New Delhi, Aug 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday thanked leaders from several countries for their warm greetings on India’s Independence Day, while reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to deepening diplomatic, cultural and strategic partnerships with friendly nations.
Responding to French President Emmanuel Macron’s Independence Day message on social media platform X, Modi expressed gratitude for the warm wishes and addressed Macron as a friend. The exchange reflected the close and expanding relationship between India and France, which has grown across areas including defence, trade, technology, space and strategic cooperation.
The Prime Minister also responded to Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah, underlining India’s commitment to further strengthening the “multifaceted and age-old civilisational ties” between the two neighbouring countries. Modi said India and Nepal would continue working together for the mutual prosperity and well-being of their people.
India and Nepal share deep historical, cultural and people-to-people connections, with cooperation spanning development, connectivity, energy and cross-border engagement.
Modi also thanked Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu for his Independence Day greetings and expressed hope that the longstanding friendship between India and the Maldives would continue to become stronger.
“May the bonds of friendship between India and the Maldives continue to grow stronger,” the Prime Minister said, highlighting the importance New Delhi attaches to its close ties with the Indian Ocean nation.
Responding to Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, Modi said India looked forward to further strengthening the Comprehensive Partnership between the two countries. India and Slovakia have been expanding their engagement in areas such as trade, investment, technology and diplomatic cooperation.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged greetings from Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, who referred to Modi as his “elder brother” while wishing for the friendship between the two countries to continue flourishing.
Modi said India deeply cherishes its “special and enduring partnership” with Bhutan and noted that the relationship continues to grow from strength to strength.
India’s ties with Bhutan are rooted in close cultural and historical links, with cooperation extending to hydropower, development assistance, education, connectivity and people-to-people relations.
Modi further thanked Rabi Lamichhane, former Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of Nepal, for his Independence Day wishes. He reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening the deep bonds of friendship between the two countries and working towards mutual progress and prosperity.
The Prime Minister’s responses came as India celebrated its 80th Independence Day, with greetings pouring in from leaders across the world. His messages underlined New Delhi’s emphasis on maintaining strong partnerships with neighbouring countries while simultaneously expanding strategic and comprehensive ties with nations across Europe and beyond.
