Press Release

Celebration of 77th Independence Day of India

The Embassy of India in Phnom Penh celebrated the 77th Independence Day of India on 15 August, 2023 with great enthusiasm at the Embassy premises in the morning and with a grand reception held at Hotel Hyatt in Phnom Penh in the evening. The morning function commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Cambodia. After the National Anthem, Ambassador Khobragade read out the Hon’ble President of India’s Address to the Nation on this occasion. The Hon‘ble President of India, in her address, touched upon various aspects including freedom struggle, women empowerment, India’s presidency of G-20, economic growth, National Education Policy, India`s lunar exploration Mission Chandrayaan-3, climate change, Mission LiFE, and Amrit Kaal- the 25-year period leading up to the centenary of India`s independence in 2047.

More than 250 members of the Indian Diaspora from different walks of life attended the event. During the event, the Ambassador had extensive interaction with the members of the Indian community on their welfare and well being. The morning function ended with light Indian refreshments.

The grand reception was held to mark the conclusion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) which culminated on 15th August, 2023 celebrating and commemorating 75 years of India`s independence and the glorious history of it’s people, culture and achievements. During the 75 weeks long AKAM Celeberations, the Embassy organized a number of events to honour and remember the freedom struggle, ideas, resolve, actions, and achievements of India. The event was graced by Chief Guest, H.E. PAN Sorasak, Minister of Commerce of the Royal Government of Cambodia, Senior Ministers H.E. Ieng Mouly, H.E Mr. Ly Thuch, H.E Mdm Som Kimsour, H.E. Srey Nory, H.E. Kuy Sophal, H.E Ms. Chea Serey, Ministers, senior officials from Cambodian Government, Ambassadors of Diplomatic Missions, renowned Cambodian Okhnas and guests and member of Indian community from different walks of life.

In her address, the Ambassador conveyed wishes on the occasion of 77th Independence day. Ambassador highlighted achievements in bygone year that saw a number of high-level bilateral interaction between India and Cambodia with the celebration of 70 years of establishment of Diplomatic relationship between the countries. Ambassador said that intense exchange of high-level visits across the spectrum-political, defence and parliamentary - provided a renewed impetus to bilateral relations. This was spearheaded by historic visit of His Majesty the King of Cambodia and Lt. Gen. Hun Manet to India. Virtual Summit between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Hun Sen, visits by the Vice President, External Affairs Minister, and Speaker of the Parliament of India were among the highlights of the year. These exchanges opened new vistas of cooperation and strengthened existing areas of capacity building, heritage conservation, and developmental support. She added that two sides marked the celebration of 70 th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with a number of events including Iconic Week celebration of Azadi ki Amrit Mahotsav, planting of 70 trees, photo exhibition on 70 years of India-Cambodia diplomatic relations, launch of video series on temples with Indian influences and Jataka stories.

Ambassador emphasized that Commerce, connectivity, and cultural and people-to- people cooperation continue to be at the centre of our priorities. A number of business exchanges in diverse areas are poised to boost bilateral trade. Bilateral Investment treaty nearing finalization and will act as a catalyst for more Indian investment in Cambodia. She expressed pleasure with the progress in establishing direct air connectivity, which will boost trade and bring more Indians as tourists to this land of great natural beauty and shared civilisational heritage, and similarly bring Cambodians to the land of the Buddha. Ambassador said that tourism will also be helped with the linking of the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) of India with the Cambodian system, for which our two sides have been working together.

Ambassador mentioned that cultural cooperation and religious connection with our civilization sister Cambodia remains one of the most important facet of the relationship. Indian side immensely value these ties and will work to strengthen them further through a number of initiatives such as Vipasana Conference and Dhamma Chanting, etc.

Ambassador said that India and Cambodia share the aspiration of peace, progress, and prosperity and with the new government under H.E. Hun Manet`s leadership soon leading Cambodia, India is a willing partner of Cambodia in its march towards development and prosperity for its people.

H.E. PAN Sorasak, Minister of Commerce in his remarks wished Indian citizens on the 77th Independence day and highlighted the India-Cambodia cooperation. Ambassador and the Chief Guest raised a toast for good health and long life of His Majesty King and Her Majesty Queen-Mother as well as for the peace, prosperity, and well being of the people of Cambodia and to the ever-lasting friendship between India and Cambodia.

The guests were also treated to an enthralling Indian classical dance in fusion with Bharatnatyam dance and yoga. Master Chef Abdul & Master Chef Selvaraj, who flew from India to Cambodia for the event, made the guests experience India's unique food varieties.

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