Speech by Hon. Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal Cultural Event organised by the Embassy of India on the Occasion of the 79th Independence Day of India Bhandarkhal Garden, Patan Museum

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

1. Namaskar and warm greetings to all of you!  It is an immense honour to join you today as we celebrate the 79th Independence Day of our friendly and cherished neighbour India. On this historic occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Government and people of India, and I convey the warmest wishes of the people of Nepal for continued peace, prosperity, and progress. 
2. India’s journey since independence has been one of remarkable resilience, unity, and transformation. Today, as India stands tall as a rising global power, we take immense pride in your achievements. Your nation’s growth trajectory is an inspiration, and we look forward to deeper collaboration between Nepal and India—strengthening our bonds in trade, technology, infrastructure, and most importantly, in the shared aspirations of our peoples. 
3. Nepal and India are not just neighbours but are bound by the sacred Himalayas, the flow of our rivers, and the wisdom of our ancient civilizations. Our ties are woven through the threads of history, philosophy, and spirituality—from the teachings of Lord Buddha to the exchanges of scholars, saints, and artists across centuries. The vibrant festivals, languages, and traditions we share are a testament to this unbreakable connection. 
4. I am glad to know that we shall today witness the mesmerizing Kathakali dance, a classical art form from the Indian state of Kerala that embodies the rich storytelling traditions of our cultures, a dance form that unlocked the mystery of the Sanskrit poems and made them accessible to the wider community. I commend the Embassy of India and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre for bringing this exquisite performance to Nepal, further enriching our cultural landscape.  The fact that this talented Kathakali troupe will also perform in Birgunj, Ilam, and Dharan, allows for more Nepali audiences to experience this magnificent art form. Such initiatives play a pivotal role in deepening mutual understanding and fostering people-to-people ties, which are the very foundation of our bilateral relations. 
5. As we celebrate India’s independence, we also reflect on our time-honoured relationship and enduring friendship built on mutual respect, trust and shared aspirations for peace, stability and prosperity. Nepal remains committed to working closely with India to enhance this partnership through additional connectivity, expanded economic opportunities, and the addressing of shared challenges such as climate change and sustainable development. 
6. Let us therefore continue to draw strength from our civilizational harmony and write new chapters of cooperation, trust, and friendship. Together, we can scale greater heights for our peoples and the region.
7. Once again, I wish a very Happy Independence Day to India. May the spirit of freedom and friendship guide our path forward. 

Thank You.