(Phnom Penh): The Embassy of India in Phnom Penh celebrated the 79th Independence Day of India on 15 August 2025 by flag hoisting ceremony in the Embassy premises and an evening reception at Hotel Sofitel, Phnom Penh.
The morning programme began with the hoisting of the National Flag by Ambassador Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, followed by the singing of the National Anthem of India. The Ambassador then read out the Hon’ble President of India’s Address to the Nation for the occasion.
The celebration featured vibrant cultural performances, including traditional dances, patriotic songs, and poetry recitals by members of the Indian diaspora and Embassy officials. Certificates of appreciation were also presented to Cambodian yoga instructors in recognition of their valuable contributions to the success of the 11th International Day of Yoga.
In the evening, a reception was held to mark the 79th anniversary of India’s independence. The Chief Guest, Neth Pheaktra, Minister of Information of Cambodia, was joined by Ministers, senior Cambodian Government officials, ambassadors and diplomats, prominent Cambodian Okhnas, distinguished guests, and members of the Indian community from various walks of life.
In his address, Ambassador Vanlalvawna Bawitlung extended a warm welcome and highlighted India’s remarkable progress over the past 78 years as the world’s largest democracy and fastest-growing large economy. He spoke about India’s global initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, Global Biofuels Alliance, International Big Cat Alliance, Mission LiFE, among others, underlining India’s commitment to global good.
The ambassador emphasized the longstanding civilizational ties and strong bilateral relations between India and Cambodia. He said that India is happy to be a partner in Cambodia's economic and social progress with collaboration in heritage conservation, capacity building through trainings and scholarships, Quick Impact Projects, mine action, defence engagements, greater people-to-people exchanges, and deeper business interactions.
In his remarks, Minister Neth Pheaktra commended India’s remarkable progress since independence, recognising its emergence as a champion of self-reliance and a key player in both regional and global affairs. He underscored the deep-rooted Cambodia–India friendship, spanning politics, defence and security, trade and investment, tourism, education, agriculture, health, demining, culture, and people-to-people connectivity. He also recalled significant high-level visits, including Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s three official visits to India in 2000, 2007, and 2018; the 2023 state visit of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni; and the 2023 visit by Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet in his former capacity as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army. He expressed sincere appreciation for India’s vital role in Cambodia’s peace and reconstruction during the early 1990s, as well as its continued support for the Kingdom’s socio-economic growth, particularly through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, which has greatly enhanced Cambodia’s human resource capacity.
Guests were further treated to captivating Indian classical dance and yoga performances, offering a glimpse into the richness of India’s cultural heritage and the enduring global appeal of yoga.
=FRESH NEWS
