NEW DELHI: The Republic of Balochistan has extended “heartfelt congratulations” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India on the occasion of the country’s Independence Day, while calling for closer economic, strategic and cultural ties between India and Balochistan.
In a message posted on X on August 15, the Republic of Balochistan paid tribute to India’s freedom fighters, naming Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Rani Lakshmibai and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel among those who contributed to the country’s liberation.
The message also highlighted the Hinglaj Mata Temple in Balochistan, describing it as a centuries-old symbol of India-Balochistan spiritual and cultural ties.
The Republic of Balochistan alleged that Pakistan had used diplomatic channels for decades to portray the Balochistan issue as an internal matter, and claimed that Islamabad had no “legal, diplomatic, political or moral” documentary evidence establishing the incorporation of Balochistan into Pakistan.
It further urged the international community to recognise what it described as Pakistan’s “forced and illegal occupation” of Balochistan.
In an economic pitch to India, the message said Balochistan could open its seaports to Indian trade and provide a major market for Make in India products. It called for cooperation in areas including infrastructure, education, energy, railways, airports, defence technology and critical-mineral exploration.
Claiming that closer India-Balochistan cooperation could contribute to India’s ambition of becoming a global economic powerhouse, the statement said Balochistan’s mineral resources could help drive an economic transformation across the region.
The message concluded by reiterating its appeal for stronger India-Balochistan engagement and described the relationship as one rooted in shared history, culture and strategic interests.
The statement was issued in the name of the Republic of Balochistan and addressed to India’s political leadership on Independence Day.
