CONSULATE GENERAL OF INDIA
PHUENTSHOLING, BHUTAN
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Press Release

Celebration of the 80th Independence Day of India at the Consulate General of India, Phuentsholing

The Consulate General of India, Phuentsholing celebrated the 80th Independence Day of India with patriotic fervor, dignity and traditional enthusiasm at the Chancery premises on 15 August 2026.

2. 2. The celebrations commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Ms. Sucheta Chatterjee, Consul General of India followed by the singing of the National Anthem. The Consul General subsequently read out the Hon’ble President of India’s Address to the Nation.
   
   
3. 3. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Dasho Tenzin Chophel, Dzongdag, Chhukha; Dasho Melam Zangpo, Dzongdag, Samtse; Dasho Thinley Dorji, General Secretary, Bhutan India Friendship Association; and Dasho Dasho Karma Jurmi, Senior Dungpa, Phuentsholing and Mr. Hrishikesh Sharma, DIG for the Sector Headquarters of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Jalpaiguri, India. The event was attended by senior officials of the Royal Government of Bhutan, officers of the Royal Bhutan Police, Project DANTAK and IMTRAT, members of the Bhutan–India Friendship Association (BIFA) and the India–Bhutan Friendship Association (IBFA), friends of India, and members of the Indian community. Approximately 250 distinguished guests participated in the celebrations.
   
   
4. 4. As part of the commemorative programme, a colorful cultural presentation featuring patriotic performances by school students was organised. The performances showcased India’s rich cultural diversity and reflected the spirit of patriotism and the strong bonds of friendship between the peoples of India and Bhutan.
   
   
5. 5. The celebration served as an occasion to reaffirm the deep-rooted and time-tested friendship between India and Bhutan, founded on mutual trust, shared democratic values and close people-to-people ties. It also highlighted India’s remarkable journey over the past eight decades and its continued commitment to peace, prosperity and regional cooperation.
   
   
6. 6. The programme concluded with the rendition of patriotic songs by a Bhutanese student from Losel Gyatsho Academy from Gelephu Mindfulness City followed by refreshments for all the guests.

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Phuentsholing | 15 August 2026