Embassy of India

Antananarivo, Madagascar

President of the Independent National Electoral Commission of Madagascar (CENI) H.E. Mr.  Dama Andrianarisedo Arsene,

Minister of Transport and Meteorology of Madagascar H.E. Mr. Valery Ramonjavelo,

Director General of EDL Automoto,

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. Namaste, Salama, Good Morning! It is my pleasure and privilege to take part in today’s handing over ceremony of 3 no.s of 9-ton trucks donated by the Government of India to the CENI. These trucks manufactured in India by “Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles Ltd” are a testament to India’s emergence as a global leader in the manufacturing of automobiles. I am glad to note that “Volvo Eicher” can provide service and spare parts for the trucks for a period of 2 years, through its local distributor “EDL Automoto”. The gifting of these trucks to CENI symbolizes the deep-rooted friendship and growing partnership between India and Madagascar. I am deeply grateful to the President of the CENI and Minister of Transport and Meteorology for their support for today’s event.

2.  You might be aware of the parliamentary elections held in India during April-June 2024, which were the largest democratic exercise in the history of humankind. More than 640 mn people out of the total electorate of 970 million voted in these elections, which helped to strengthen the democratic forces across the world. I am glad to note that a delegation led by the President of CENI undertook a study tour to the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi in January 2024 while the representatives of CENI witnessed the parliamentary elections in India in May 2024, as part of the International Election Visitors' Programme of the Election Commission of India. I take this opportunity to wish CENI and other authorities of Madagascar every success in the smooth conduct of the municipal and communal elections to be held tomorrow.

3. I would like to conclude by reaffirming that as a close neighbor and a fellow democracy in the Indian Ocean region, India desires to see the emergence of Madagascar as a thriving nation. In line with the ancient Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (World is One Family) and Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region),  India stands ready to share its developmental experience and expertise as per the needs and requirements of Madagascar. On its part, Embassy will continue to facilitate closer electoral cooperation between CENI and the Election Commission of India. I am confident that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister of India H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi and President of Madagascar H.E. Mr. Andry Rajoelina India-Madagascar partnership will scale newer heights in the days to come. Once again, thank you for joining us in today’s handing over ceremony of the trucks. Misaotra Tompoko!