On the 63^rd Republic Day of India, I convey my warm greetings and felicitations to all members of the Indian community in Kuwait. I also take this opportunity to thank our Kuwaiti and other friends for their good wishes and greetings.

This important day marks the coming into force of the Constitution of India in 1950. It reflects the vision and wisdom of our founding fathers, as well as our ideals and values. On this day an independent India became a sovereign, secular, and democratic Republic. Over the last six decades of existence as a Republic, India has secured a place of its own in the comity of nations as a country committed to universal harmony, justice, equality, and the rule of law. We are proud citizens of the largest, most diverse, and vibrant democracy in the world, underpinned by rule of law, free media and an independent judiciary. We are an example of how a people as diverse as India can live in peace and harmony with shared national objectives and vision. We are a proof that there can be unity in diversity.  

The last two decades have witnessed transformational changes in the Indian economy. We have been the fastest growing major democratic economy in the world. We are already the fourth largest economy in purchasing power parity terms. We are globally among the top 20 exporters of goods and the top 10 services exporters. We are also a leading food producer in the world – the largest producer of milk and the second largest of fruits and vegetables. Owing to its excellent Information Technology and Information Technology-enabled services sectors, India is a software giant and an outsourcing hub, especially for business and knowledge process. Some cutting edge products and services are being developed in India both by multi-national companies as well as Indian companies. Recently, on October 5, 2011, India launched what is considered as the cheapest tablet computer, called ‘Aakash’, to be sold to students at the subsidized price of US$35 & later in shops for about US$ 60. The number of internet users in India crossed the 100-million mark in September 2011, growing 13 % over last year's figure of 87 million. Our telecommunications sector has notched up phenomenal growth, with a total mobile phone user base of over 880 million and with around 8 million new subscribers being added every month. We are also adding over 10 million vehicles of all kinds every year. Be it education, science, technology, culture, media or innovation, a new energy, a new sense of purpose rooted in the firm belief that the future belongs to us are propelling India forward. 

The Indian economy has continuously recorded high growth rates in the past 20 years which has also made the country a preferred destination for foreign investments. In the financial year 2010-2011 India received a record US$ 61.9 billion as foreign investment. With around 35% domestic savings rate, sound macroeconomic fundamentals, independent and robust economic institutions and regulatory mechanism, and a stable balance of payments position, India is set to maintain its high-growth trajectory in the future also. Despite global slowdown and economic challenges faced by many major economies, India expects to grow by 7% in the financial year 2011-12.  Our large middle class, qualified scientific and technical manpower, innovative entrepreneurs, diversified industrial base, and abundant raw materials, provide us a strong base for sustained economic growth.  Prudent fiscal stimulus and macroeconomic management have enabled the country to emerge as an anchor of global economic stability. India’s fast expanding markets would contribute to future world economic growth.

The Indian Government has recently announced various measures to further encourage foreign investment in the country. Very recent among these are the policy decisions permitting qualified foreign investors to invest directly in the Indian equity market and allowing Foreign Direct Investment up to 100% under the government approval route, in Single-Brand Product Retail Trading. India is investing massively in power, roads, ports, airports, irrigation, and telecommunications with the aim to remove infrastructure bottlenecks. India is fast emerging as a global manufacturing hub with a large number of multinational companies shifting their manufacturing bases into the country. Surging foreign investments, establishment of greenfield projects, greater number of mergers & acquisitions, and increasing strategic alliances between industry players are a clear indication of the growing attractiveness of the Indian market.

Indiais also an important source of investments abroad.Our companies have been looking out for new investment destinations,through mergers and acquisitions or direct investments in order to access high-growth markets, technologies and knowledge, attain economies of size and scale, and leverage international brand names. In 2010-11, our companies invested over US$ 43.9 billion abroad.

If our successes are numerous so are the challenges that remain to be addressed, especially in taking the benefits of growth and development to those who have been left out. The country has embarked on an ambitious programme for the socio- economic transformation of its citizens, especially those who are on the margins of its growth story. These include programmes for ensuring employment to rural households, scaling up rural infrastructure, delivery of quality education, providing food security, and better health care services. We have added the Right to Education as a fundamental right in our Constitution. Our government has accorded the highest priority to inclusive growth that brings tangible benefits to all, by substantial investments in education, health and sanitation, village modernization, employment generation and skill development.

India’s rise is welcomed as a positive factor in international relations. Our contributions derive from our unique experience of tackling developmental challenges, our emphasis on values, and our tradition of consensus building. Indiawill continue to maintain its autonomy and independence in decision-making that has been a hallmark of its policy and seek convergences with other countries. We seek mutually beneficial relations with all countries as we pursue economic transformation and development in an atmosphere of peace and security.

Indiais currently a member of the UN Security Council where its contribution and wise influence and emphasis on dialogue and peaceful resolution of issues have been appreciated.  As a responsible member of the international community, India will continue to work with other countries to tackle issues of common concern like terrorism, climate change, the global economic crisis, energy security, food security, bio-diversity and the reform of multilateral institutions to reflect contemporary realities. India has always unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and has been at the forefront of the fight against it.

The Gulf region, a part of our extended neighbourhood, is an important area of our foreign policy.  It is one of India’s largest trading partners, provides around 70% of our energy requirements and is home to   over 6 million Indians. It has been our endeavour to build on our longstanding historical relations with this region. 

India and Kuwait share centuries’ old relations; our peoples are tied with bonds of friendship and kinship. Recent years have witnessed resurgence in trade and economic exchanges. The year 2010-2011 witnessed several records in bilateral trade. Total trade was a record US US$ 12 billion; Kuwait’s exports to India for the first time crossed US$ 10 billion mark; and India’s exports to Kuwait, which had never even touched a billion dollar mark, were US$ 1.9 billion in 2010-11. An important partner in meeting India’s energy needs, Kuwait annually provides around 10% of our crude oil imports. Indiahas consistently been among Kuwait’s top trading partners.As our interaction intensifies, fresh opportunities are opening up in sectors like IT, hospitality, infrastructure, and medical tourism.

High-level exchanges provide an opportunity to reaffirm friendship and explore new avenues of cooperation. Our Minister of External Affairs, HE Mr. S.M. Krishna, visited Kuwait in February 2011, his second visit to Kuwait.  HE Mr. E. Ahamad, Minister of State for External Affairs, visited Kuwait in October 2011. These visits further strengthened bilateral ties between the two countries.

Further cementing our friendship is the presence of over 600,000 strong Indian community in Kuwait, the largest expatriate community in Kuwait.  I am proud to say that our community has earned a well-deserved reputation for being sincere, talented, disciplined, hard-working and law-abiding. Our community members are present in practically every segment of the society and contribute immensely to the development and prosperity of Kuwait. I would like to express gratitude for the benevolence bestowed on the Indian community by HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, as well as by the Government of the State of Kuwait. 

Responding to increased consular demand arising from enhanced bilateral interaction, the Embassy outsourced its passport and visa services in May 2009. These outsourced service centers are located conveniently and have been functioning satisfactorily. It would be our endeavour to ensure quality service delivery and address any shortcomings. From October 2009, we have also started “Consular Open House” at the Embassy during which a senior consular official could be met without appointment. An “Indian Workers Welfare Center” was set up by the Embassy in September 2009 to enhance welfare support to our workers in Kuwait. It incorporates a help desk to guide Indians on immigration, employment, etc, a labour complaints desk for registering labour complaints, a toll-free 24x7 telephonic helpline for domestic workers, separate shelters for male and female domestic workers, a free legal advice clinic and an employment contract attestation system. The consular and welfare support for Indians in Kuwait has been consistently enhanced over the years by the Embassy. The Embassy will continue to upgrade all its services while boosting efficiency levels.

On this happy occasion, as we commit ourselves anew to serving our  motherland, I wish all Indians in Kuwait good health, happiness and prosperity. I would also like to wish continued good health and well-being to HH the Amir, HH the Crown Prince, HH the Prime Minister, and the friendly people of the State of Kuwait. Jai Hind!