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Ambassador’s Message on India’s
Independence Day
(15 August 2010)
On the 63rd anniversary of the Independence Day of India, I extend
warmest greetings to all members of the Indian community in Kuwait
and thank our many dear Kuwaiti friends for their sincere good
wishes.
On this historic day we pay homage to those who so selflessly and
courageously fought for India’s freedom. We also remember with deep
gratitude the brave guardians of our frontiers and our compatriots
who have over the years sacrificed their lives for the safety and
security of our nation. We re-dedicate ourselves to building a
modern, vibrant India, and to serving our people and the larger
cause of humanity.
In the little over six decades since its independence India has
secured a unique and respected place in the comity of nations. The
largest, most diverse democracy in the world, buttressed by a free
media and an independent and impartial judiciary, India is committed
to tolerance, harmony, equality, justice, and the rule of law. It is
deeply satisfying to see a country of well over a billion people,
characterized by vast linguistic, religious, ethnic and cultural
diversity, so confidently moving ahead as one.
In purchasing power parity terms, India is already the fourth
largest economy in the world. It is also one of the world's youngest
nations, with 55% of India’s population below 25 years. This
provides a solid human resource base to power our development and
growth. India also has the second largest arable land area and is
one of the largest food producers in the world. It is a software
powerhouse and a global sourcing hub, especially for IT enabled
services and business process outsourcing. Its prudently regulated
and well capitalized banking system is among the most extensive in
the world. India has the largest number of listed companies and the
third biggest investor base in the world. Its foreign exchange
reserves exceed $283 billion. The Indian economy is set to reach
$1.51 trillion in the current fiscal year, rising to $1.72 trillion
in 2011-12 and $2 trillion in 2013-2014.
With a large middle class, dynamic and innovative entrepreneurs,
plentiful scientific and technical manpower, diversified industrial
base, and abundant raw materials, India is an attractive business
and investment destination. The India economy has over the last
several years maintained one of the highest growth rates in the
world. India has not only weathered the latest global economic
crisis well, but has been an anchor of global economic stability.
The IMF has forecast 9.4% growth for India during 2010. With a
domestic savings rate of 35%, robust macroeconomic fundamentals,
sound economic institutions, and a stable balance of payments
position, India is set to maintain a sustained 9-10% growth
trajectory.
With a view to removing infrastructure bottlenecks, India is
implementing an ambitious programme of investment in power, roads,
ports, airports, irrigation, telecommunications, and urban
infrastructure. India’s infrastructure investments alone will top
US$500 billion over the next few years, with its energy supply
increasing by three to four times and its power capacity by five
times. India’s next five-year plan, starting in 2013, is to include
$1 trillion towards infrastructure development, with around half of
that likely to come from private funds.
India stands out as one of a few countries where substantial growth
is taking place and profits are being made. It has one of the most
liberal and transparent FDI policies among emerging economies. Many
recent studies rate India as one of the world’s most attractive FDI
destinations. UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2010 projects India
among the most promising investor-home countries in 2010-12 as well
as the third highest economy for FDI in 2010-12. India also welcomes
portfolio investment in company equity by qualified institutional
investors. Relaxed entry procedures have created a favorable climate
for foreign investment in India and it is timely to seriously
explore investing into the infrastructure, energy and other sectors
in India.
India is also a major source of investment abroad, in both
developing and developed countries. Many Indian companies have
reached out overseas, through cross border mergers and acquisitions
or direct investments, so as to access high-growth markets,
technologies and knowledge, attain economies of size and scale, and
leverage international brand names.
While India’s stature is growing with every year, enormous
challenges remain in eradicating poverty, disease, and illiteracy.
India is pursuing an ambitious programme for social and economic
transformation of its citizens on the margins of its growth story.
We seek caring and inclusive growth that brings tangible benefits to
all, as we invest in education, health and sanitation, care of the
elderly and differently abled, employment generation, skill
development and village modernization. Special attention is being
devoted to bridge the development deficit and eradicate alienation
in impoverished areas. The National Employment Guarantee Programme,
the Bharat Nirman scheme to modernize our villages, and the National
Rural Health Mission, are amongst major schemes being implemented.
We are determined that lack of funds will not be allowed to
constrain the spread of literacy and education in India. On the
basis of this fiscal commitment a new fundamental right has recently
been added to our Constitution – the Right to Education.
On the foreign policy front, India will continue to pursue its
enlightened national interest, maintaining the strategic autonomy
and independence in decision-making that has been its hallmark. Our
overriding priority is to secure an atmosphere of peace and security
in which India’s rapid economic transformation can proceed. India
will work with other countries to tackle issues of common concern,
such as international terrorism, the global economic crisis, climate
change, energy security, food security, and the reform of
multilateral institutions to reflect contemporary realities. India
has consistently been at the forefront of the fight against
terrorism and has always unequivocally condemned all forms and
manifestations of that evil.
India has had long-standing interaction and friendship with the
countries of the GCC, which is India’s largest trading partner, the
dominant source of our energy requirements, and residence to over
five and a half million Indians.
Close and friendly contacts between India and Kuwait go back several
centuries. Our multifaceted ties have been consolidated by the
continuous intermingling of our peoples and civilizations. They
extend beyond historical and cultural linkages to encompass
significant political, trade and economic interests. Kuwait is a
significant partner in India’s quest for energy security and
supplies 10%-11% of India’s annual crude oil import requirements.
India-Kuwait trade is worth about US$ 10.5 billion annually. Even in
non-oil trade terms, India has consistently been among Kuwait’s top
trading partners.
High-level exchanges present an opportunity to reaffirm friendships
and explore new avenues for cooperation. The landmark visit to India
in 2006 by HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of
Kuwait, gave fresh momentum to our bilateral ties. The visit to
Kuwait in April 2009 of the Vice President of India, Hon’ble M.
Hamid Ansari, reaffirmed our traditionally close friendship. In
October 2009, our Minister of State for Tourism and the Minister of
Health was in Kuwait to promote tourism to India, with a special
focus on health tourism. A Festival of India in Kuwait followed in
November 2009, in which 130 artistes from India provided a glimpse
of our rich cultural heritage. Inter-governmental Working Groups on
Hydrocarbons and on Labour, Employment and Manpower Development,
were convened in Kuwait in December 2009 and January 2010
respectively. The visit to Kuwait from 3-4 February 2010 by a high
level delegation led by External Affairs Minister Mr. S.M. Krishna,
has further boosted our ties. It was the Minister’s first visit to
the Gulf since taking charge of External Affairs, and reaffirmed
that our relations are exemplary, characterized by warmth, mutual
respect and understanding.
The 600,000 Indians in Kuwait are a vital component of our
friendship. They are the largest expatriate community in Kuwait, and
a microcosm of India’s rich diversity. Hard working, disciplined,
talented and law-abiding, they earn a livelihood in Kuwait for
themselves and their families, while contributing to the host
country’s development and prosperity. We are very grateful for the
care and benevolence bestowed on our community by the Amir of
Kuwait, HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al Jaber Al-Sabah.
The Embassy outsourced its passport and visa services last year and
the convenient new timings and locations have proved attractive.
Since October 2009, we have also maintained a consular Open House
procedure by which a senior consular official is available on all
working days without prior appointment to discuss any consular
matter. The welfare support available to Indians in Kuwait is also
being consistently enhanced. The Indian Workers Welfare Center, set
up by the Embassy in September 2009, incorporates an elaborate
labour complaints redressal mechanism, a toll-free 24x7 telephonic
helpline for domestic workers in distress, free accommodation and
other facilities for them, a time-bound work contract attestation
system, a free legal advice clinic, and a help desk to guide Indian
nationals on immigration, employment, legal, and other issues. The
Embassy will continue to upgrade its services and adapt itself to
changing requirements, while boosting efficiency levels.
On this joyful occasion of India’s Independence, as we commit
ourselves anew to serve our beloved motherland, I would like to wish
good health and prosperity to every Indian in Kuwait. On this
memorable anniversary I would also like to express my best wishes
for the continued good health and prosperity of His Highness the
Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince, His Highness the Prime
Minister, as well as the people of friendly Kuwait. Long live
India-Kuwait friendship!
Jai Hind! |
