(Phnom Penh): The Embassy of India in Phnom Penh celebrated the 80th Independence Day of India with great enthusiasm, hosting a morning ceremony at the embassy premises on 15 August 2026 and a reception at Sofitel, Phnom Penh, on 17 August 2026.

On 15 August 2026, the celebrations commenced with the singing of Vande Mataram, the national song of India, followed by the hoisting of the national flag by Ambassador Vanlalvawna Bawitlung and the singing of the national anthem. The ambassador thereafter read out the Hon’ble President of India’s Address to the Nation on the occasion.

The programme featured vibrant cultural performances, including traditional dances, patriotic songs, and poetry recitals presented by members of the Indian diaspora and embassy officials.

Certificates of appreciation were also presented to the winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz from Cambodia. Prizes were distributed to children who participated in the Viksit Bharat Drawing Competition held during the Bharat Utsav on 9 August 2026. Winners of other competitions held in the run up to the Independence Day were also facilitated.

On 17 August 2026, a reception was hosted at Sofitel Phnom Penh to commemorate the 80th anniversary of India’s independence.

Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The reception was attended by ministers and senior officials of the Royal Government of Cambodia; ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps; members from the Oknha Association; distinguished guests; and members of the Indian community from various walks of life.

In his address, Ambassador Bawitlung highlighted India’s journey in the last 79 years since its independence in 1947 and the country’s achievement to become an inclusive and equitable society, its remarkable economic progress and technological innovations, all of which symbolise an unwavering spirit of its 1.4 billion citizens.

He said that India continues to be the world’s fastest-growing major economy and, driven by a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, sound macroeconomic principles and forward-looking reforms, India is emerging as a global leader in technology and innovation and has experienced significant successes, including in the fields of IT, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, space and FinTech.

He said that these developments will take India to fulfil its vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, which aims to transform India into a developed nation by the 100th anniversary of its independence.

The ambassador said that bilateral cooperation between India and Cambodia has witnessed positive momentum in recent years, with increasing frequency of business interactions between the business communities, focusing on areas including information technology, pharmaceuticals, health, agriculture, education, etc.

He also highlighted positive progress in bilateral collaboration in the area of capacity building, including Indian Council for Cultural Relations Scholarships and Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Training Programmes, heritage conservation, Quick Impact Projects and said that the opening of the Defence Wing and the Yoga and Dance Centre in the embassy will facilitate better outreach and other areas of engagement with larger stakeholders in Cambodia.

The reception also featured a One District One Product (ODOP) exhibition, showcasing India’s rich and diverse handicrafts and traditional products.

Guests were further treated to captivating performances of Indian classical dance and yoga, offering a glimpse into India’s rich cultural heritage and highlighting the enduring global appeal of yoga.
=FRESH NEWS