The Global Trade & Technology Council (India) celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day with an evening of diplomacy, dialogue and cultural expression at the GTTCI Secretariat, Areness House, New Delhi, bringing together senior government officials, diplomats, public representatives, industry leaders and members of the international community.
The celebration was graced by diplomats and representatives from Czech Republic, Egypt, Germany, Nicaragua, Russia, Somalia, Sri Lanka and UNESCO, reflecting the strong international participation and growing global engagement surrounding India’s Independence Day celebrations.
Held under the theme “Celebrating India’s Rise as a Trusted Global Partnership Partner,” the programme reflected on India’s remarkable journey since independence and its emerging role as a global partner in trade, technology, development and people-to-people relations. The programme featured the National Anthem, cultural performances, addresses by distinguished guests, an interactive session, a special video presentation and a felicitation ceremony.
Welcoming the distinguished gathering, Dr. Gaurav Gupta, Founder President, GTTCI, thanked all guests for joining the celebration and reaffirmed GTTCI’s commitment to taking India’s global partnerships to newer heights by strengthening bilateral trade, institutional engagement and people-to-people relations.
Reflecting on India’s transformation, Shri Sujeet Kumar, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, highlighted India’s digital prowess and the scale of its digital public infrastructure, particularly the UPI ecosystem. He spoke about India’s journey from a free nation to a nation of aspirations and its movement towards global leadership while building strong and mutually beneficial partnerships worldwide.
Dr. Rashmi Singh, IAS, spoke about the evolution of India’s approach to women’s development—from welfare and empowerment to women’s development and now women-led development, emphasizing the importance of women as active leaders in shaping India’s progress.
A special highlight was the screening of “Thank You India,” presented by Smt. Aashmeen Munjal, reflecting the gratitude of the international community towards India for its contributions across diverse fields and celebrating the country’s growing global influence, knowledge, innovation and values.
Addressing India–Nicaragua relations, H.E. Ms. Nadeska Imara Cuthbert Carlson, Ambassador of Nicaragua to India, appreciated GTTCI’s efforts in strengthening international engagement and connecting diplomatic and business communities. She highlighted Nicaragua’s potential and opportunities for deeper economic and bilateral cooperation.
Dr. R. Stalin, Deputy Director, National Commission for Scheduled Castes, shared his perspective on India’s development journey and the importance of inclusion and equal opportunity. Mr. D. Salaai Maraan, Director (Administration), Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, highlighted national capability, institutional strength and India’s global engagement, while Sandeep Vashishta, ACP, Rashtrapati Bhawan, reflected on the significance of national institutions and democratic values.
HC Suri, Former Member, NCLT and Former Registrar, Delhi High Court, offered an institutional and legal perspective on India’s evolution as a mature democracy and prominent global economy. Dr. Krishnamurti, Director, Department of Women and Child Welfare, Government of India, highlighted inclusive development and initiatives focused on women and children.
Adding an engaging dimension, Mr. Anoop Verma, Editor, ET Government, raised broader questions on India’s civilisational aspirations, including its vision of becoming Vishwa Guru and reviving the spirit of “Sone Ki Chidiya” through prosperity, knowledge and innovation.
Dr. Pawan Kansal, Chairman – Industrial Export, GTTCI, emphasized the strength of Indian industry in building global partnerships and contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The celebration brought together Shri Mukesh Kumar, Managing Director, Kendriya Bhandar, Mr. Vladimir Finov, India Head of TENEX JSC (ROSATOM).
GTTCI Board Members Smt. Aashmeen Munjal, Dr. Girish Desai, Mr. Kapil Khandelwal, Mr. Navratan Aggarwal, Dr. Parmeet Singh Chadha, Mr. Sagar Aggarwal and Mr. Shubham Gupta also attended.
The evening featured cultural performances and a felicitation ceremony honouring diplomats, distinguished guests and speakers, followed by high tea and networking.
The celebration served not merely as a commemoration of India’s independence, but as a reflection on the country’s next chapter—an India confident in its capabilities, ambitious in its aspirations and committed to building meaningful partnerships with nations, institutions and people across the world.