The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, formally received credentials from the newly appointed Ambassadors and High Commissioners of Cambodia, Maldives, Somalia, Cuba, and Nepal at a prestigious ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on February 17, 2025.
This diplomatic event marks an important step in further strengthening India’s bilateral relations with these nations across various sectors, including trade, culture, strategic partnerships, and global cooperation.
1️⃣ Diplomats Who Presented Their Credentials
The distinguished diplomats who officially assumed their roles as envoys to India are:
✅ H.E. Ms. Rath Many – Ambassador of Cambodia
✅ H.E. Ms. Aishath Azeema – High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives
✅ H.E. Dr. Abdullahi Mohammed Odowa – Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia
✅ H.E. Mr. Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera – Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba
✅ H.E. Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma – Ambassador of Nepal
2️⃣ Strengthening Diplomatic and Bilateral Ties
During the ceremony, President Murmu welcomed the envoys and emphasized India’s commitment to enhancing bilateral ties, regional cooperation, and shared multilateral engagements. The discussions covered a range of topics, including:
🔹 Economic partnerships – Expanding trade, investments, and business collaborations.
🔹 Cultural and people-to-people exchanges – Strengthening historical and cultural bonds.
🔹 Technology and development cooperation – Collaboration in areas like digital innovation, education, and infrastructure.
🔹 Regional and global peace initiatives – Working together on security, maritime cooperation, and sustainability.
3️⃣ Deepening Engagement with Partner Nations
The newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners bring a wealth of diplomatic experience and are expected to play a key role in furthering India’s engagement with their respective countries.
✔ India-Cambodia Relations – Strong historical ties with growing economic and cultural cooperation.
✔ India-Maldives Relations – A key maritime and strategic partnership in the Indian Ocean region.
✔ India-Somalia Relations – Expanding development assistance and security collaboration.
✔ India-Cuba Relations – Long-standing friendship with a focus on healthcare, biotechnology, and education.
✔ India-Nepal Relations – A deep-rooted partnership based on shared history, open borders, and economic ties.
4️⃣ India’s Commitment to Global Diplomacy
India continues to strengthen its foreign relations through strategic alliances and global cooperation. The acceptance of credentials from these five envoys underscores India’s proactive role in fostering international partnerships, reinforcing regional stability, economic development, and diplomatic engagement.
The envoys are expected to begin their official duties in India immediately, focusing on deepening collaboration in trade, technology, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic initiatives.
The ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan reflects India’s commitment to welcoming new diplomatic representatives and furthering mutually beneficial global partnerships.