India’s national holiday, Republic Day, was celebrated in the capital of Turkmenistan. At a ceremonial reception held on this occasion, speeches were delivered by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Turkmenistan, Bandaru Wilsonbabu, and the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov.
The event became a vivid demonstration of the friendly relations between the two countries and a confirmation of their commitment to deepening cooperation. Representatives of both sides emphasized the special importance of cultural exchange, humanitarian ties, and the development of trade and economic interaction.
Ambassador Bandaru Wilsonbabu emphasized that India views Turkmenistan as part of its “extended neighborhood,” with which it has maintained intercultural integration for thousands of years.
The head of the diplomatic mission noted that bilateral relations are steadily developing, including within the framework of the United Nations and the “India–Central Asia” Dialogue. Both countries are interested in maintaining regional peace and stability and in countering modern challenges.
“India considers Turkmenistan its close friend and partner. In line with our ‘extended neighborhood’ policy, we will continue to actively cooperate in the areas of security, the oil and gas sector, the chemical industry, 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,” emphasized the diplomat.
At the beginning of his address, Rashid Meredov, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, conveyed heartfelt congratulations to 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 is 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 an impetus for further strengthening the friendship between the two peoples and intensifying the partnership between our countries,” emphasized the head of the foreign policy department.
The Deputy Prime Minister described deep historical roots, strong civilizational ties, and the closeness of the spiritual values of the two peoples as the foundation of interaction.
“An integral part of Turkmen–Indian relations is cultural ties. We are carrying out active work 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 regard, in 2024, we installed a monument to the Indian writer, poet, composer, artist, and public figure Rabindranath Tagore in the ‘Magtymguly Pyragy’ cultural and park complex,” R. Meredov said.
The highlight of the ceremonial event was a cultural program featuring national music of both peoples, Indian dances, and demonstration performances by representatives of the Yoga Center in Ashgabat.
