By Dr Adarsh Swaika, Ambassador of India to Kuwait
On the joyous occasion of the 76th 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 take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah for their patronage and support for a strong India-Kuwait partnership.
Today, as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of our Republic Day, we feel proud of India’s many achievements. Equitable development has been the cornerstone of socioeconomic 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 global 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; it’s one of the leading centers of innovation and Information Technology globally; it’s the ‘Pharmacy of the World’; has world-class production and manufacturing capabilities; and is a leading global partner to address new age challenges facing the humanity. Today, we are on the right track to build an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) with the goal of becoming a developed country by 2047.
In the international arena, India has been playing a significant role in contributing to world peace, stability and prosperity. India has championed many global initiatives with like-minded countries in recent years, including the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Global Bio-Fuels Alliance, etc to foster pro-planet action. India has a multi-vector foreign policy that is designed to continuously strengthen its independence, freedom of choice and pursuit of national interest.
India believes that dialogue and diplomacy is the only way to resolve disputes and conflicts. In the region, India’s relations with GCC countries have been growing rapidly with major economic, energy, diaspora, security and political stakes. We are confident that India-GCC relations will be further strengthened under Kuwait’s GCC Presidency.
The historic and successful visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi to Kuwait in December 2024 has opened a new chapter in our bilateral relations with Kuwait. The conferment of the highest national award of Kuwait ‘The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer’ on the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India is a matter of pride for every Indian.
The leadership of both countries attach utmost importance to relations with each other’s country. This was evident from the exceptional gestures and hospitality accorded by the leadership of Kuwait to the Hon’ble Prime Minister during his recent visit. Our bilateral relations have been elevated to that of a ‘Strategic Partnership’. This is expected to be reflected in various domains of cooperation. We look forward to greater engagement with Kuwait, both at Government and people-to-people level, in the coming times. The large Indian community in Kuwait remains a living and vital bridge of our bilateral relations.
The Embassy places highest priority to the welfare and well-being of the 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, where required, for the welfare of the community in Kuwait and contribute to the strengthening of our relations with Kuwait. Once again, on this special and proud occasion of the 76th 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.