Ambassador’s Remarks
on the occasion of the
79th Independence Day of India
(Antananarivo, 15 August 2025)
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Minister of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar H.E. Mrs. Rasata Rafaravavitafika,
President of the Senate of Madagascar H.E. Mr. Richard Ravalomanana,
Minister of Armed Forces Lt. Gen. Lala Monja Delphin Sahivelo,
Minister of Public Security Mr. Herilala Rakotoarimanana,
Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts Mrs. Viviane Dewa,
Minister of Labour, Employment and Civil Service Mrs. Razakaboana Hanitra,
Minister of Population and Solidarity Mrs. Aurélie Razafinjato,
Secretary of State for Food Self-Sufficiency, Mrs. Razanamahefa Tahian'ny Avo Maminjatovo,
Governor of Diana Region Mr. Taciano Rakotomanga,
Vice President of the National Assembly (representing the Opposition) Mr. Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko,
President of India-Madagascar Friendship Group in the National Assembly Mr. Andrianasolo Augustin,
Honorable Senators and Honorable Members of the National Assembly,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Namaste, Salama, Good Afternoon and warm greetings to you all on the 79th Independence Day of India!
2. At the outset, I would like to pay tributes to the innumerable heroes of the Indian independence movement. The success of India’s peaceful and non-violent struggle for freedom had inspired several countries in Asia and Africa to strive for their own liberation from the yoke of colonialism. In today’s world filled with the uncertainties of war, terrorism, climate change, trade protectionism etc, India stands out as a global economic bright spot, which is poised to become the world’s 3rd largest economy in a few years. India’s rapid economic growth as well as its demand-driven, consultative and participatory model of development partnership could help to unleash the true potential of the countries of the Global South. It is indeed a matter of pride for India that the African Union was admitted as a full member of G-20, the world’s premier forum on economic cooperation, during India’s Presidency of the group in 2023.
3. Today as we mark India’s Independence day, I would like to briefly mention about the country’s remarkable progress over the past 78 years. Surely, India has come a long way to now become home to the world’s 3rd largest start-up ecosystem and a global leader in the fields of information technology, renewable energy, health, pharmaceuticals etc. Thanks to the digital and financial inclusion initiatives undertaken by the Government of India in recent years, India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become the world’s leading real time digital payment transaction system. Despite being a developing country with negligible contribution to the historical greenhouse gas emissions, India is leading the global clean energy transition by achieving 50% of its installed electricity capacity from the non-fossil fuel sources, 5 years ahead of its commitment under the Paris Agreement. You all are aware of India’s achievements in the field of space: the first ever visit of an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station, successful space docking of two Indian satellites, the placement of “Aditya L1” spacecraft into a halo orbit to observe the Sun and the soft landing of “Chandrayaan-3” spacecraft near the Moon’s South Pole. I would also like to draw your attention to the smooth conduct of parliamentary elections in India last year, in which more than 640 million people out of the total electorate of 970 million took part in the voting. These elections, which were the largest ever democratic exercise in the history of humankind, had strengthened the forces of democracy across the world.
4. This joyous occasion also provides an opportunity to celebrate the resounding success of India’s limited military campaign “Operation Sindoor (Vermillion)” which symbolized the humanity’s collective fight against the scourge of terrorism. Operation Sindoor was a vivid display of India’s strategic clarity and its technological capabilities. It was successful in sending an unambiguous message to the perpetrators and sponsors of terrorism that India will not tolerate their nuclear blackmail and cross-border terrorist attacks will be responded to, in a decisive manner with steely resolve. India deeply appreciates the support and solidarity extended by Madagascar and other countries in the fight against terrorism.
5. I would like to conclude by reaffirming that as a close neighbour and a fellow developing country in the Indian Ocean region, India attaches importance to its centuries-old bonds of friendship and people-to-people contacts with Madagascar. In line with the ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (World is One Family) and Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), India will continue to share its developmental experience and expertise, as per the needs and priorities of Madagascar. I am confident that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi and President of Madagascar H.E. Mr. Andry Rajoelina, India-Madagascar partnership will go from strength to strength in the coming days. I also take this opportunity to congratulate the Government of Madagascar on its forthcoming presidency in the SADC (Southern African Development Community). Once again, warm greetings to you all on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day of India. Long live India, long live Madagascar and long live India-Madagascar Friendship! Misaotra Tompoko.
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