Embassy of India celebrates 77th Republic Day, highlights strong bilateral ties, community role

By Shouq AlMulla
Special to The Times Kuwait

The Embassy of India in Kuwait marked the 77th Republic Day with a flag-hoisting ceremony and community gathering at the Embassy premises, attended by Indian nationals, friends of India, and representatives from community associations. The event was led by H.E. Ambassador Paramita Tripathi, India’s first female Ambassador to Kuwait, an appointment widely viewed as reflecting India’s growing commitment to women’s leadership and empowerment.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Tripathi read excerpts from the President of India’s address delivered on the eve of Republic Day, noting India’s continued progress across multiple sectors and its long-term vision towards “Viksit Bharat 2047”, a roadmap aiming to transform India into a fully developed nation by its centenary of independence.

“This is my first Republic Day in Kuwait and I am honored to unfurl the tricolor amongst all of you,” Ambassador Tripathi said, thanking the community for the warmth with which she has been received since assuming office.

In her remarks, the Ambassador emphasized the strength of India–Kuwait relations and praised the Government of Kuwait for its support to the more than one million Indian nationals residing in the country. Kuwait remains one of the largest destinations for Indian professionals and skilled workers in the Gulf, with contributions spanning engineering, medicine, academia, oil and energy, finance, domestic services, and other sectors vital to Kuwait’s economy and society.

The Ambassador reiterated that the welfare of Indian nationals remains a top priority for the Embassy. She outlined ongoing services including 24/7 helplines, dedicated consular and labour wings, outsourced facilitation centres, and monthly Open House meetings to address community needs and challenges. She also acknowledged the role of Indian associations and volunteers, many of whom support philanthropic initiatives both in Kuwait and rural India, such as sponsoring education and improving schooling infrastructure.

The Embassy encouraged community participation in upcoming cultural and public events, including the Bharat Mela on February 13th at The Green Island, International Day of Yoga on June 21st, and a blood donation campaign on June 14th marking World Blood Donors’ Day.

Ambassador Tripathi’s appointment in Kuwait has drawn attention not only due to her portfolio and senior career, but also as part of India’s broader push to elevate women in leadership and foreign policy roles. Her presence in Kuwait adds new visibility to India’s emphasis on women’s empowerment, an area that both India and Kuwait have increasingly promoted in recent years.

India and Kuwait share decades of long ties rooted in trade, energy, people-to-people linkages, and cultural exchange. The large Indian community continues to serve as a bridge between both nations, with cooperation expanding in various new areas.

Closing her remarks, Ambassador Tripathi reminded community members that, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, the Indian diaspora are “the true ambassadors of India” abroad. She wished all attendees health, prosperity, and a happy Republic Day.