Speech for Republic Day of India on 26th January 2026

Your Excellency Ms Marie-Edith TASSYLA-YE- DOUMBENENY, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sub-Regional Integration, and Diaspora 

Ambassadors and Heads of Diplomatic Corps

Eminent guests from the Gabonese Republic

Members of the Indian Diaspora 

Members of the Media

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen!

A very warm welcome to you all on the occasion of the 76th Anniversary of the Republic Day of India!

It was on this day in 1950 that India, the birth place of democracy became an architect of its own destiny. Today India is the fourth largest economy in the world and is the fastest growing major economy. Its hard working farmers have made India self sufficient and an exporter of food grains. India’s self reliance in the Defence sector was also evident during Operation Sindhoor which successfully destroyed terror infrastructure. It is home to more than half of digital transactions made world wide. India is also the repository of ancient knowledge systems of Yoga, Ayurveda and Pranayama which are being appreciated globally. Most importantly, in an atmosphere marked by conflicts in many parts of the world, India is spreading the message of world peace.

It is also a historic occasion for our Mission as this is the FIRST Official celebration of our National Day after establishment of our Mission in Gabon in September 2024.

Excellency, today we celebrate India-Gabon friendship which is based firmly on shared values of liberty, justice and prosperity for all. As developing countries, we share a common past and we look towards a common and bright future, emerging from post-colonialism into a world of equal opportunity and development for all. 

I would like to first of all place on record my immense gratitude and appreciation to the Presidency, the Foreign Ministry, other Gabonese authorities and the good people of Gabon in greatly facilitating the setup of our new Diplomatic Mission in Libreville.

Our relations reached new heights last year following several high level exchanges, giving hope to new avenues of cooperation between our countries in Defence, Mining, digital technologies, agriculture and capacity building.

Excellency, India looks to partner with Gabon in its path towards rapid growth and development. We envisage great opportunities for collaboration in several areas including Agriculture, Health, Education, Energy, Infrastructure, Mining, Digital technologies and Skill Development.

Gabon is our valued partner in security for critical minerals and we are optimistic that India would look to play a significant role in the local processing of minerals which is an important priority of your Government. 

Our relationship has added flavour due to the strong presence of numerous Indian Investors in Gabon in the areas of Mining, Wood processing, Telecom, Agriculture, Pharmaceuticals and Services who are active partners in Gabon’s development. There is also rising interest in India about new opportunities in Gabon and we would invite a Gabonese delegation to visit India at in the near future to unveil potential investment opportunities here.

Excellency, as developing countries and partners of the Global South, we are eager to share our development experiences with Gabon.  We are pleased that our Mission has successfully facilitated the participation of our Gabonese colleagues in relevant development programs in India including in the areas of Agriculture, Digitalization and Enterpreneurship in the last 11 months alone.

Our friendship has also traditionally reflected on the global stage as well and we look forward to further strengthening our cooperation in the multilateral space.

Excellency, this is just the beginning of a new phase in the vibrant cooperation between our two peace loving countries and we are certain that India and Gabon will continue to realize their mutual aspirations in the relationship in the coming years.

Before I end I would like to remind everyone present that we have the world famous Indian delicacies of aloo samosa and butter chicken in the menu for today’s buffet dinner which I am sure, you would all relish.

I would also request everyone to please visit the Indian States promotion stall at the corner of the venue displaying interesting handicraft items from India.

Thank you, Jai Hind !