Speech by H.E. Mr. Ajaneesh Kumar, Ambassador of India to Argentina, on the occasion of the Flag Hoisting at the Chancery on 15 August 2026 

Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me immense pleasure and honour to welcome you all on the auspicious occasion of the 80th Independence Day of India.

2. Today, we celebrate not only the freedom that India attained on 15 August 1947, but also the remarkable journey that our nation has undertaken over the past eight decades, a journey founded on democracy, diversity, constitutional values, economic development, scientific advancement and, above all, the collective aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.
   
   
3. This year has an added significance. We are also commemorating 150 years of our national song, “Vande Mataram.” Composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Vande Mataram became a powerful source of inspiration during India's freedom struggle. It evoked a deep sense of love for the motherland and became a unifying expression of India's national consciousness.
   
   
4. Even today, the words Vande Mataram remind us of the sacrifices made by generations of Indians and of our enduring responsibility to build a stronger, more prosperous, inclusive and self-confident India.
   
   
5. Ladies and Gentlemen,

India today is a very different country from the India of 1947.Over the past decades, and particularly during the last decade, India has witnessed transformational changes across virtually every sector. Under the leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has pursued a development vision centred on inclusive growth, technological innovation, social empowerment and self-reliance. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister is serving his third consecutive term, having first assumed office on 26 May 2014. His leadership has coincided with a period of profound transformation in India's economy and society.

6. Millions of Indians have moved out of poverty. Access to electricity, sanitation, clean cooking fuel, housing, banking, healthcare and digital connectivity has expanded on an unprecedented scale. One of the most remarkable transformations has been India's Digital Public Infrastructure. Platforms such as Aadhaar, the Unified Payments Interface UPI and the Direct Benefit Transfer system have fundamentally changed the relationship between citizens, markets and government.
   
   
7. India's manufacturing ambitions extend across electronics, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, defence equipment, renewable energy technologies, telecommunications and advanced engineering. The ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives are encouraging domestic manufacturing, innovation and investment while integrating India more deeply into global supply chains.
   
   
8. India's economic transformation is therefore not simply about producing more. It is about creating jobs, developing technology, strengthening domestic capabilities and contributing to a more resilient global economy.
   
   
9. India's progress is equally visible in the fields of science and technology. Our space programme is a source of immense national pride. India's space sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with greater participation by private companies and start-ups. Today, India has more than 300 space start-ups working in areas such as launch systems, satellite technology, Earth observation, communications, navigation and downstream space applications.This growing ecosystem reflects the success of India's space reforms and the increasing role of private enterprise in India's space economy.
   
   
10. India is also making major advances in clean energy and sustainable transportation.Our National Green Hydrogen Mission seeks to position India as a global hub for the production and export of green hydrogen.The development of hydrogen-powered transportation, including India's hydrogen train initiative, demonstrates our commitment to clean mobility and to the transition towards a low-carbon economy.
    
    
11. India is also expanding solar and wind energy, promoting rooftop solar, electric mobility and battery storage, while developing large-scale renewable energy projects.Through the International Solar Alliance, India is working with countries across the world to promote international cooperation in solar energy. India remains committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070, while ensuring that the country's development aspirations and energy requirements are met.
    
    
12. Our achievements in nuclear science are another example of India's technological capabilities. The commissioning of India's indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor represents a significant milestone in India's pursuit of efficient utilisation of nuclear fuel and long-term energy security. These achievements demonstrate that India is not merely a consumer of technology. India is increasingly becoming a creator, innovator and provider of technology.
    
    
13. India's transformation is accompanied by a strong commitment to international cooperation. India today is recognised not only for its economic achievements but also as a responsible global partner committed to sustainable development, inclusive growth and international cooperation.
    
    
14. India's presidency of the G20 in 2023 placed the concerns and priorities of the Global South at the centre of the international agenda. India has consistently advocated the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”  the world is one family.
    
    
15. As India assumes the leadership of important multilateral platforms, including the forthcoming 18th ‘BRICS Summit’ in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026, we will continue to promote a people-centric approach and the spirit of “Humanity First.”
    
    
16. To commemorate the 80th Independence Day of India, we are having several special initiatives. One of them is under Har Ghar Tiranga 2026. It is titled “Surya Path Tiranga” and it is a symbolic global relay of the Indian Tricolour across Indian Missions abroad. Another initiative was the Bharat Ko Janiye (BKJ) Quiz 2026, a competition which was held on 3-14 August, where Indians and Friends of India tested their knowledge about India. Shortly, we will honour the 5 top winners of the quiz competition from Argentina and one winner for the photography competition titled “India Through My Lense”. 3 art workshops on traditional Indian art forms were also held at the Chancery on 10-12 August as part of a series of hands-on workshops organised by ICCR to showcase India’s rich and diverse traditional art heritage.

The Embassy is also organizing a series of events to celebrate this momentous occasion. The first one is a new edition of the Indian Film Festival, which will be held in Berazategui today. In the future, the Embassy also plans to organise Festival of India celebrations in Luján, Escobar and Tigre.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me share a few thoughts regarding our bilateral relations.

17. India and Argentina are two vibrant democracies with complementary economies, rich cultural traditions and enormous potential. Our relationship has entered a new phase of opportunity. From critical minerals to clean energy, from pharmaceuticals to agriculture, from space to digital technology, from education to culture, the possibilities for cooperation are immense. The Embassy remains committed to strengthening these ties and to building bridges between our two countries.
    
    
18. Our vision is to see greater trade and investment, stronger scientific and technological cooperation, more educational exchanges, deeper cultural engagement and stronger people-to-people connections.
    
    
19. On this historic occasion, let us remember the countless freedom fighters whose courage and sacrifice made India's independence possible. Let us remember Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Bhagat Singh, Rani Lakshmibai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Sarojini Naidu and the countless known and unknown heroes who devoted their lives to the cause of India's freedom. Let us also remember that independence is not merely a legacy, it is a responsibility.
    
    
20. Our responsibility is to build an India that is stronger, more prosperous, more inclusive, more innovative and more compassionate.
    

Let us celebrate the friendship between India and Argentina, a friendship that continues to grow from strength to strength.

I warmly invite all our Argentine friends, members of the Indian community and Friends of India to join us in celebrating India's heritage, achievements and aspirations.

Vande Mataram. 

Jai Hind.