Ambassador’s Message on Independence Day of India
On this very special and joyous occasion of the 75th anniversary of Independence of India, it is my honor and privilege to extend warm greetings and best wishes to my fellow countrymen and women in Kuwait. I also convey my best wishes for the continued good health and well-being of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait; His Highness Sheikh Misha’al Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait; His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait; and to the Government and the friendly people of the State of Kuwait.
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation and profound gratitude to all well-wishers and friends of India in Kuwait, particularly to the leadership, the Government and the people of the State of Kuwait, for their steadfast commitment to the close and friendly relations between India and Kuwait and also for their support to the Indian community. I would like to reiterate India’s commitment and keenness to further strengthen and expand the long-standing dynamic partnership with the State of Kuwait.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence. It is a significant milestone in our quest to build a new, resurgent and self-sufficient India, an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. In his address to the nation on the occasion of the 75th Independence Day of India, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi said: “There comes a time in the development journey of every country when the nation redefines itself afresh and pushes forward with new resolutions. Today that time has arrived in the development journey of India. We should not limit the occasion of 75 years of Indian independence to just one ceremony. We must lay the groundwork for new resolutions and move forward with a new determination.
“Starting from here, the entire journey of the next 25 years, when we celebrate the centenary of Indian independence, marks the Amrit period of the creation of a new India. The fulfillment of our resolutions in this Amrit period will take us to the hundredth anniversary of Indian independence with pride.”
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India continued, “The goal of ‘Amrit Kaal’ is to ascend to new heights of prosperity for India and the citizens of India. The goal of ‘Amrit Kaal’ is to create an India where the level of facilities is not dividing the village and the city. The goal of ‘Amrit Kaal’ is to build an India where the government does not interfere unnecessarily in the lives of citizens. The goal of ‘Amrit Kaal’ is to build an India where there is world’s every modern infrastructure. We should not be lesser than anyone. This is the resolve of the crores of countrymen.
“But the resolve remains incomplete if it is not accompanied by extreme hard work and courage. Therefore, we have to realize all our resolutions with hard work and courage, and these dreams and resolutions are also for effective contribution to a safe and prosperous world beyond our borders. Amrit Kaal is of 25 years. But we do not have to wait for long to achieve our goals. We have to start now. We do not have a moment to lose. This is the right time. Our country also has to change and we as citizens have to change ourselves too. We also have to adapt ourselves to the changing era.”
Last few years have been challenging for the entire world as the COVID-19 pandemic threatened the very existence of human race. During this hour of crisis, India not only managed to face the COVID-19 pandemic with great fortitude but also stayed true to our age-old ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, where we treat the world as one big family. In July this year, we created history by crossing the special figure of two billion vaccine doses in India’s domestic vaccination drive which was unparalleled in scale and speed. This has also strengthened the global fight against COVID-19.
India was the first responder to calls of help and assistance from many countries. India, as the pharmacy of the world, dispatched medicines and medical supplies to over 150 countries in the world. Our medical professionals travelled all across the world to augment and support healthcare infrastructures of other countries. India also supplied vaccines to more than hundred countries around the world, including 200,000 doses of Made-in-India vaccine to the friendly State of Kuwait. At the same time, Kuwait, with the active support of the Indian diaspora, emerged as one of the major suppliers of medical oxygen to India when India faced the second phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the many challenges posed by the pandemic, the Indian economy continues to remain on firm footing. ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) campaign which envisages a merger of the local with the global, has played the role of a catalyst in India’s economic revival. The massive business friendly reforms and policies contributed in unleashing the true potential of the country. India stands at 63rd position among 190 nations in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking and in the Top 50 countries in the Global Innovation Index (GII) of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
India is currently in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a non-permanent member and it continues to place an undeterred faith and belief in multilateral approach taking the lead on issues such as fight against international terrorism, climate change, energy security, food security, and the reform of multilateral institutions. India’s presidency of the G-20 in 2023 presents an enormous opportunity to accelerate sustainable growth within India and beyond.
At the bilateral front, we continue to make steady progress in our engagement with the State of Kuwait. As we conclude the year-long celebrations that marked the 60th anniversary of establishment of our diplomatic relations, I extend my sincere gratitude to all who collaborated with the Embassy to organize hundreds of commemorative events which made the anniversary year a memorable one. Our bilateral trade and investment continued to grow despite the many challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic. India remains a reliable partner for Kuwait in maintaining supply of essential commodities including foodstuffs.
We at the Embassy always place highest priority to the welfare and well-being of the Indian community in Kuwait. I thank our brave frontline healthcare professionals, our doctors and our nurses for their selfless service to the community. The Embassy continues to be your ‘Home Away from Home’. I thank the Indian Community Support Group (ICSG), Indian Doctors Forum (IDF), Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC) and the many professional bodies, cultural groups and associations and the many volunteers and media representatives for joining hands with the Embassy to extend support to those in need.
Once again, on this joyous and proud occasion of the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence I wish every Indian in Kuwait and all friends of India in Kuwait good health and happiness.