AMBASSADOR’S MESSAGE
The idea of India as a nation has been in existence for thousands of years in ancient scripture and epics. But India as a modern nation state was born only seventy years ago. Nevertheless, 70 years is an important milestone in the life of a nation.
Recently, at the 50th anniversary celebrations of the ASEAN, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Alan Cayetano reminded those present how at the time of the very founding of ASEAN, many had foretold its demise. How wrong they were. Similarly, when India attained Independence on August 15, 1947, there are many who thought that it was impossible for a country of this size with such great diversity of race, religion, language and culture to survive as one whole democratic nation. Seventy years on, far from being a handicap, India’s diversity and pluralism is something we celebrate and our democracy has flourished. Every fresh general election in India is the largest exercise of democratic rights that mankind has ever seen. And this immense exercise is completed each time peacefully, efficiently and credibly.
Indeed, we in India find a great deal in common with the Philippines, as two vibrant democracies and open societies that celebrate pluralism and follow the Rule of Law. We have large, young and aspiring populations. Both nations are engaged in the development of our infrastructure, the skilling of our young populations for the economy of tomorrow, striving for inclusive development both by adapting to and utilising disruptive technologies, and ensuring the safety and security of our people.
Today, terrorism presents the single biggest challenge to humanity. Both India and the Philippines are victims of this scourge. Indeed, it is pluralistic, democratic and open societies such as ours that terrorists seek to undermine. The sufferings of the people of Marawi have had a deep resonance in India. We stand in solidarity with the Philippines on this issue and the Government of India is ready to extend whatever assistance may be required.
With so much that we share both in terms of opportunities for our people as also in the challenges they face, it is but natural that our two countries and peoples are poised for a far broader and more intense relationship than in the past. This year, as the Philippines proudly chairs the ASEAN in its Golden Jubilee, India also celebrates 25 years of our association with the ASEAN, culminating in what is now the strategic partnership between India and ASEAN. This has opened up many opportunities for interaction between our peoples - from businessmen and journalists, to the youth, and not to mention meetings of our leaders.
India at 70 is one of the fastest growing major economies in the world, channeling the energy of her young population toward development and inclusive growth. We see great opportunities for engagement with the Philippines, also a fast growing economy, a fellow democracy also with a large, young population
To the thousands of Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin who have made the Philippines their home, and to all the friends of India in the Philippines, I would like to extend my greetings on our Independence Day.