On the joyous occasion of 77^th Independence Day of India, I am proud to convey my greetings and best wishes to all Indian nationals in the Sultanate of Oman.

As India marks the culmination of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, commemorating 75 years of independence of our beloved nation, it is fitting that it is leading the global effort towards peace, sustainability and progress under its Presidency of the G-20. A millennia old civilization and a proud young nation is today at the global crossroads, helping craft a global consensus on the defining issues of our time.

The vision of India’s G20 Presidency of “One Earth, One Family, One Future” exemplifies its ideals of the essential unity of humankind, its age-old testament to the protection and preservation of nature and the innate belief of its people towards global peace and amity.

As Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has noted “Housing one-sixth of humanity, and with its immense diversity of languages, religions, customs and beliefs, India is a microcosm of the world”. Today as the G-20 President, India is acting as an ‘agent of change’ purposefully helping craft consensus to address critical developmental issues such as climate financing, debt vulnerabilities, ensuring progress on sustainable development goals and evolving a framework for digital public infrastructure.

The agenda of India’s Presidency of the G-20 is inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented, and decisive and we are determined to make ours a Presidency of healing, harmony and hope, fostering with our friends and partners from all over the world, a new paradigm of human-centric globalization.

Friends,

On this joyous occasion, it is also fitting to recall the remarkable progress India has achieved since its independence. Over the past over seven decades, India has transformed itself into the fastest-growing major economy in the world, an IT and digital inclusion powerhouse, a global food basket, the pharmacy of the world and a major space power. India’s journey from a developing nation to a global player is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and determination of our people.

As we celebrate this historic occasion, I am delighted to reflect upon the strong and enduring relationship between India and Oman. India and Oman have forged a robust partnership, built on the foundation of mutual respect, trust, and shared aspirations. Our bilateral relations encompass a wide array of sectors, including trade and investment, defense and security, energy, education, tourism, space and cultural exchanges. These multifaceted ties have flourished, contributing to the prosperity and progress of our peoples.

Trade between our nations has more than doubled in 2 years, reaching a record US$ 12.4 billion in fiscal year 2022-2023. Investment ties between India and Oman have also witnessed substantial growth. There are more than 6000 India-Oman joint ventures in Oman with estimated investment of over US$ 7.5 billion with new sectors of green hydrogen, mining and green steel as the pathways to the future. These impressive trade and investment figures highlight the strength and potential of our economic engagement, fostering win-win collaborations and creating new avenues for growth.

Education has also played a vital role in fostering strong people-to-people ties between our nations. Indian educational institutions and universities have attracted Omani students seeking quality education and specialized skills. These educational exchanges enhance our understanding of each other’s cultures, strengthen the ties between our youth, and create a bridge of knowledge and friendship.

As we celebrate the Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, it is imperative to recognize the contribution of the Indian diaspora in Oman. They have played a vital role in promoting goodwill, fostering cultural understanding, and strengthening the bonds between our nations. With an estimated population of nearly 700,000 Indian nationals in Oman, they continue to be an integral part of Oman’s social fabric, contributing to its development and progress.

Let me conclude by remembering the sacrifices of our freedom fighters, whose indomitable courage and determination paved the way for our independence. Today, we stand united as proud Indians, cherishing the values of democracy, diversity, and inclusivity that define our great nation.

Let us reaffirm our commitment to further strengthen the bonds between India and Oman, to deepen our cooperation, and to work together towards shared progress and prosperity.

I also take this opportunity to wish, on behalf of the Government and people of India, greetings and best wishes to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Government and the kind people of Oman for continued peace, progress and prosperity.

Jai Hind!