MUSCAT-As we celebrate the 80th Republic Day of India, I extend my warm greetings to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, all Indian nationals, our dear Omani friends and all well-wishers of India in the Sultanate of Oman. 

The glorious occasion of India marking 8 decades of Independence is a moment of immense pride and joy for all Indians, both in our homeland and across the world, including here in the Sultanate of Oman. As India marches towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, we celebrate the spirit of freedom while inspiring citizens, especially the youth, to contribute towards building a stronger, self-reliant, innovative, and future-ready India.

Since gaining independence in 1947, India has undergone a profound transformation, evolving from an agrarian nation burdened by colonial rule into a global powerhouse and the world’s largest democracy. Over the decades, the country has achieved remarkable milestones, including securing food self-sufficiency through the Green Revolution, eradicating polio, and building a robust economy overcoming a critical period marked by COVID pandemic and achieving a status of fastest growing economy. 

This journey has been defined by a relentless drive towards modernization, reflected in the establishment of world-class scientific and technological institutions, significant advancements in space exploration, and a digital revolution that has reshaped infrastructure and financial inclusion. Socially, India has made significant strides in expanding access to education and improving public health, with life expectancy and literacy rates rising substantially, even as the nation continues to navigate the complexities arising from the current geopolitical situation.

Today, India stands as a critical player on the global stage, characterized by its economic resilience, innovative spirit, and an enduring commitment to its democratic ideals.

Over the last decade, India has transformed from a digital consumer market into a global technology manufacturer by leveraging the foundational Digital India programme to build robust infrastructure, foster indigenous innovation, and invest in mission-mode initiatives like Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, and supercomputing. Through strategic policy support and large-scale connectivity expansions, the country has developed a trusted Digital Public Infrastructure that enables population-scale digital services, positioning developed India as a reliable, inclusive, and globally competitive hub for emerging technologies on its path towards Viksit Bharat 2047. Governance reforms, technological democratization, and citizen-centric policies have fundamentally transformed the way Indians perceive their prospects.

India’s trade journey reflects a powerful shift from participation to leadership in global commerce. With 9 landmark trade agreements, India is building resilient economic bridges that unlock opportunities, deepen trust, and position the nation as a key global growth engine. The India–Oman CEPA marks a new chapter in this journey, strengthening the longstanding bonds between the two nations and opening new pathways for trade, investment, services and economic cooperation. By creating greater market access and opportunities for businesses and professionals, the agreement reinforces India and Oman’s shared vision of a more connected, resilient and prosperous future.

India’s space startup ecosystem has grown from a single-digit number of startups a few years ago to around 400 today, with one startup recently attaining unicorn status. The next phase of growth for India’s space economy, currently valued at nearly $9 billion, is expected to expand to approximately $45 billion over the next seven to eight years as the country advances towards the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Over the past twelve years, the government has fundamentally reshaped India’s international trajectory, transforming the nation into an assertive and influential global power anchored in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“The World is One Family”). Central to this rise has been India’s proactive leadership of the Global South, most notably evidenced by its successful advocacy for the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20. This diplomatic momentum has been mirrored by a robust human-centric approach to foreign policy, positioning India as the “Pharmacy of the World” through extensive vaccine diplomacy during the COVID-19 pandemic and as a reliable “first responder” in nearly 30 major disaster relief operations across the globe.

Beyond traditional diplomacy, India has emerged as a vanguard for sustainable and digital development. By co-founding the International Solar Alliance and promoting global initiatives such as Mission LiFE and the International Year of Millets (Shri Anna), India has prioritized climate action and food security on the world stage.

Concurrently, the nation has leveraged its technological prowess to export the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as a global digital standard.  Together, these initiatives spanning cultural outreach, infrastructure, innovation, and sustainable development, illustrate a comprehensive strategy that has firmly established India as a pivotal player in shaping the global order.

India and Oman stand as partners with a deep commitment to a shared future of peace and shared prosperity. Every milestone achieved is a step forward in strengthening a relationship that is as enduring as it is dynamic. India and Oman have shared an unbreakable bond of deep friendship for centuries. Our mutual closeness is not limited to geography, but is also reflected in our trade spanning thousands of years, our culture, and our common priorities. Oman is a crucial pillar of India’s West Asia politics and its oldest regional strategic partner.

The Indian Community in Oman has played an integral role in shaping its economic and social landscape. With over 7,00,000 Indians registered in Oman today, deeper Indo-Omani community ties have flourished.

As we commemorate India’s 80th Republic Day, we celebrate not only our nation’s achievements but also the ever-strengthening bonds between India and Oman. Our shared history and the collaborative endeavors in the present day continue to drive our partnership towards new and better horizons.  Long live India-Oman Friendship!