Embassy of India
Antananarivo
***
Ambassador’s Remarks on the occasion of the
77th Independence Day of India
(15 August 2023)
Minister of National Defence of Madagascar His Excellency Mr. Josoa Rakotoarijaona
President of the Senate of Madagascar His Excellency Mr. Herimanana Razafimahefa,
Vice President of National Assembly,
Minister of Mines & Strategic Resources
Secretary General of the Presidency,
Quaestor and Chairperson of India- Madagascar Friendship Group in the National Assembly,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Miarahaba, Namaste, Bonjour et bienvenue à vous tous à l’occasion du 77ème Anniversaire de l’Indépendance de l’Inde!
2. Today, we are also marking the culmination of the “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav”- the 75 week long festivities of the 75th anniversary of India’s independence that began in March 2021. Over the past 76 years of its independence, India has come a long way from a poor and underdeveloped country to the world’s 5th largest economy and its fastest-growing major economy. India is home to the world’s third largest Start-up Eco-system and is the fourth largest in terms of installed capacity of renewable energy. India has emerged as a global leader in real-time digital payment transactions, accounting for nearly half of the global transactions in 2022. During the Covid-19 pandemic, India has not only administered 2.2 bn doses of vaccine to its nationals but also exported about 300 mn doses to more than 100 countries across the world, in line with the ancient Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The whole earth is one family).
3. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, India has set itself a goal to become a developed nation by 2047, i.e the 100th anniversary of India’s independence. Even as I speak, India’s third lunar exploration mission “Chandrayaan-3” is inching closer to the Moon, carrying the hopes of 1.4 billion Indians for a soft landing on the Moon’s south pole. Although India is shooting for the Moon, we have not forgotten the concerns and challenges of our fellow developing countries, especially in the current context of the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In January this year, India organized the Voice of Global South Summit to deliberate on the concerns, interests and priorities of the developing countries and channelize their inputs into the discourse of India’s ongoing Presidency of G-20. I would like to thank the Government of Madagascar, especially the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development for actively taking part in the Voice of the Global South Summit.
4. As close neighbors in the Indian Ocean region and fellow members of the Global South, India and Madagascar are bound by centuries-old historical and cultural linkages. The people of Indian origin who arrived in Madagascar more than 150 years ago act as a vibrant and organic link between our societies. India and Madagascar share similar challenges for the development of our peoples and face common threats to our maritime security. India attaches importance to Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and to further strengthen India-Madagascar partnership. As the world’s largest democracy with more than 900 million voters, India has accumulated a vast experience in conducting fair and transparent elections and we are ready to share our experience with CENI and other agencies of Madagascar. India desires to see the emergence of Madagascar as a thriving nation and stands ready to share its expertise in the fields of maritime security, agriculture, mining, renewable energy, information technology, tourism, etc as per the needs and requirements of Madagascar.
5. In conclusion, I would like to once again convey my warm greetings on the 77th Independence Day of India. I also take this opportunity to wish for the peace, progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Madagascar. Ho ela velona anie ny finamanana Inde-Madagasikara! Misaotra Tompoko!
***
