India, July 27 -- The party hall resembles a sci-fi movie set. Giant mushroom-shaped structures rise from the floor to the ceiling. Guests are walking across a transparent floor beneath which illuminated plants glow. A drone is noisily drifting across the hall, recording the gathering from above.

A European embassy is hosting its national day reception this evening. Not in the chancery but at Zora, the Central Delhi venue near Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Most Delhiwale never step inside these receptions. Throughout the year, foreign embassies mark their national days, usually inside their own compounds. Zora is an exception. Whatever, this is how most national day receptions unfold. Invitations are e-mailed to the city's well-networked ci...