The 80th Independence Day of India was celebrated with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm in Tashkent, Uzbekistan with a vibrant flag-hoisting ceremony held on August 15, 2026 at the Chancery premises. The ceremony was attended by Indian community, students, friends of India and local media. The ceremony featured Surya Path Tiranga – first ever global relay of Indian tricolour by select Indian Missions including Embassy of India, Tashkent with flag hoisting following rising sun from east to west, celebrating India's unity, pride and global presence.
Ambassador of India to the Republic of Uzbekistan Ms. Smita Pant welcomed the gathering and read out the Hon’ble President of India’s address delivered to the Nation on the eve of the Independence Day. The Ambassador highlighted the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, urging people to hoist the National Flag and commemorate the spirit of Vande Mataram.
“We can feel the spirit of independence right here in Uzbekistan, which is our strategic partner. It's the 80th Independence Day of India and you have heard the address of the President of India. She focused on sustainable inclusive development, women empowerment and the role of women. She also said that if we are to grow and prosper, we should do that collectively,” the Ambassador Smita Pant noted after the flag hoisting ceremony.
The audience enjoyed captivating cultural performances from Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture. Top five performers of the Bharat ko Janiye Independence Day Quiz were felicitated. Three best paintings from the ICCR Painting Workshop and Viksit Bharat painting Competition were also showcased. Three Uzbek academicians from Namangan State Pedagogical Institute and Tashkent Institute of Textiles and Light Industry sung popular Hindi songs. The ceremony concluded with light refreshments.
