Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Foreign Envoys Hail India's Heritage, Progress on 80th Independence Day
India had a very special birthday on Saturday: its 80th Independence Day.
Independence Day is when India celebrates becoming a free country many years ago.
On this day, friends from other countries sent India happy messages.
A leader from Sri Lanka said India's story since becoming free has been amazing.
The Russian ambassador said Russia has been and will always be India's friend.
The ambassador from Finland said the two countries are working together on new inventions and taking care of the planet.
Israel's ambassador said India and Israel both love their old traditions and their freedom.
The British ambassador watched the celebration at the Red Fort, a very famous fort in Delhi.
An American singer named Mary Millben told the people of India to stay together and celebrate their differences.
All these messages show that many countries around the world admire India and want to be its friend.
On Saturday, India celebrated its 80th Independence Day, with foreign envoys from across the world extending warm greetings.
Sri Lankan High Commissioner Mahishini Colonne described India's journey since Independence as "remarkable" and noted millennia-old civilisational ties.
Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov reaffirmed Russia's continued support, signing off with "Jai Hind. Jai the friendship of Russia-India."
Finland's Ambassador-Designate Mikko Kivikoski highlighted deepening India-Finland ties in innovation, sustainability, circular economy and people-to-people links.
Israel's Ambassador Reuven Azar stressed shared heritage and national revival, British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron celebrated at the Red Fort in Delhi, and US singer Mary Millben urged Indians to embrace unity and diversity.
- Who
- Foreign envoys and international figures, including Sri Lankan High Commissioner Mahishini Colonne, Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov, Finnish Ambassador-Designate Mikko Kivikoski, Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar, British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron and US singer Mary Millben.
- What
- Extended Independence Day greetings to India, hailing its remarkable journey, civilisational heritage, progress and global partnerships.
- When
- On Saturday, as India marked its 80th Independence Day.
- Where
- Greetings were issued from New Delhi and Mumbai, among other places; Cameron attended celebrations at the Red Fort in Delhi.
- Why
- To celebrate India's 80th Independence Day and affirm enduring friendship, cultural bonds and growing partnerships with India.
- Occasion
- 80th Independence Day of India
- Date
- Saturday
- Greeting parties
- Sri Lanka, Russia, Finland, Israel, United Kingdom; also US singer Mary Millben
- Sri Lanka's message
- India's journey since Independence is "remarkable"; civilisations "intertwined for millennia"
- Russia's message
- Russia's support for India "remains the same today and will continue tomorrow"
- Finland's message
- Deepening ties in innovation, sustainability, circular economy and people-to-people links
- Israel's message
- Shared ancient heritage and national revival narratives
- UK's message
- British High Commissioner celebrated the day at the Red Fort in Delhi