Nirmala Sitharaman and diplomats celebrate Bastille Day in Delhi
Delhi's diplomatic and social community gathered in Delhi on July 14 to celebrate Bastille Day with a unique fusion of French culture and traditional Indian elements.
The major diplomatic and social event was attended by French Ambassador Thierry Mathou, Indian Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman, and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, alongside ambassadors from several countries.
The celebration, held in a hall illuminated in red, white, and blue, marked the historic start of the French Revolution. The event served to celebrate French culture while fostering diplomatic relations and cultural fusion between France and India.
The evening featured a blend of international and local performances. The arrival of giant Rajasthani puppets was announced by the sounds of French percussion and an Iranian brass ensemble. Brightly lit camels and elephants also made their way through the hall.
In addition to the physical performances, the event featured a dynamic video mapping presentation created by French artists. Guests were served cupcakes and tarts as they mingled during the celebrations.
The high-profile guest list included prominent members of the international diplomatic corps. Among the attendees were British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron, Air Marshal Sean Reynolds, Italian Ambassador Antonio Bartoli, German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann, and Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk with Katryena Bila.
Other notable diplomats present at the gathering included Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong and his wife Tan Yuxiu, Dutch Ambassador Marisa Gerards, Belgian Ambassador Didier Vanderhasselt, Moroccan Ambassador Mohamed Maliki, and Palestinian Ambassador Abdullah M Abu Shawesh.
The event was also attended by Bosnian Ambassador Haris Hrle, Swiss Ambassador Maya Tisaafi, Bhutanese Ambassador Vetsop Namgyel, Peter Knoope, Aditya Arya, and Bhaichand Patel.
Representing the cultural partnership between the two nations were Frédéric Wolska, Academic Director of Alliance Française de Delhi, and Patricia Loison, Director of Alliance Française de Delhi, alongside guests Rahul Mishra and Divya Mishra.
