Embassy of India celebrated the 70th Republic Day with fervour by hosting a reception at the Floating Island Convention, Sevit Island, Seoul on January 28, 2019. More than 400 guests including senior dignitaries from the Government of Republic of Korea, Provincial leadership, Senior Executives from Korean Businesses, Academia and Diplomatic Corps participated. His Excellency Ambassador Cho Hyun, Vice Foreign Minister of Republic of Korea was the Chief Guest and Commissioner CHO Hyun Bai of Korea Coast Guard (KCG) was the Guest of Honour.

Extending a warm welcome to all the guests, AmbassadorMs. SripriyaRanganathan, spoke about the importance of this year’s republic day celebration as it marks the 70th year of India’s Republic Day as well as deepening and strengthening of the friendship between India and Republic of Korea.To depict such deepened and strengthened friendship, shementioned increased number of visits at the highest level including the visit of Hon’ble Republic of Korea President Moon Jae-in, First Lady Kim Jeong-sook to India and Indian Minister of Road Transport, Highways and Shipping, Chief Minister of Delhi, and many others from India have visited Korea. She expressed hope about travel by more Koreans to India especially after extension of Visa on arrival facility by India to Korean nationals.

In his congratulatory remarks Vice Foreign Minister Ambassador Cho Hyun noted that India is a world’s largest democracy and fastest growing economy in the world. He mentioned progress which we made on both political and economic front. But apart from that, even people to people contact has also increased between both nations.

The formal ceremony concluded with a Toast by Honorary Consul General of India in Busan. A cultural show on the theme classical dance of India followed which enthralled the guest.

Earlier on 26th January, 2019, Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan unfurled the national flag at the Embassy premises. During the celebrations that followed at Chancery and Korean Methodist Women’s society building near Indian Embassy,Ambassador read out the Hon’ble Indian President address to the nation. Ambassador administered Special voters pledge to all Indian Community Members on occasion of 9th National voters Day which fell on 25th January.It was followed by dance performances by Swami Vivekananda Culture Centre Students and few Indian community members. A total of about 300 guests including members of the Indian community attended the function.