By Dr Adarsh Swaika

On this momentous occasion of the 75th Republic Day of India, I extend my warm greetings to all Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin in the friendly State of Kuwait.

I also take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to all well-wishers and friends of India in Kuwait, particularly the leadership, the Government and the people of the State of Kuwait, for their steadfast commitment to close and friendly relations between India and Kuwait. I would like to reiterate India’s commitment to further strengthen and expand the long-standing and time-tested partnership with the State of Kuwait.

This year marks the 75th year of coming into force of India’s Constitution. The Indian Constitution is the longest written constitution in the world and is a living document that has evolved over time to incorporate necessary changes. The Constitution declares India as a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic and assures its citizens justice, equality and liberty of thought and action. This constitutional guarantee is an article of faith for all Indian citizens in India and abroad.

Today, as we celebrate our Republic Day, we feel proud of India’s many achievements. Equitable development has been the corner stone of socio-economic policies of India. Democracy, pluralism and unity in diversity are the traditional ethos of Indian society. India believes in its ancient philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family). This belief guides our foreign policy as well.

India today is a land of billion opportunities. Our collective resolve has ensured that the Indian economy is today the 5th largest economy in the world. And it is going to be the 3rd largest 5 trillion dollar economy) in the next couple of years. India is moving ahead with the spirit of ‘Make in India, Make for the World’. The massive business friendly reforms and policies have contributed in unleashing the true potential of the country.

The new India has made tremendous strides in science and technology; is one of the leading centers of innovation and Information Technology globally; is the ‘Pharmacy of the World’; has world class production and manufacturing capabilities; is a leading global partner to address new age challenges facing the humanity, be it climate change or building resilient and reliable supply chains to ensure food and health security. Today, we are on the right track to build an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), which envisages a merger of the local with the global.

In the international arena, India has been playing a significant role in contributing to world peace, stability and prosperity. The past year is symbolic of India’s global responsibilities as an emerging major power. Our successful and ambitious action-oriented G20 Presidency is a matter of immense pride. We were happy to welcome Kuwait in the SCO family as a Dialogue Partner during our SCO Presidency. India organized two editions of ‘Voice of Global South Summit’ in 2023, in which over 125 countries participated, with the aim of mainstreaming priorities of developing countries in the international agenda, particularly the G-20. India championed the increased use of millets through various awareness programmes on the use of millets across the globe as part of the International Year of Millets 2023.

India believes that dialogue and diplomacy remains the only way to resolve disputes and conflicts. India places an undeterred faith and belief in multilateral approach and has always taken the lead on issues of global importance such as fight against cross-border terrorism, climate change, energy security, food security, and the reform of multilateral institutions, including the UN Security Council.

On the bilateral front, we continue to make steady progress in our multi-faceted engagement with the State of Kuwait. We look forward to greater engagement with both Government and at people-to-people level in the coming times. The vibrant Indian community in Kuwait continues to be the living bridge of our bilateral ties with Kuwait.

The Embassy places highest priority to the welfare and well-being of the large Indian Community in Kuwait. I thank all the community associations, professional bodies, cultural groups and members of the Indian community for joining hands with the Embassy for not only contributing to the welfare of the community but also undertaking activities that contribute to the strengthening of bilateral relations with the State of Kuwait.

Once again, on this special and proud occasion of the 75th Republic Day of India, I convey my best wishes to every Indian in Kuwait and all friends of India in Kuwait for their continued success, happiness and good-health.