Press Releases
Embassy of India in Baku celebrated the 74th Republic Day of India on 26th January 2023. In the morning, Charge d’Affaires (Cd’A) of India in Baku Mr. Vinay Kumar unfurled the national flag at the Chancery premises, followed by singing of Indian national anthem, screening of the address to the Nation by the President of India on the eve of Republic Day and cultural performances. During his speech, Cd’A highlighted the Indian growth story and the various events including for promotion of millet, being organized by the Embassy in partnership with Indian Diaspora associations. The event was attended by the members of the Indian community and friends of India.
Later in the evening, Cd’A hosted a Reception at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Baku, which was attended by Azerbaijani government officials, Members of Parliament, members of diplomatic corps, media representatives and Indian diaspora. H.E. Mr. Fakhraddin Gurbanov, Ambassador-at-Large / Acting Head of the Asia Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan participated in the event as Chief Guest.
In his welcome address, Cd’A highlighted the glorious journey of India, the world’s largest democracy, from a largely poor nation to the fifth largest economy in the world. He also mentioned about the initiatives being undertaken by India during India’s presidency of G20 and the events being organised by the Embassy to promote millets in Azerbaijan as part of the International Year of Millets-2023.
Emphasizing the warm and deep historical and civilizational ties between India and Azerbaijan, Mr. Kumar informed the gathering about the Foreign office consultations held in Delhi in November 2022, regular exchange of visit by the business delegations of the two sides during the last one year, India’s becoming the fifth largest trade partner of Azerbaijan in 2022 and participation of more than 20 officials from Azerbaijan in Indian capacity building ITEC programme during the current year.
During his speech, Mr. Fakhraddin Gurbanov noted the inter-civilizational relations, cultural bonds and common values between the two countries based on the trade relations from ancient times. Noting the significant increase in the bilateral trade volume compared to the previous year, reaching close to US$ 2 billion, he highlighted the great potential for the development of new areas of bilateral economic relations as well as the importance of International North South transport corridor as the shortest, safest and most economically efficient connection between India and Europe through Azerbaijan.
The event participants then enjoyed the wonderful dance and singing performances by Azerbaijani artists on Bollywood songs and also the Indian delicacies including millet cuisine prepared for this special occasion.
26th January 2023
