ISLAMABAD: The Indian High Commission hosted two separate receptions here to commemorate its 77th Republic Day on Monday. The first event was held at the Indian mission’s compound in diplomatic enclave, while the other one was organised at a four-star hotel in evening. The diplomatic reception was attended by a few dozen guests, including junior diplomats and traditional guests of diplomatic events.
Charge d’ Affaires of India, Ms Geetika Srivastava, clad in traditional black silk saarhi, was the distinguished guest in both the events. Ms Srivastava opted to invite four Saarc envoys for performing cake-cutting ceremony. Pakistan is a leading member of Saarc but no one represented in the ceremony.
Bangladesh High Commissioner Muhammad Iqbal Hussain Khan, who was designated for posting in Islamabad by Sheikh Hasina administration, was among the notable guests to cut the cake. British High Commissioner Jane Marriott was conspicuous with her presence.
Indian diplomats were happy about the arrangements and facilities provided by the law enforcement agencies for the security and other comforts. The Ms Srivastava spoke in the mission’s reception where she unfurled tri-colour Indian flag followed by national anthem. She referred to so-called operation Sindoor and later took to X for sharing her sentiments.
