Ambassador’s Speech for Republic Day Celebration

Your Excellency Dr. Fuad Ja’afar Mohammed Al Sajwani, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries of Oman,
Distinguished members of the Omani official delegation,
Excellencies,
Members of the Indian community,
Distinguished guests,

Good Evening.

I extend a warm welcome to all of you at this celebration of 70th Republic Day of India.

Greetings to my fellow Indians on this auspicious occasion!

I also bring warm greetings from the people and leadership of India for the people and leadership of Oman. May His Majesty stay blessed with a long and healthy life, and Oman with continued peace, progress and prosperity!

Republic Day is the day when India completed its transition from being a colony to an Independent Republic. 69 years ago, the people of India gave themselves a Constitution that reflected their hopes and aspirations. They resolved to constitute India into a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic; and to secure justice, liberty and equality for all citizens.
Today, as we celebrate, this is an occasion for the people of India to re-affirm their resolve to work together and realize the noble objectives set out in the Constitution.

In the film we just saw, we have seen the immense progress that India has made in last seven decades. India’s journey towards progress and prosperity continues.

Today, India is undergoing a profound transformation. A new India is taking shape. In the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we seek to build a country that will be “modern and competitive and yet caring and compassionate”. A country where basic needs of all citizens will be met. A country that will become the global hub for technology and innovation. A country that seeks development and prosperity of not only its own citizens but of the entire world. Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas - together we shall prosper - this is our moto.

India is also a land of immense opportunities. It is a unique combination of democracy, demography and demand. In a few months from now when India goes for elections, the world will witness the most vibrant display of democratic process where more than 800 million voters will exercise their democratic rights.

India’s sustained high economic growth makes it an engine of global growth. India is the 3rd largest economy of the world in purchasing power parity terms. The Government is committed to continuing with economic reforms. In just two years, India has jumped up 53 positions in the World Bank's 'ease of doing business' index. Again, in the words of Prime Minister Modi - “India means business’.

Excellencies, friends,

India’s links with Oman go back to thousands of years. Some of you would have participated in the ceremony that was organized few months back to celebrate the arrival of Omani Royal Yacht Zinat-al-Bihaar and Indian sailing vessels after they retraced the ancient maritime trade routes between Kochi and Muscat.

Our historical links have today evolved into a modern, multi-faceted strategic partnership. The Sultanate of Oman is a strategic partner and trusted friend of India. The foundation for this partnership is provided by our shared values, common interests and convergence in approaches. I will highlight six points.

• First, both India and Oman are strong proponents of peace and harmony. India’s engagement with the world is guided by the philosophy of Vasudhev Kutumbakam - the entire world is a family. Oman, under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, plays a major role in promotion of global peace.
• Second, both our countries attach high importance to sustainable development and preservation of environment.

• Third, both India and Oman are young nations in terms of demography. Majority of our populations comprise youngsters who aspire for growth and development.

• Fourth, India and Oman are maritime neighbours and have shared maritime security interests. We have robust defence cooperation which is a key pillar of the strategic partnership.

• Fifth, our economic ties are deep rooted. Our two countries have been trading since ancient times. Today, there are more than 3200 joint ventures between Indian and Omani companies.

• Six, strong people-to-people ties and cultural links are at the core of India-Oman relationship. The large Indian diaspora in Oman has played a key role in the growth and development of Oman and India as well as in strengthening of India-Oman relationship. We deeply appreciate the warm hospitality accorded to Indian community by the Government and people of Oman under the leadership of His Majesty. Introduction of e-Visa has facilitated travel of Omani nationals to India. I am happy to inform that Government of India has decided to further liberalize the e-Visa regime. We will now issue e-Visas of one-year duration with multiple entries permitted.

Excellencies, friends,

As we look ahead, there are immense opportunities for expansion of India-Oman partnership. The road-map for this has been laid out during the successful visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Oman last year at the invitation of His Majesty. We believe that India can be a strong partner for Oman in all five priority areas identified under Tanfeed programme as well as for its Vision 2040.

Similarly, India’s economic growth offers immense opportunities for Omani companies.

Strong India-Oman partnership benefits not only the peoples of India and Oman, but is also important for the entire region. We look forward to working closely with the Government and people of Oman in this endeavour.

I once again thank you all for sparing your valuable time this evening to be with us and making the celebration a truly memorable one. We are particularly thankful to H.E. Dr. Fuad Ja’afar Al Sajwani, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries of Oman, for gracing the occasion as Chief Guest.
We have organized a brief cultural programme to give you some glimpses of the rich cultural diversity of India. I wish you all an enjoyable evening.

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