On the occasion of 75th Republic Day of India, Ambassador Amit Kumar and Mrs. Surabhi Kumar hosted a Reception on 26 January 2024 at Floating Island Convention Center in Sevit Island, Seoul.
H.E. Mr. Kim Hong-Kyun, 1st Vice Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Hon’ble Lim Jong-Seong, Vice Chairman, RoK-India Parliamentary Friendship Group attended the reception as Guest of Honour. Over 500 distinguished guests comprising Ambassadors, senior representatives from RoK Government, businesses, industry chambers, think tanks, academia, media, cultural organisations, members of diplomatic community and the Indian diaspora attended the reception.
The event commenced with the singing of the National Anthems of India and the Republic of Korea by Korean children's choir group Brilliante.
Ambassador Amit Kumar in his remarks dwelt on India’s journey as a sovereign democratic republic, its several milestones and ongoing transformation. He encouraged everyone to visit India and experience its energy and dynamism firsthand.
He referred to the 50th anniversary of India-ROK diplomatic relations the previous month and the hectic calendar of engagements in 2023 including the two meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Ambassador Kumar underlined that India and ROK, as two democracies and two leading economies, with shared values and interests, are poised for greater engagement. The Embassy looks forward to building on this momentum and working together with the Government and friends in Korea to build a future oriented partnership.
The two countries are exploring new avenues of cooperation in several areas such as advanced manufacturing, energy transition, infrastructure, digital transformation, human resource mobility, etc. as well as on regional and global issues including in the Indo-Pacific. Ambassador Kumar also acknowledged the important role of the Indian diaspora in serving as a bridge between the two countries.
Chief Guest, H.E. Vice Minister Kim Hong-Kyun conveyed his congratulations to the people and Government of India, referred to shared values as democracies, the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic ties and historic cultural exchanges. He noted high level exchanges including the two meetings between President Yoon Suk Yeol and Prime MinisterNarendraModi and ongoing cooperation in defence industry, commercial, S&T and outer space areas.
Looking forward, he underlined that both countries need to forge a shared vision for future including for global economic development, critical and emerging technologies, and for peace and stability in the region and beyond.
Hon’ble Lim Jong-Seong, Vice Chairman, ROK-India Parliamentary Friendship Group congratulated India on its 75th Republic Day. He said India has left a remarkable footprint in human history and India’s spirit of freedom, equality, and civic unity beyond religious and geographical boundaries has resonated with many people worldwide.
He further added that India has emerged as an economic powerhouse and is taking the lead in cutting-edge science and technology. He concluded by saying that he would continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the two countries, through parliamentary exchanges.
This was followed by vibrant cultural performances by Korean artists, namely performance of Indian classical dance Odissi by Ms. BeenaKeum and an Indian classical music performance comprising Mr. Saembawy Han on the sitar (Indian string instrument) and Mr. MyeongCheol Jung on the Tabla (Indian percussion instrument). These drew wide applause from the guests.
In addition, the video clippings of Incredible India and Republic Day Parade were played during the event. The photo booth on Red Fort as a selfie point was much appreciated. Four promotional booths highlighting different facets of India were set up. These included booth on culture (Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Seoul); tourism; investment and business opportunities in India; and defence industry cooperation. There was active engagement of Korean guests at these booths.
The esteemed guests enjoyed the Indian cultural program and Indian cuisine during the National Day Reception. The Floating Island Convention Center (FIC) at Sevit Island was brilliantly lit by the Indian flag tri-colors, visible to the entire surrounding area including from across the Han River.
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