PRESS RELEASE

Embassy of India, Dili Celebrates 80th Independence Day

Timor Leste: The Embassy of India, Dili celebrated the 80th Independence Day of India at the Chancery on 15 August 2026 with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit. The event was attended by approximately 150 guests, comprising members of the Indian community as well as friends of India from various nationalities.

The celebrations commenced with the mass singing of “Vande Mataram”, setting a patriotic tone for the occasion. This was followed by the unfurling of the National Flag by the Ambassador of India, after which the gathering joined in the singing of the National Anthem, “Jana Gana Mana.”

On the occasion, the Ambassador of India read out excerpts from the Hon’ble Rashtrapati ji’s address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day. The address highlighted India’s remarkable journey since independence and the contributions of Indians and the Indian diaspora towards the country’s continued progress and development.

The Ambassador also presented certificates to the participants of the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz, recognising their enthusiastic participation and engagement with India’s rich history, culture and heritage.

Following the formal programme, guests enjoyed refreshments arranged by the Embassy and interacted in a warm and convivial atmosphere.

The celebrations concluded with a Swachhata Drive, led by the Ambassador of India. The Ambassador, along with officials and staff of the Embassy, participated in a Swachhata Drive at the Embassy premises as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a flagship cleanliness initiative of the Government of India, inspired by the vision and leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. The activity underscored the importance of cleanliness, civic responsibility and collective participation in keeping public spaces clean.

The 80th Independence Day celebrations provided an opportunity for the Indian community and friends of India to come together and commemorate the spirit of freedom, unity and national pride, while reaffirming the enduring bonds of friendship between India and Timor-Leste.