Indian Embassy marks 75th Republic Day
The Indian embassy held celebrations on 26 January to mark the country’s 75th Republic Day, which commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution on 26 January 1950.
Attending the event as the chief guest was the Deputy Foreign Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. In his speech on the occasion, the Indian Ambassador H.E. Dr. Adarsh Swaika highlighted the long and rich history of India-Kuwait relations and emphasized his appreciation of Kuwait’s leadership, the government, and the people for their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. He added that both New Delhi and Kuwait share the belief that the world is one family and that diplomatic discussions are the only means to overcome international issues and conflicts.
On bilateral relations with Kuwait, the Indian ambassador pointed out that they were indeed historical and time-tested. “Trade and people to people linkages have been the edifice of our close ties. Most importantly, the leadership of both countries highly value the importance of this multifaceted relationship. The bilateral relations cover cooperation in a wide spectrum of areas and India remains among the top-three bilateral trade partners of Kuwait.
He added that increasingly there has been a diversification of the bilateral trade basket, and that bilateral investment cooperation was growing with greater Kuwaiti investments in India, as well as increasing presence of Indian companies in Kuwait.
Ambassador noted that many Indian companies have executed, are executing, and look forward to executing large-scale infrastructure projects in Kuwait. Collaboration in education is well known with 26 Indian schools running in Kuwait with an enrollment of over 60,000 students.
The strong and vibrant Indian community in Kuwait of around one million serve as a living bridge between the two countries. We look forward to further strengthening our special partnership with Kuwait under the guidance of the new leadership of Kuwait.
In his address to the large gathering of diplomats, Indian and Kuwaiti community members and the media, Ambassador Swaika said the day marked the diamond jubilee of India’s Republic Day celebrations, a historic milestone in India’s journey since it was on this very day in 1950 that the Constitution of India came into effect.
He pointed out that the Indian Constitution embodied the principles of equitable development, democracy, pluralism, secularism, and principles of natural justice that the country stands for. The Indian Constitution is a living document that has responded to the needs of time, and is an article of faith for all Indians at home and abroad, while unity in diversity is part of the traditional ethos of Indian society.
Elaborating on the Indian developmental story in recent years, the ambassador said it continued to attract the attention of the international community. He took the liberty to highlight some important facets of today’s India.
The world’s largest democracy with a stable democratic regime World’s most populous country with 65 percent of population under 35 years of age Fifth largest global economy and poised to become the third largest by 2027-28.
A GDP of USD 3.75 trillion with exports of USD 776 billion last year Preferred foreign investment destination with USD 615 billion in investments in the last nine years, including USD 71 billion just last year Marked a 79 spot jump in ranking on the World Bank’s ‘Ease of Doing Business index over the past five years World’s largest working population and first in lowest manufacturing costs globally World’s third largest Startup Ecosystem (111 unicorns with total valuation of USD 350 bn)
Global Pharmacy of the world Fourth largest installed capacity of renewable power Poised to become a USD 1 trillion digital economy by 2025 (46% share in real time digital payments globally).
The ambassador also took the opportunity to express his appreciation to the large Indian community for their stellar contribution in being the bedrock of India-Kuwait partnership, and expressed confidence that the community would continue to contribute to strengthening bilateral ties in future. “You are the true ‘Rashtradoots’ (ambassadors) of India who continue to serve not only India but your home away from home in Kuwait.”
