India celebrates 77th Republic Day with diplomatic reception in Riyadh
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The Embassy of India hosted a reception at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh on January 31 to celebrate India’s 77th Republic Day, with the event drawing senior Saudi officials, diplomats and members of the Indian community.
Held in the Diplomatic Quarter, the reception was attended by more than 700 guests, including Saudi government officials, resident ambassadors, representatives from business, think tanks, academia and media, as well as members of the Indian diaspora.
H.E. Dr Faisal bin Abdul Aziz Al Sudairy, undersecretary for the Riyadh Region, attended as chief guest, while His Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Ayyaf, vice minister of interior, was the special guest.
In his address, Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr Suhel Ajaz Khan referred to what he described as the “strong momentum” in the India–Saudi Strategic Partnership. He said the relationship has entered a phase of closer bilateral engagement.
“The State Visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in April 2025 provided a renewed direction and strength to our bilateral relationship,” Khan said.
The program included a cultural segment featuring a dance performance set to India’s national song, “Vande Mataram”. This was followed by a classical Theyyam dance from Kerala, highlighting India’s regional cultural traditions.
The reception also featured displays of Indian textiles, including sarees from different parts of the country, showcasing traditional craftsmanship and design. Guests visited promotional stalls focused on Indian tourism, healthcare and other sectors.
A dedicated booth served Indian coffee, which organisers said was well received by Saudi guests. The evening concluded with a selection of Indian dishes served at multiple food counters catering to the international audience.