'...Australia, India have never been closer': PM Anthony Albanese extends greetings on Republic Day

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday extended greetings to India on its 75th Republic Day, saying that “on our shared national days, we have an opportunity to celebrate the depth of our friendship” and added that the ties between the two countries have never been closer.

Australian PM Anthony Albanese extends greetings to India on 75th Republic Day

"On our shared national days, we have an opportunity to celebrate the depth of our friendship. Australia and India have never been closer," the PM says. pic.twitter.com/vvsSjPktnG

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2024

“Republic Day is an opportunity to celebrate India’s extraordinary success across more than seven decades of independence. Since Independence, India has drawn on the vitality and diligence of its people to build a modern nation defined by innovation and success,” said Albanese in a statement. “On our shared national days, we have an opportunity to celebrate the depth of our friendship. Australia and India have never been closer,” he added. He further added that the bonds between the two nations are lifelong and intergenerational, built on the deep and enduring links between our people. “The Indian diaspora here in Australia is the lifeblood of our friendship,” said the PM. Expressing his happiness in extending his congratulations on Republic Day, he said that the India and Australia relationship has a bright future. “As we together honour and cherish the region we call home, we are united in advancing and preserving an open, inclusive, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” added Albanese. India will celebrate its 75th Republic Day with an impressive display of its military might and rich cultural heritage at the Kartavya Path in the heart of the national capital. The grand celebrations, with an overarching theme of projecting the nation’s women power and democratic values, will be graced by French President Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest. President Droupadi Murmu will lead the nation in celebrating Republic Day with a 90-minute parade on the ceremonial boulevard – Kartavya Path. The armed forces will display an array of home-grown weaponry and military equipment such as missiles, drone jammers, surveillance systems, vehicle-mounted mortars and BMP-II infantry combat vehicles at the parade. For the first time, an all-women tri-services contingent will be part of the event. Also, the parade will be heralded by over 100 women artistes playing Indian musical instruments such as Sankh, Naadswaram, and Nagada for the first time instead of the traditional military bands. Around 15 women pilots will also enthral the audience during the Indian Air Force’s fly-past, representing ‘Nari Shakti’. The contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will also consist of only women personnel. The Republic Day parade is slated to commence at 10:30 am and will be held for around 90 minutes. With inputs from agencies