Events/Photo Gallery

Celebrations of the 69th Republic Day of India in Stockholm on 29 January 2018

March 09, 2018

The Embassy of India, Stockholm, organized a Flag Hoisting ceremony and a Reception to commemorate the 69th Republic Day of India in Sweden.

Ambassador of India to Sweden and Latvia hoisted the Indian National Flag on 26 January 2018 at a ceremony organized at Hotel Radisson Blu, Stockholm, which was attended by about two hundred members of the Indian community and friends of India, including a large number of children and students from various universities in and around Stockholm, who found it as an opportunity to learn about different flagship programmes being undertaken by the Government of India. After the unfurling of the Tricolour, the President’s address was webcast to the audience. It was followed by a short address by Ambassador. In her address, Ambassador apprised the audience about recent initiatives & flagship programmes in India and the fast-growing bilateral relations between India and Sweden. She also reaffirmed that the Embassy would always extend all possible help to all Indians abroad. An Oddissi dance group, led by eminent artist Ms. Shivani Wazir, sent by Indian Council for Cultural Relations, gave a short performance, showcasing India’s cultural diversity. It was followed by light refreshments.

On 29 January 2018, Ambassador hosted a Reception at Sheraton Hotel in Stockholm, which was attended by over 300 guests. The Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ms. Margot Wallström, was the Guest of Honour. The Swedish Minister for Defence, H.E. Mr. Peter Hultqvist, also attended the Reception. Other important guests present included President of Stockholm City Council Eva-Louise Erlandsson Slorach; Member of Parliament & Chairperson of Sweden-India Friendship Group åsa Coenraads; Members of Parliament & Members of Sweden-India Parliamentary Friendship Group Margareta Cederfelt and Cecilia Magnusson; Director for Asia Division in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Erik Widman; former Ambassador of Sweden to India & Senior Advisor to Sweden-India Business Council Harald Sandberg; President & CEO of SAAB Hakan Bushke; Chairman of Sweden-India Business Council Hakan Kingstedt; President & CEO of Swedish Export Credit Corporation Catrin Fransson; President & CEO of Atlas Copco Mats Rahmström; and Chairman Kunskapsskolan Peje Emilsson. A large number of senior Government officials, foreign Ambassadors and diplomats, and representatives of the Swedish and Indian business community also participated in the function. The Reception was formally started by playing the National Anthems of India and Sweden, followed by speeches by the Ambassador and the Swedish Foreign Minister.

The Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs, in her address on the occasion, highlighted the momentous time in the current India-Sweden relations, mainly attributing it to the first-ever visit of the President of India to Sweden in 2015, followed by the visit of the Swedish Prime Minister to India in 2016 when the two Prime Ministers issued a vision Joint Statement which laid a detailed roadmap for all-round bilateral cooperation; regular interactions at high levels and people-to-people contacts; relevant Swedish technological solutions for India’s needs for a sustainable urban development and available common opportunities in both countries; efforts at official and corporate levels; and common values, deep commitment to democracy and human rights, and respect for a rules-based international system. The Minister also mentioned about an upcoming project, called “Kraftsamla” (Joining Forces), which will be launched in India in February 2018 in collaboration with Swedish Consulate General in Mumbai, UNDP, Swedish companies and Government of State of Maharashtra. The project is aimed at skilling women in fields like Forklift drivers, Mechanics, and Entrepreneurs as well as incorporating gender equality in the companies Code of Conduct. Recognizing India’s key role in global issues, the Minister called for a strong partnership between India and the European Union to meet the global challenges, and reiterated Sweden’s support for India’s permanent membership in the expanded United Nations Security Council.

Earlier, Ambassador, among others, highlighted the India-Sweden bilateral relations; infrastructural and economic development and available investment opportunities in India. She thanked Sweden for supporting India in its membership in the ICJ and the Multilateral Export Control Regimes – Wassenaar Arrangement, Australia Group and NSG.

This was followed by a brief Indian cultural performance by Ms. Shivani Wazir and her group. At the Reception venue, four Indian stalls were put up to promote Make in India initiative, Indian Teas, Herbal & Ayurveda products and Tourism, including Air India’s direct flight between Stockholm and New Delhi.

Indian cuisine was served to conclude the Reception.

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Stockholm, 29 January 2018