Ambassador’s Message on India’s Independence Day
Kuwait:
On the 63rd anniversary of the Independence Day of India, I extend
warmest greetings to all members of the Indian community in Kuwait and
thank our many dear Kuwaiti friends for their sincere good wishes.
On this historic day we pay homage to those who so selflessly and
courageously fought for India’s freedom. We also remember with deep
gratitude the brave guardians of our frontiers and our compatriots who
have over the years sacrificed their lives for the safety and security
of our nation. We re-dedicate ourselves to building a modern, vibrant
India, and to serving our people and the larger cause of humanity.
In the little over six decades since its independence India has secured
a unique and respected place in the comity of nations. The largest, most
diverse democracy in the world, buttressed by a free media and an
independent and impartial judiciary, India is committed to tolerance,
harmony, equality, justice, and the rule of law. It is deeply satisfying
to see a country of well over a billion people, characterized by vast
linguistic, religious, ethnic and cultural diversity, so confidently
moving ahead as one.
In purchasing power parity terms, India is already the fourth largest
economy in the world. It is also one of the world's youngest nations,
with 55% of India’s population below 25 years. This provides a solid
human resource base to power our development and growth. India also has
the second largest arable land area and is one of the largest food
producers in the world. It is a software powerhouse and a global
sourcing hub, especially for IT enabled services and business process
outsourcing. Its prudently regulated and well capitalized banking system
is among the most extensive in the world. India has the largest number
of listed companies and the third biggest investor base in the world.
Its foreign exchange reserves exceed $283 billion. The Indian economy is
set to reach $1.51 trillion in the current fiscal year, rising to $1.72
trillion in 2011-12 and $2 trillion in 2013-2014.
With a large middle class, dynamic and innovative entrepreneurs,
plentiful scientific and technical manpower, diversified industrial
base, and abundant raw materials, India is an attractive business and
investment destination. The India economy has over the last several
years maintained one of the highest growth rates in the world. India has
not only weathered the latest global economic crisis well, but has been
an anchor of global economic stability. The IMF has forecast 9.4% growth
for India during 2010. With a domestic savings rate of 35%, robust
macroeconomic fundamentals, sound economic institutions, and a stable
balance of payments position, India is set to maintain a sustained 9-10%
growth trajectory.
With a view to removing infrastructure bottlenecks, India is
implementing an ambitious programme of investment in power, roads,
ports, airports, irrigation, telecommunications, and urban
infrastructure. India’s infrastructure investments alone will top US$500
billion over the next few years, with its energy supply increasing by
three to four times and its power capacity by five times. India’s next
five-year plan, starting in 2013, is to include $1 trillion towards
infrastructure development, with around half of that likely to come from
private funds.
India stands out as one of a few countries where substantial growth is
taking place and profits are being made. It has one of the most liberal
and transparent FDI policies among emerging economies. Many recent
studies rate India as one of the world’s most attractive FDI
destinations. UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2010 projects India among
the most promising investor-home countries in 2010-12 as well as the
third highest economy for FDI in 2010-12. India also welcomes portfolio
investment in company equity by qualified institutional investors.
Relaxed entry procedures have created a favorable climate for foreign
investment in India and it is timely to seriously explore investing into
the infrastructure, energy and other sectors in India.
India is also a major source of investment abroad, in both developing
and developed countries. Many Indian companies have reached out
overseas, through cross border mergers and acquisitions or direct
investments, so as to access high-growth markets, technologies and
knowledge, attain economies of size and scale, and leverage
international brand names.
While India’s stature is growing with every year, enormous challenges
remain in eradicating poverty, disease, and illiteracy. India is
pursuing an ambitious programme for social and economic transformation
of its citizens on the margins of its growth story. We seek caring and
inclusive growth that brings tangible benefits to all, as we invest in
education, health and sanitation, care of the elderly and differently
abled, employment generation, skill development and village
modernization. Special attention is being devoted to bridge the
development deficit and eradicate alienation in impoverished areas. The
National Employment Guarantee Programme, the Bharat Nirman scheme to
modernize our villages, and the National Rural Health Mission, are
amongst major schemes being implemented. We are determined that lack of
funds will not be allowed to constrain the spread of literacy and
education in India. On the basis of this fiscal commitment a new
fundamental right has recently been added to our Constitution – the
Right to Education.
On the foreign policy front, India will continue to pursue its
enlightened national interest, maintaining the strategic autonomy and
independence in decision-making that has been its hallmark. Our
overriding priority is to secure an atmosphere of peace and security in
which India’s rapid economic transformation can proceed. India will work
with other countries to tackle issues of common concern, such as
international terrorism, the global economic crisis, climate change,
energy security, food security, and the reform of multilateral
institutions to reflect contemporary realities. India has consistently
been at the forefront of the fight against terrorism and has always
unequivocally condemned all forms and manifestations of that evil.
India has had long-standing interaction and friendship with the
countries of the GCC, which is India’s largest trading partner, the
dominant source of our energy requirements, and residence to over five
and a half million Indians.
Close and friendly contacts between India and Kuwait go back several
centuries. Our multifaceted ties have been consolidated by the
continuous intermingling of our peoples and civilizations. They extend
beyond historical and cultural linkages to encompass significant
political, trade and economic interests. Kuwait is a significant partner
in India’s quest for energy security and supplies 10%-11% of India’s
annual crude oil import requirements. India-Kuwait trade is worth about
US$ 10.5 billion annually. Even in non-oil trade terms, India has
consistently been among Kuwait’s top trading partners.
High-level exchanges present an opportunity to reaffirm friendships and
explore new avenues for cooperation. The landmark visit to India in 2006
by HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of Kuwait, gave
fresh momentum to our bilateral ties. The visit to Kuwait in April 2009
of the Vice President of India, Hon’ble M. Hamid Ansari, reaffirmed our
traditionally close friendship. In October 2009, our Minister of State
for Tourism and the Minister of Health was in Kuwait to promote tourism
to India, with a special focus on health tourism. A Festival of India in
Kuwait followed in November 2009, in which 130 artistes from India
provided a glimpse of our rich cultural heritage. Inter-governmental
Working Groups on Hydrocarbons and on Labour, Employment and Manpower
Development, were convened in Kuwait in December 2009 and January 2010
respectively. The visit to Kuwait from 3-4 February 2010 by a high level
delegation led by External Affairs Minister Mr. S.M. Krishna, has
further boosted our ties. It was the Minister’s first visit to the Gulf
since taking charge of External Affairs, and reaffirmed that our
relations are exemplary, characterized by warmth, mutual respect and
understanding.
The 600,000 Indians in Kuwait are a vital component of our friendship.
They are the largest expatriate community in Kuwait, and a microcosm of
India’s rich diversity. Hard working, disciplined, talented and
law-abiding, they earn a livelihood in Kuwait for themselves and their
families, while contributing to the host country’s development and
prosperity. We are very grateful for the care and benevolence bestowed
on our community by the Amir of Kuwait, HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al
Jaber Al-Sabah.
The Embassy outsourced its passport and visa services last year and the
convenient new timings and locations have proved attractive. Since
October 2009, we have also maintained a consular Open House procedure by
which a senior consular official is available on all working days
without prior appointment to discuss any consular matter. The welfare
support available to Indians in Kuwait is also being consistently
enhanced. The Indian Workers Welfare Center, set up by the Embassy in
September 2009, incorporates an elaborate labour complaints redressal
mechanism, a toll-free 24x7 telephonic helpline for domestic workers in
distress, free accommodation and other facilities for them, a time-bound
work contract attestation system, a free legal advice clinic, and a help
desk to guide Indian nationals on immigration, employment, legal, and
other issues. The Embassy will continue to upgrade its services and
adapt itself to changing requirements, while boosting efficiency levels.
On this joyful occasion of India’s Independence, as we commit ourselves
anew to serve our beloved motherland, I would like to wish good health
and prosperity to every Indian in Kuwait. On this memorable anniversary
I would also like to express my best wishes for the continued good
health and prosperity of His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown
Prince, His Highness the Prime Minister, as well as the people of
friendly Kuwait.
Long live India-Kuwait friendship! Jai Hind!
- As forwarded to gaspar almeida, goa-world.com
