Several world leaders extended warm greetings to India on its 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2025, celebrating the country's democratic journey, deepening bilateral partnerships, and its growing role in shaping regional cooperation across Asia and beyond.

Singapore Underscores Strategic Depth

Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam highlighted the strength of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Singapore, describing it as robust and forward-looking, underpinned by close people-to-people ties.

'Our cooperation is multifaceted, expanding into new areas including skills development, digitalisation, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. By drawing on our complementary strengths, I am confident that our two countries will continue to identify fresh opportunities for the benefit of our peoples,' Shanmugaratnam stated.

He further noted that both nations share a common interest in a 'peaceful, open, and connected region,' pledging continued collaboration within the ASEAN framework. 'We will continue working closely with India, as one of ASEAN's oldest Dialogue Partners, to strengthen regional integration and resilience, especially in trade, the digital economy, energy security, and the energy transition,' he added. This comes amid India's intensifying engagement with Southeast Asia under its Act East Policy.

Maldives Leaders Reaffirm India Ties

Former Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih conveyed his wishes to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the people of India, describing the country's post-independence journey since 1947 as an 'inspiration for developing countries' such as the Maldives in their pursuit of democracy. He also expressed hope that the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations would continue to strengthen.

Separately, Mohamed Nazim, President of the Maldives National Party (MNP), extended his greetings, describing India as 'a close friend and trusted partner.' 'Happy Independence Day to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi and all Indians. Wishing you a day filled with joy and may India prosper always. In the past years, India has been a close friend and a trusted partner to the Maldives. May this friendship between India and the Maldives grow stronger,' Nazim said. Notably, the warm messaging from Maldivian leaders arrives against the backdrop of a period of diplomatic recalibration between the two neighbours.

Vande Mataram at 150 and the Viksit Bharat Vision

This year's Independence Day celebrations carry added significance, prominently commemorating 150 years of the national song 'Vande Mataram'. The occasion also spotlights the energy, aspirations, and contributions of India's youth in building a Viksit Bharat — a developed India — by 2047, the centenary of independence.

India's Expanding Global Footprint

The outpouring of goodwill from world leaders reflects India's rising stature on the global stage, from its G20 presidency in 2023 to its active role in multilateral forums spanning trade, climate, and digital governance. As India enters its 79th year as a republic, the diplomatic messaging underscores that its partnerships — both in the immediate neighbourhood and across Southeast Asia — are viewed as increasingly consequential. How New Delhi leverages this goodwill in the years ahead will be closely watched.