New Delhi, February 17, 2026: The 108th Independence Day of the Republic of Estonia was celebrated with great honour and diplomatic fervour in New Delhi, marking another milestone in the long-standing friendship between Estonia and India. The event was hosted by the Estonian Embassy in New Delhi on the occasion of Estonia’s national day, which commemorates the declaration of independence on 24 February 1918, an occasion that symbolizes freedom, democracy and national pride.
The distinguished gathering was graced by the presence of Honourable President of Estonia, H.E. Mr Alar Karis, who travelled to India as part of his official visit. President Karis delivered a thoughtful and inspiring address that reflected on Estonia’s journey as a young yet resilient democracy, its technological evolution, and the shared values that bind Estonia and India. In his remarks, he underlined the historical parallels between the two nations — both having endured foreign domination before reclaiming their sovereignty — and highlighted Estonia’s progress, especially in digital innovation and governance.
Also addressing the distinguished audience was H.E. Ms Marje Luup, the Ambassador of Estonia to India. Ambassador Luup, who heads the Estonian diplomatic mission in New Delhi, reiterated the importance of bilateral cooperation and cultural exchange between Estonia and India. She acknowledged the deepening ties across political, economic, and technological spheres, and expressed her gratitude to all those who have supported stronger people-to-people and institutional connections. As the Estonian envoy, she has played a central role in fostering these relations and ensuring that celebrations such as the Independence Day event are meaningful and memorable.
The ceremony gathered members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from government, business leaders, and members of the local Estonian and international community in India. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and celebration, featuring national symbols, music and reflections on Estonia’s rich history of independence and democratic resilience.
President Karis’ participation in the celebration also underscored his concurrent visit to India for the India AI Impact Summit 2026, where he engaged in discussions on digital innovation — a sector where Estonia has pioneered global recognition. His busy schedule in New Delhi highlighted the growing technological and strategic engagement between the two countries.
The 108th Independence Day celebration in New Delhi not only honoured Estonia’s rich legacy and national spirit but also reaffirmed the shared aspirations of Estonia and India for cooperation in democratic values, technology, sustainability and global partnership.
