Embassy of India

Embassy of India
Antananarivo

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Celebrations of the 80^th Independence Day, 15 August 2026

The celebrations of 80^th Independence Day took place in Antananarivo in the morning of 15 August 2026, with patriotic fervour and zeal. About 200 members of the Indian Diaspora and Friends of India in Madagascar enthusiastically took part in the celebrations.

2. The ceremony commenced with the mass singing of National Song “Vande Mataram”, followed by the ceremonial hoisting of the Indian flag. Thereafter, members of the Indian community and Friends of Madagascar joined in singing the National Anthem. Chargé d’Affaires Shri Mohit Kumar, also read out the address of Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji Smt. Droupadi Murmu to the nation on the eve of the Independence Day.  This was followed by a vibrant song and dance performance of patriotic songs by members of the Indian community and local students of Hindi.

3. In the run-up to the 80^th Independence Day celebrations, the Embassy organized a Quiz competition, a Painting Competition, the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz, the My India My Story campaign and a virtual workshop on Warli art, which witnessed enthusiastic participation. The winners and participants were felicitated and presented with certificates and gifts during the celebrations.

4. In the afternoon, Chargé D’Affaires Shri Mohit Kumar hosted a reception, which was graced by the Acting President of Senate, Mr. NDREMANJARY Jean André ; Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, HE Mr. RAMINDO Gaëtan; Minister of Labor, Employment and Public Service, HE Mr. DENIS Franconio Mac; Minister of Land-Use Planning and Land Affairs, HE Major General LYLISON René de Rolland Urbain;  MP elected in Marolambo and National Assembly Representative, Mr. ANDRIANASOLO Augustin, diplomatic community and over 250 members of the Indian Diaspora and Friends of India.

5. The Chargé d’Affaires emphasized the India’s achievements in economic growth, social development, digital transformation, women’s empowerment and space exploration. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to the Global South, multilateral cooperation and the fight against terrorism, while appreciating Madagascar’s support. The Chargé d’Affaires also highlighted the strong India–Madagascar friendship, India’s humanitarian and development assistance, including 5,000 metric tons of rice, ITEC training, ICCR scholarships and healthcare support. He concluded by reaffirming India’s commitment to Madagascar’s development priorities and to further strengthening bilateral relations under the Vision MAHASAGAR.

6. The Minister of Agriculture of Madagascar delivered a message on behalf of H.E. Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, President of the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar, conveying warm congratulations to the President, Prime Minister and people of India on the occasion of its 80^th Independence Day. He highlighted India’s remarkable development and its growing role as a major global and Global South partner, while emphasizing the longstanding friendship between Madagascar and India and the potential to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in agriculture, capacity-building, education, healthcare, technology, trade and investment. The Minister also expressed gratitude for India’s humanitarian assistance following Cyclones Gezani and Fytia and reaffirmed Madagascar’s commitment to a stronger, mutually beneficial and results-oriented partnership with India.

7. The event concluded with vibrant cultural performances by the local students of Hindi and Yoga. The celebration also saw a captivating performance by Indian artists Mr. Nilimesh Chakraborty (Tabla) and Mr. Monit Paul (Sarod) who visited from India to Antananarivo on the occasion of celebrations of Independence Day enthralled the audience with their traditional Indian classical music performance, showcasing the rich heritage of Indian musical traditions.

8. In the evening, the iconic building of the Mayor’s Office in the capital city of Antananarivo was illuminated in the Indian Tricolour.

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Antananarivo
18 August 2026