Speech by Ambassador Y. K. Sailas Thangal at the National Day Reception 
(Astana, 23 January 2026)

Excellency,Minister of Trade & Integration, Mr. Armaan Shakkaliyev,
Excellency Mr. Alibek Bakayev, Deputy Foreign Minister ,

Maj General Mereke Kuchekbayev, Chief of land Force, Kazak Army,
My Colleague Ambassadors, Members of the International Org & Diplomatic Corps, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Evening, Namaste, Al Salam Alaikum, Salametsiz Be.

It gives me immense pleasure to warmly welcome you all to India’s national day reception being organized to celebrate the 77th Republic Day of India. On the 26 January 1950, India adopted its Constitution and formally became a Republic, following its independence in 1947. Contemporary India stands as the world’s largest and perhaps most vibrant democracy—firmly rooted in the enduring principles enshrined in this world longest written Constitution.

The Indian Constitution is a living document that has continuously evolved itself with time, responding to the changing needs and challenges of society. Since its adoption, it has been amended on numerous occasions to incorporate the requirements of different periods and situations. These amendments reflect the Constitution’s inherent flexibility, enabling it to uphold democratic values while adapting to social, economic, and political transformations of the nation as well as the aspirations and ambitions of 1.4 billion Indians.

India, a civilization with over 5,000 years of recorded history, has preserved and celebrates its ancient heritage—be it the wisdom of the Vedas, Yoga , Ayurveda, rich culinary traditions, cultural diversity, or historic contributions to science and knowledge. At the same time, modern India is confidently charting its future. Today, India is the fourth-largest and fastest-growing major economy. Despite its domestic challenges India is making significant strides across many sectors such as space technology, IT and FinTech, AI, cyber-security, agri-tech, food processing, digital infrastructure, textiles, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.

As a responsible global power, India has been consistently a reliable and trusted partner to countries around the world. Whether in counter-terrorism & security, humanitarian assistance & disaster response, emergency relief, or food security. In all these engagements India is being guided by its firm belief in the ancient Sanskrit ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family.

On this auspicious occasion, we also celebrate the enduring friendship and multifaceted Strategic Partnership between India and Kazakhstan, rooted deeply in shared civilizational linkages and mutual respect. Regular high-level exchanges have imparted strong momentum to our bilateral relations. India and Kazakhstan works closely across many multilateral platforms such as the SCO, BRICS, CICA, the UN and regional groupings, including the India–Central Asia Dialogue, whose fourth meeting was successfully held in New Delhi in June 2025.

Kazakhstan is not only the largest country in Central Asia, but also India’s largest trading partner in the region. Our bilateral trade is approximately USD 1 billion, which is way below its potential and there remains vast scope for further growth. We see strong complementarities in many sectors like IT and Fin-Tech, AI, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, agriculture food processing, textiles, construction, energy—including renewable energy—and logistics. To support this growth, both sides are working closely to enhance land and air connectivity.

Tourism, including medical and wellness tourism, is emerging as a promising area, with the number of Indian visitors to Kazakhstan expected to have touched 250,000 in 2025. I am pleased to announce that, with a view to promoting bilateral tourism, the Government of India has decided to grant gratis visas upto 30 days to all Kazakh nationals travelling for tourism, medical treatment as well as medical attendants. This facility will be available for both on-line applications and applications submitted in person at the Embassy.

Defence cooperation constitutes another important pillar of our partnership, which continue to deepen both in substance and strategic relevance through joint peacekeeping missions, training programmes, joint exercises, military adventure sports, exchange of information, as well as regular high-level visits. This evening, we are particularly honoured by the presence of the professional military band of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan, which performed the national anthems of both our countries. I thank the Commander for this gracious gesture, which has added a special distinction to our celebrations.

The ITEC Programme of the Ministry of External Affairs and the ICCR Scholarship Scheme have been playing a truly yeoman role in strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Kazakhstan. By enabling capacity building, academic exchange, professional training across a wide range of disciplines. These flagship initiatives have helped create lasting personal and institutional linkages, fostered mutual understanding, and nurtured a generation of friends of India who continue to serve as bridges between our two nations.

Before I conclude, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Hon’ble Minister of Trade and Integration for his gracious presence this evening despite his demanding schedule. I also thank Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Alibek Bakayev and our colleagues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan for their continued support in strengthening and deepening our bilateral relations. I thank General Mereke Kuchekbayev for his gracious presence. My sincere thanks also go to the Commander of the Kazakh Military Band for the splendid rendition of the national anthems, and to our Indian and Kazakh business partners for generously sponsoring prizes for today’s raffle.

I would further like to express my appreciation to the Tea Board of India and the Coffee Board of India for setting up special counters to offer the authentic taste of Indian beverages. By sending two professional tea sommeliers from Kolkata, they have enabled our guests to experience the true flavour of Indian tea, prepared by master hands.

My heartfelt thanks go to the officers and staff of the Embassy for their dedication and hard work in making this evening truly memorable; to the Director and team of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre for the captivating cultural programme; and to the St. Regis hotel team for their exceptional hospitality and for helping us present a delightful array of Indian culinary specialities this evening.

Once again, I warmly welcome you all and wish you a very Happy Republic Day of India. Please enjoy the evening with the flavours of Indian tea, Indian coffee, and Indian cuisine.

Thank you, and Khop Rahmet.

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