Embassy of India

Antananarivo, Madagascar

(26 January 2023)

His Excellency, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Madagascar Lt. Gen. Leon Jean Richard RAKOTONIRINA

His Excellency, President of the Senate of Madagascar, Mr. Herimanana RAZAFIMAHEFA

Minister of Public Health,

Minister of Tourism,

Minister of Crafts and Trades,

Representative of the President of National Assembly,

Secretary General to Presidency,

Director of Cabinet to Presidency,

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Warm greetings on the occasion of the 74th Republic Day of India! Thank you for joining us in today’s celebrations, despite the rainy weather.

Today marks the adoption of the Constitution of India on 26 January 1950, which transformed the Dominion of India into a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular and Democratic Republic.

India is an ancient civilization but a young nation. Over the past 75 years of its independence, India has witnessed a remarkable developmental progress while further strengthening its traditional democratic values.

Today, India is the world’s 5th largest economy and is home to the third largest Start-up Eco-system, with more than 100 Unicorns. India has emerged as a global leader in Information Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Renewable Energy etc. India has not only managed to administer 2.2 bn doses of Covid-19 vaccines to its nationals and also supplied about 300 mn doses of vaccine to more than 100 countries across the world. Thus, the ancient Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (One Earth-One Family-One Future) aptly reflects the theme of India’s ongoing G-20 Presidency.

India and Madagascar are not distant countries but close neighbours in the Indian Ocean region. We share similar challenges for the development of our peoples and face common security threats to our maritime domains. The people of Indian origin who arrived in Madagascar more than 150 years ago act as a vibrant link between our nations.

The historic visit of the then President of India H.E. Mr. Ram Nath Kovind to Antananarivo in 2018 had elevated India-Madagascar relations to a qualitatively higher level. Since then, we have sustained the momentum of regular high level exchanges, despite the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Under Prime Minister of India H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for all in the Region), India stands ready to share its developmental experience and expertise with Madagascar in the areas of maritime security, education, health, tourism, information technology, etc. India will always be a reliable and committed partner in the developmental journey Madagascar, without any ulterior motive.

As a fellow democracy and neighbour in the Indian Ocean region, India desires to see the emergence of Madagascar as a thriving nation. In conclusion, I would like to wish good health, well-being and prosperity to the friendly people of Madagascar. Once again, I convey my warm greetings on the Republic Day of India. Long live India-Madagascar friendship! Thank you.

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