Ambassador’s Remarks on the occasion of the
78th Independence Day of India
(15 August 2024)
Minister of Decentralization, Territorial Planning and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr. Naina Andriantsitohaina,
President of the Senate H.E. Mr. Richard Ravalomanana,
Governor of Vakinankaratra Region H.E. Mr. Vyvato Rakotovao,
Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy,
3rd Quaestor of National Assembly of Madagascar,
Honorable Senators and Honorable Members of the National Assembly,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Namaste, Salama, Good Afternoon! Warm greetings to you all on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day of India.
2. At the outset, I would like to mention about the successful holding of the General Elections of India in June this year, which showcased the vibrancy of India’s deep-rooted tradition of democracy. The elections were the largest democratic exercise in the history of humankind, taken part by more than 66% of the total 969 million voters in India. Prime Minister of India H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi was re-elected for a historic third consecutive time, reflecting the trust reposed in his leadership by the people of India. I take this opportunity to congratulate the Government and the people of Madagascar on smooth conduct of their Legislative Elections in May 2024.
3. You would recall that at the time of its independence in 1947, India was an impoverished and underdeveloped country, after about 200 years of Colonial rule. Over the past 77 years, India has succeeded in achieving a remarkable progress, while preserving the supremacy of its constitution and rule of law. India has now become the world's 5th largest economy and home to its 3rd largest start-up ecosystem. In August 2023, India became the 4th country in the world to achieve a soft landing on the Moon and in January this year, India’s “Aditya L1” spacecraft was placed into a halo orbit to observe the Sun from a distance of 1.5 million km from the Earth. India's first human spaceflight programme "Gaganyaan" is expected to be launched next year. India has also become the global leader in real-time digital payments, accounting for nearly half of the global transactions. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minster Narendra Modi, India has itself an ambitious goal of becoming a developed country by 2047, when India will be celebrating 100 years of its independence.
4. Despite its rapid economic growth, India, like other countries of the Global South, continues to confront challenges to global governance, climate change, international trade, trans-national supply chains etc, especially in the context of ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world. As part of its Presidency in G-20 last year, India had organized two editions of the Voice of Global South Summit in the virtual format, to deliberate on the concerns, interests and priorities of the developing countries. India will soon be hosting the 3rd Voice of the Global South Summit to expand the discussions of the previous Summits for global peace and prosperity. I would like to thank the Government of Madagascar for its active participation in this endeavor.
5. As a close neighbour in the Indian Ocean region and a fellow member of the Global South, India cherishes its traditional ties of friendship with Madagascar. In line with Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), India desires to further strengthen its partnership with Madagascar. As a reliable and committed partner, India stands ready to share its developmental experience and expertise, as per the needs and requirements of Madagascar, without any ulterior motive.
6. In conclusion, I would like to once again convey my warm greetings on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day of India. I also take this opportunity to wish peace, progress and prosperity for the friendly people of Madagascar. Long live India-Madagascar Friendship. Misaotra Tompoko.
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