Mbabane – The High Commission of India in Eswatini today celebrated the 77th Republic Day of India in Mbabane, bringing together members of the Indian community, friends of India and officials from the Kingdom to mark the national occasion.
The celebrations on Monday 26 January 2026 began with the hoisting of the Indian Tricolour by Charge d’Affaires Mr Ajay Sharma, followed by the rendering of the Indian National Anthem. Mr Sharma then read out the Address to the Nation by the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, to those in attendance.
The Republic Day event followed a National Day Reception held on Friday 23 January 2026 at the United Nations House in Mbabane. The reception was attended by the Minister for ICT, Hon Savannah Maziya, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon Senator Pholile Shakantu, alongside heads of government departments, parastatals, members of the diplomatic corps, journalists and members of the Indian diaspora.
Addressing guests at the reception, Mr Sharma spoke on the growing relationship between the two countries, saying, “the India–Eswatini partnership was destined to grow ever stronger, deeper and more dynamic in the years ahead.” He referred to several developments in bilateral relations, including the gift by His Majesty of a plot of land for the construction of the Indian High Commission Chancery and the first official visit to India by Eswatini’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Senator Pholile Shakantu.
Photo by Adekunle Owolabi
He also mentioned visits to India by Eswatini ministers responsible for ICT, Health, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy, as well as Tourism and Environmental Affairs, describing these engagements as contributing to renewed momentum in cooperation between the two countries. Mr Sharma congratulated the Government of Eswatini on joining the Mission ShaktiSat initiative in association with Space Kinds India and expressed appreciation to the Kingdom for hosting the visit of India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, in June 2025.
According to the High Commission, India’s participation in the Eswatini International Trade Fair, Mbabane Day and the Mbabane Municipality’s cooperation during the International Day of Yoga were cited as examples of active engagement between the two countries. Mr Sharma also noted that Eswatini’s membership in the International Solar Alliance would support the country’s efforts to harness clean energy in partnership with India and other member states.
Cultural performances formed part of the 23 January reception, with Bharatanatyam dances presented by members of the Indian diaspora together with Emaswati artists. Emaswati singers from the Sweet Sounds Choir performed India’s national song, Vande Mataram, while members of an Eswatini delegation scheduled to visit India for the Surajkund International Crafts Festival performed the Ingadla dance. During the event, the Minister for ICT handed over air tickets to the delegation travelling to the festival.
During the Republic Day celebrations on Monday, the programme was anchored by Mr Sriram, the Second Secretary responsible for Education, Press, Information and Culture at the Indian High Commission. Mr Sriram also used the occasion to announce that he would soon be departing the Kingdom as he returns to India. Members of the Indian community took time to convey farewell messages and appreciation for his service during his tenure in Eswatini.
Children from the Indian diaspora and Emaswati friends later presented songs and dances, while speeches delivered by children in English and Hindi spoke on the importance of the Indian Constitution and encouraged continued efforts towards national development and prosperity. All performers were later presented with gifts by the Charge d’Affaires and Mrs Ruby in appreciation of their participation.
The celebrations were attended by members of the Indian community, friends of India and officials from the High Commission, with guests later sharing refreshments and Republic Day greetings at the High Commission in Mbabane.
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