India & Luxembourg issue commemorative stamp to mark 75 years of diplomatic ties

India and Luxembourg have jointly issued a commemorative stamp honouring the work of renowned sculptor Amar Nath Sehgal and to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The birth centenary year of Sehgal, the modernist artist who had made Luxembourg his second home for nearly a quarter of a century, ended in February 2023. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on July 1, 1948.

"Sehgal represents the strong bond of friendship and cultural connect between India and Luxembourg and has contributed significantly to the people-to-people ties," India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said after the stamp was issued on Wednesday.

The Indian stamp has been designed by Anuj Zood and the Luxembourg stamp has been designed by Anne Mélan.

The sculpture of artist Sehgal - ‘Friends’ - a beautiful example of artist’s close relationship and friendship with Luxembourg, is the design of Indian stamp.

The sculpture - ‘Flute Player’ - another remarkable work of art from Sehgal representing the spirit of Lord Krishna, has been chosen by Luxembourg as the design for its stamp.

The Indian stamp was released by Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chauhan in the presence of Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Meenakashi Lekhi and Ambassador of Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Peggy Frantzen.

The ceremony was held at the Amar Nath Sehgal Private Collection in Delhi. A video message from Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg Jean Asselborn was played at the event.

The stamp by Post Luxembourg was also released simultaneously in Luxembourg by DG Communication & Public Relations Isabelle Faber.

MoS Lekhi highlighted the warm and friendly bilateral relations between India and Luxembourg, with cooperation extending to multilateral and international forums and a strong people-to-people connect that characterises the relationship. Paying rich tributes to Sehgal, she underlined the significant contribution the artist made to the people-to-people ties between two countries.

MoS Chauhan highlighted the role played by Department of Posts in strengthening relations with other countries by way of issuing of commemorative stamps on important occasions in cooperation with the MEA.

According to the Embassy of Luxembourg in New Delhi, the joint stamp release is another important milestone in the growing Luxembourg-India friendship and cultural cooperation.