everyone would get ample opportunities to fulfil their dreams; an India free from terrorism, corruption and divisions of society; and an India which is clean and healthy.
The event at the Embassy was attended by members of the Indian nationals and their families living in Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani nationals, students of the India Centre at the Azerbaijani University of Languages, and friends of India.
Ambassador Sanjay Rana said that India and Azerbaijan has close friendly relations and their cooperation in all areas - economic, political, social, humanitarian, cultural and education - is growing stronger day by day. India was among the first countries to recognize Azerbaijan as an Independent republic in 1991. This year, India and Azerbaijan are marking the 25 years of establishment of their diplomatic relations with India- Azerbaijan 'Dostluq Festival' under which a number of cultural events are being organized in the two countries.
The bilateral trade between the two sides is growing at more than 63 percent. India offers training slots for students and professionals of Azerbaijan; Students from both India and Azerbaijan countries are increasingly seeking to study in the each other’s country.
Ambassador Rana mentioned that in recent bilateral discussions with the Head of the AZPROMO, Mr. Rufat Mammadov, the two sides discussed the opportunities for increasing bilateral cooperation in the areas of agriculture and agro-products, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, supplies to oil and gas sector, refineries, modernization and expansion, related downstream/chemical industries, ICT, including IT services for businesses, and tourism and hospitality. It was mentioned that international North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and flights between the two countries would further enhance connectivity and promote exchange of people, goods and services for mutual benefit.
It was informed that on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Independence, Indian Embassy will be organizing a Cultural Evening at the International Mugham Center where renowned Kathak classical dancers from India will be performing alongside Azerbaijani Mugham singers.
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