Australia Day and India’s Republic Day were jointly marked on January 26, 2026, at a flag raising ceremony at the Indian Community Centre (ICC) in Perth, bringing together government leaders, diplomats and community members to reflect on shared democratic values and a growing people to people partnership between the two nations.

The event was hosted by the Indian Society of Western Australia (ISWA) and coincided with the formal signing of a $2.5 million Western Australian Government grant agreement, marking a milestone in ICC’s development.

Opening the ceremony, ISWA Vice President and Master of Ceremonies Dr. Divya Sharma framed the occasion as more than a symbolic observance, telling the gathering that January 26 was a moment to reflect on “who we are as a community today, diverse, resilient and united by shared values.” In a global climate where “division and uncertainty can feel close to home,” she said those values mattered more than ever, reminding communities that “our greatest strength is in standing together, listening to one another, and reaffirming our shared commitment to democracy, inclusion and mutual respect.”

Earlier, the Founding Members Board was unveiled at the Centre, recognising individuals whose contributions enabled the establishment and growth of the ICC. The formal proceedings then moved to the auditorium, where the flag raising ceremony took place.

An Acknowledgement of Country followed, delivered by Indian-Australian children in Noongar, English, Hindi and several Indian regional languages, including Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi and Telugu. Dr. Sharma said the multilingual acknowledgement reflected children “growing up in three cultures,” learning from “the oldest continuous culture in the world” while carrying Indian heritage and building their lives in Australia.

The ceremony was attended by Western Australian Premier Roger Cook, Attorney General and Minister for Multicultural Interests Tony Buti, Consul General of India to Western Australia (WA) and the Northern Territory Kajari Biswas, WA Senator Varun Ghosh; Federal Minister for Small Business, International Development and Multicultural Affairs Anne Aly, members of Parliament, mayors, councillors, senior police representatives, Indian veterans, academics, community leaders, and Richard O’Connell, Executive General Manager of the West Coast Eagles. 

Also present was WA-based geoscientist Dr. Ravinder Anand, who was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List, recognising his career in reshaping mineral exploration and geochemistry in Australia and internationally.

Following the hoisting of the Australian and Indian national flags and the singing of both national anthems, students from Saraswati Mahavidyalaya presented Anjali, a classical dance symbolising the cosmic union of Shiva and Shakti, described as representing harmony, balance and the creation of the universe.

ISWA President Deepak Sharma said the convergence of Australia Day and India’s Republic Day was highly significant, noting that Australia Day represented “the freedom, opportunities and multicultural spirit that allow communities like us to flourish,” while India’s Republic Day marked the adoption of a constitution reaffirming the nation’s commitment to “justice, equality and democracy.” 

Celebrating both together, he said, was “a powerful statement” about the strength of the Australia India relationship and the contribution of the Indian community in Western Australia. He also acknowledged the unveiling of the Founding Members Board and thanked ICC’s operations team for their work behind the scenes.

Minister for Multicultural Interests Buti said the relationship between Australia and India continued to deepen “day by day,” not only at diplomatic and trade levels but through what he described as the more enduring “people to people partnership.” He said the Cook Labor Government was committed to ensuring Indian communities in Western Australia felt welcome and valued, and that community facilities such as the ICC played a critical role in social connection and civic participation.

Premier Roger Cook, opening his remarks with “Namaste,” acknowledged the Whadjuk Noongar people as traditional custodians of the land and praised the children who had delivered the Acknowledgement of Country in multiple languages. He said the dual celebration provided a fitting backdrop to recognise the contribution of Indian communities to Western Australia across education, health, trade and industry, describing them as a “deeply valued, appreciated and respected” part of the state’s multicultural society.

During the ceremony, the Premier formally signed a $2.5 million Western Australian Government funding agreement for the expansion of the Indian Community Centre, saying the investment would ensure the facility continued to meet community needs and foster inclusion and belonging for years to come.

Consul General Kajari Biswas reflected on the shared historical significance of January 26, noting that India became a republic in 1950 on the same day that marked the arrival of the First Fleet in Australia in 1788, “marking the beginning of successive waves of immigration from all parts of the world through various phases of world history.” 

From that moment, she said, began “a journey that has since encompassed reconciliation with Indigenous Australians and the embracing of the achievements of Australian society, past and present.” She said India’s Constitution enshrined the principles of “justice, liberty, equality and fraternity,” values that resonated strongly with Australia’s democratic journey. 

“In the backdrop of the numerous security challenges that face the world today, we are repeatedly reminded of the need to stand together against all forces that threaten these shared values of freedom and equality,” she said. She noted that India was among the first countries to condemn the “terrorist attack at Bondi Beach,” while Australia had swiftly condemned the “terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir,” in April 2025, describing such acts as “senseless violence.”

Federal Minister Anne Aly said observing Australia Day and India’s Republic Day together reflected the spirit of modern multicultural Australia. While trade, diplomacy and security cooperation were important, she said the most enduring ties between the two countries were built through people. She described multiculturalism as “central to our national identity,” grounded in belonging, participation and respect, and said events like the flag raising ceremony demonstrated how those principles were lived at the community level.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by photographs and community refreshments, marking both a symbolic and practical milestone in the evolving Australia-India partnership in Western Australia.

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