A Bond Rooted in History
India’s 79th Independence Day not only echoed with patriotic fervor across the country but also drew warm greetings from leaders across the globe. Among them, Israel stood out as a steadfast friend, underscoring the deepening ties between New Delhi and Tel Aviv. Since the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, India and Israel have nurtured a partnership that has grown from cooperation in agriculture and technology to robust collaborations in defense, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges. This year’s greetings carried a promise that the partnership is poised to scale even greater heights.
At the same time, leaders from Russia and France also joined in extending their wishes, emphasizing the growing recognition of India’s global role and leadership as the nation marches toward its centenary in 2047.
Netanyahu: “Best of Our Partnership Yet to Come”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed his heartfelt wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India, describing the two nations as “two proud democracies” united by shared values, innovation, and enduring friendship.
In his message, Netanyahu emphasized that while India and Israel have already achieved significant milestones together, the “best chapters” of their partnership are yet to unfold. His note reflected not just goodwill but also optimism for future cooperation in cutting-edge sectors such as defense technology, cybersecurity, and renewable energy, where both countries have demonstrated global leadership.
Israel’s Warm Gestures of Friendship
Beyond Netanyahu, other Israeli leaders also expressed solidarity with India. President Isaac Herzog extended greetings to President Droupadi Murmu and the people of India, wishing peace and prosperity. He further acknowledged the friendship between the two countries as a source of strength for Israel, especially in what he described as “difficult days,” while voicing hope for the safe return of Israeli hostages.
The Speaker of Israel’s Parliament, the Knesset, Amir Ohana, also joined in the celebrations, sending his wishes to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and recalling shared moments with Indian leaders through an old photograph. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Ohana wrote that the friendship between the two parliaments and nations must always remain strong—a reminder of how bilateral ties extend beyond government-to-government relations into the legislative and social fabric.
Adding to the symbolism, Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar attended the Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi. Sharing a photograph from the iconic venue, Azar described Prime Minister Modi’s address as “inspiring,” underscoring the resonance of India’s vision not just domestically but among international partners.
Putin and Macron Highlight India’s Global Role
The celebration of India’s independence also saw messages from other global powers. Russian President Vladimir Putin praised India’s growing global authority and reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to its strategic partnership with New Delhi—a relationship anchored in defense, energy, and geopolitical cooperation.
French President Emmanuel Macron, recalling Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Paris in February, emphasized his country’s resolve to deepen ties as India approaches its centenary of independence in 2047. Macron highlighted shared goals of innovation, climate action, and security cooperation, projecting the relationship as one destined to grow stronger over the coming decades.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The chorus of greetings reflected not only diplomatic formalities but a deeper recognition of India’s evolving role in shaping global narratives. Israel’s leaders, with their emphasis on democracy, innovation, and friendship, highlighted a bond that has grown steadily over the past three decades. Russia and France, meanwhile, reaffirmed India’s centrality in a multipolar world order.
As India charts its path toward 2047, the messages carry a collective note of confidence: the world sees New Delhi not only as a rising power but also as a trusted partner in building a more stable and cooperative future.
Stronger Together
The greetings from leaders across continents reinforce the idea that India’s Independence Day is no longer a celebration confined to its borders but a moment of global acknowledgment. For Israel, the journey with India has only just begun, with “the best yet to come.” For Russia and France, it is a reaffirmation of enduring partnerships with one of the world’s fastest-growing powers.
Together, these wishes symbolize a new era of collaboration, where India’s aspirations are closely tied to global cooperation. As the tricolor soared high this Independence Day, so too did the promise of stronger, more meaningful ties with nations across the world.
(With agency inputs)
