On January 26, India’s national holiday, Republic Day, was celebrated in the Turkmen capital. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Turkmenistan Bandaru Wilsonbabu and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov addressed the gala reception organized for the occasion.
The event was a vivid demonstration of the friendly relations between the two countries and a confirmation of their commitment to deepening cooperation. Representatives of the two sides emphasized the particular importance of cultural exchange, humanitarian ties, and the development of trade and economic cooperation.
Ambassador Bandaru Wilsonbabu emphasized that India views Turkmenistan as part of its “extended neighborhood,” with whom intercultural integration has been maintained for millennia.
The diplomat noted that India has come a long way, becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy and the fastest-growing major economy. India is home to the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem and is a leader in information technology, digital payments, renewable energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and other fields.
The head of the diplomatic mission noted that bilateral relations are steadily developing, including within the framework of the UN and the India-Central Asia Dialogue. Both countries are interested in maintaining regional peace, stability, and addressing contemporary challenges.
“India considers Turkmenistan a close friend and partner.” In line with our “extended neighborhood” policy, we will continue to actively cooperate in security, oil and gas, chemicals, healthcare, and digital infrastructure. I am confident that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, our partnership will reach new heights,” the diplomat emphasized.
At the beginning of his address, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov extended heartfelt congratulations to his Indian friends on behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
“The main factor in the development of traditional Turkmen-Indian cooperation are visits and contacts at the highest state and government levels. In this context, the state visit of the President of Turkmenistan to India in 2010, the official visit of the Prime Minister of India, and the first state visit of the President of India to Turkmenistan, which took place in 2015 and 2022, served as impetus for further strengthening the friendship between the two peoples and intensifying the partnership between our countries,” the head of the foreign ministry emphasized.
The Deputy Prime Minister cited deep historical roots, strong civilizational ties, and the shared spiritual values of the two peoples as the foundation of cooperation.
“Cultural ties are an integral part of Turkmen-Indian relations. We are actively working to study, preserve, and enhance the shared cultural values of the Turkmen and Indian peoples and their contribution to the common heritage of humanity. In this spirit, in 2024, we unveiled a monument to the Indian writer, poet, composer, artist, and public figure Rabindranath Tagore at the Magtymguly Pyragy cultural and park complex,” said R. Meredov.
The highlight of the ceremony was a cultural program that included the national music of both nations, Indian dances, and demonstrations by representatives of the Ashgabat Yoga Center.
