Dili, January 30 (AseanAll) — On January 30, 2026, President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, J. Ramos-Horta joined Ambassador Shri Madan Kumar Ghildiyal and the diplomatic corps in Dili tonight to celebrate the 77th Republic Day of India, marking the historic anniversary of India’s Constitution.
In his keynote address, the President praised India’s transformation into a global powerhouse and the world’s largest democracy, noting its projected status as the third-largest economy by 2027. Reflecting on his personal history with India dating back to 1992, the Head of State paid tribute to the moral leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, stating that India’s rise as a leader of the Global South provides essential hope in a world currently facing a “hope deficit.”
Highlighting the rapid deepening of bilateral relations, President Ramos-Horta celebrated the 2024 establishment of resident embassies in both Dili and New Delhi as a turning point for political and economic engagement. The President recalled the historic visit of Indian President Droupadi Murmu to Timor-Leste last year and emphasized growing cooperation in vital sectors such as health, education, and IT.
The President specifically noted the importance of Indian investment in Timor-Leste’s energy sector, and thanked the Indian government for its consistent support in human resource development through scholarships and medical training.
The President reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s unwavering support for India’s aspiration for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, underscoring a shared commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based international order.
The Head of the State encouraged Indian investors to explore opportunities in agriculture, logistics, and petrochemicals, positioning Timor-Leste as a stable, peaceful, and strategic regional hub. Closing with Gandhi’s timeless wisdom to “be the change that you wish to see in the world,” President Ramos-Horta described India as the embodiment of that change and an enduring inspiration for the Timorese people.
