Message from His Excellency Mr. M. Ganapathi,
Ambassador of India to the State of Kuwait on the
occasion of the 57th Anniversary of Republic Day of India
(Kuwait; January 26, 2007)
On the auspicious occasion of the 58th Republic Day of India, I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the members of the Indian community and to all our Kuwaiti friends.
57 years ago, on January 26, 1950, the founding fathers of India’s nationhood shaped the destiny of the country by creating India as a sovereign, secular and democratic republic and giving it a Constitution to secure all its citizens justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. As India celebrates an important moment from the pages of its cherished history, we have consolidated our democratic credentials and rejoice in the fact that India has been an outstanding example of a large working democracy and a successful federation with its bedrock as unity in diversity.
India’s economy has been booming and recording sustained and consistent growth rates. Over the last two years, the economic growth trajectory is anchored at around 9%. The macro and micro economic fundamentals of the country are strong and sound. India today is the world’s fourth largest economy and is moving up the ladder. It is a vibrant market place with a US $700 billion plus economy, foreign exchange reserves of over US $175 billion, a buoyant stock market and an aspiring middle class, whose buying power has been constantly rising. India has attained global leadership status in the key areas of Information and Communication Technologies, Bio-Technology and Pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing, light engineering and many areas of Scientific and Technological research and development. A major percentage of the world’s output in these areas is likely to be generated in India. Business opportunities are ever expanding. India has emerged as a productive and a profitable investment destination. At the same time, its entrepreneurs are extensively investing overseas. The entire reform process in India is aimed at rapid growth and at raising incomes of its population to provide for upliftment and general improvement in the living conditions of its population. The Government of India’s attention is focussed on ensuring that the fruits of success percolate to every level of society and every corner of the country.
A significant aspect of India’s growth potential is linked to the fact that the size of its working age population to the proportion of the national population is high. Over the next decade, India’s demographic structure would see it as a country of young people with 54% of its population in the age group below 25 years. This would cater towards enhanced labour supply and productivity and the Government would look at investing in considerable measure in social and human capital, in innovation and in physical infrastructure as well.
India has been actively associated in addressing the challenges confronting the comity of nations with its interest in the development of international peace, prosperity and stability. India’s relations with all the major players have improved simultaneously. Its relations with its neighbours are set towards a positive transformation. Its engagement with its extended neighbourhood and beyond has been intense and widespread.
Relations between India and the State of Kuwait are based on a shared history and mutuality of interest. These are deep-rooted, comprehensive and multifaceted. Geographical proximity, historical trade links, cultural affinities and the presence of a large expatriate community in Kuwait have contributed towards expanding this long-standing relationship to mutual benefit. The State Visit of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait to India in June 2006 provided greater thrust and content to our bilateral partnership. Subsequently, the First Session of the Indo-Kuwaiti Joint Ministerial Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation in November 2006 identified several key areas of cooperation. These high level interactions have created an environment and opportunity for greater trade, economic and investment cooperation between the two countries leading to a diversification and enrichment of our bilateral ties. The Indian community in Kuwait, which numbers around 5,50,000 forms an important and organic link in the dynamic and vibrant partnership between the two countries.
The overseas Indian community constitutes an important force globally and its contribution towards India’s development and as a bridge between India and the country of their adoption has been well-recognised. The Prime Minister of India recently called on the overseas Indians to take full advantage of the existing opportunities in India to invest not just financially but intellectually, socially, culturally and above all, emotionally. While the roots of overseas Indians are in India, their loyalty is to their adopted countries. The Diaspora in Kuwait has played an important role in the development and welfare of their adopted country and in providing a valuable link to their mother country. We once again thank the leadership and people of Kuwait for their hospitality and care of the Indian community in this friendly country.
As we celebrate the achievements made by India since January 26, 1950, we rededicate ourselves towards the progress and prosperity of India and in Kuwait to further consolidate our multifaceted cooperation. While greeting my Indian friends and brothers in this country, we also rededicate ourselves to our long-standing friendship and brotherhood with Kuwait, to our Kuwaiti friends and pay tributes to the wise leadership in Kuwait and pray for their wellbeing. We also renew our commitment to working together to ensure peace, stability and security in the region and to the wellbeing and prosperity of the peoples of the two countries.
Jai Hind.