Ambassador’s Remarks at the
Inaugration of the Hybrid Solar Power System
at the National Assembly of Madagascar
(04 September 2024)
President of the National Assembly of Madagascar H.E. Mr. Justin Tokely,
Minister of Armed Forces and Acting Foreign Minister H.E. Lt. Gen. Sahivelo Lala Monja Delphin,
Hon’ble Members of the Permanent Bureau of the National Assembly,
Director General of “SOLARMAD Company”
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Namaste, Salama, Good Morning! It is my pleasure and privilege to represent the Government of India at the inauguration of “Hybrid Solar Power System” today at the National Assembly of Madagascar. This solar power system, set up under a grant of the Government of India, is a shining example of India-Madagascar friendship and a vivid reflection of our countries’ efforts to combat climate change. On this joyous occasion, I would like to convey warm greetings from the Government, the Parliament and the people of India for the continued peace and progress of the friendly people of Madagascar.
2. As close neighbors and fellow developing countries in the Indian Ocean region, India and Madagascar share centuries-old bonds of friendship and people-to-people linkages. As fellow democracies, we believe in the important role our Parliaments play in ensuring the sustainable development of our countries. You might be aware of the recent parliamentary elections in India which helped to strengthen the democratic forces across the world. The elections were the largest democratic exercise in the history of humankind, actively taken part by 66% voters out of the 969 million electorate in India. I take this opportunity to congratulate the Government and the people of Madagascar also on the smooth conduct of their legislative elections this year.
3. I would like to briefly mention about the ongoing developmental transformation underway in India. As the world’s fastest growing major economy, India is expected to become the world’s 3rd largest economy in the coming years. India is now home to the world’s 3rd largest start-up ecosystem, with more than 110 unicorns, each valued above US$ 1 billion. Last year, India became the 4th country in the world to achieve a soft landing on the Moon and the first one to land near the Moon’s South Pole. Next year, we plan to launch "Gaganyaan"- India’s first human spaceflight programme. India has also become the global leader in real-time digital payments, accounting for nearly half of the global transactions last year. India has 200 GW of installed capacity of renewable energy and we have set ourselves an ambitious target of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. As the “Pharmacy of the World”, India meets about 60% of the global demand for vaccines and 20% of the generic medicines. Thanks to its affordable and high quality health care, India is becoming a preferred destination for medical tourism, including for the people of Madagascar.
4. India-Madagascar relations have grown exponentially in recent years, especially after the historic visit of the then President of India H.E. Mr. Ram Nath Kovind to Madagascar in 2018. In February this year, our Leaders i.e. Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi and President H.E. Mr. Andry Rajoelina met for the first time, on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Our two countries cooperate closely in various multilateral fora including the United Nations, Indian Ocean Rim Association, International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure etc. We deeply appreciate the active participation of Madagascar in the 3rd Voice of the Global South Summit held in virtual format under India’s chair-ship last month.
5. I would like to conclude by reaffirming that in line with the ancient Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (World is One Family) and our Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), India desires to see the emergence of Madagascar as a thriving nation. We stand ready to share India’s developmental experience and expertise, as per the needs and requirements of Madagascar, especially in the fields of maritime security, capacity building, renewable energy, health, digital public infrastructure etc. I am confident that with the active contribution of the Parliaments of our countries, India-Madagascar partnership will scale greater heights in the days to come. Once again, my warm greetings to you all on today’s inauguration of the “Hybrid Solar Power System”. Misaotra Tompoko!
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