I extend my warmest greetings to all Indians and Friends of India in Oman on the occasion of the 76th Independence Day of India.

While all Independence Days are cherished, recalling as they do the untold sacrifices of generations of freedom fighters who helped realize the dream of an independent India; August 15 this year is extra special, commemorates as it does, 75 glorious years of India’s remarkable journey as an independent nation.

An ancient civilization with a resplendent culture and a kaleidoscopically diverse society, burdened by centuries of colonial rule, finally rose and made a  tryst with destiny on 15 August 1947. As it did so, it sought to unshackle itself not just from domination but also dogma and dilapidated social moorings and set about charting a new path, not just of independence, but of social reform, inclusive economic growth, and a political vision rooted in the ideals of unity in diversity, equity, democracy and justice.

The independence day 75 years ago, saw the birth of a new nation imbued with a billion hopes, fortified by a billion dreams and roused by the will and determination of a billion ignited minds.

Today, as we celebrate 75 years of our journey as an independent nation, every Indian’s heart is filled with pride and joy. This day equally is a harbinger of new inspirations, igniting new fervor, exuberance, and enthusiasm for the collective journey that lies ahead.

Friends,

This Independence Day is made all the more special by the assumption of office on July 25, 2022 by the first tribal woman President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu.

There cannot be a greater testimony to the ideals of social justice of the Indian Republic than the fact that we have today as our Commander in Chief a daughter of India hailing from a tribal community born in a remote part of eastern India.

As Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said “Her assuming the Presidency is a watershed moment for India especially for the poor, marginalised and downtrodden”. Nothing better echoes the sentiments behind the nation celebrating ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

Friends,

As the world slowly recovers from the unprecedented challenges caused by the Covid pandemic, we also recall with pride the fact that India has crossed the milestone of administering 2 billion Covid vaccine doses, just about 18 months after starting the world’s largest vaccination drive in January 2021.

In the course of India’s eventful journey of 75 years, the nation’s stature has risen in a range of sectors from economic, academic, geopolitics, defence, sports, and science to IT and space technology, digital revolution, financial inclusion among others.

75 years have brought India several laurels to its credit. India has transformed into the fastest growing major economy in the world, developed as one of the leading powers in scientific research and technological development, lifted tens of millions out of poverty, ensured social justice and inclusion to its people and practiced a robust foreign policy based on humanism rooted in the hallowed Indian thought of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or treating the whole world as one family.

As a beacon of universal peace and development, India today is contributing with all its might as a committed and responsible member of the international comity of nations.

Friends,

India and Oman are maritime neighbours and close friends.

In the true spirit of mutual trust and friendship, today the India-Oman relationship stands transformed into a comprehensive strategic partnership that straddles trade & investment, connectivity, health, education, sports, defence, and energy, to name just a few areas.

With our glorious past of friendly exchanges and the firm foundation of the past 50 years – with hundreds of thousands of Indians making Oman their home and contributing to the Omani Renaissance – I firmly believe that the best in India-Oman relations is yet to come. As Oman seeks to realize its Vision 2040 and India marches on the path towards self-reliance, the opportunities for enhanced cooperation are abundant. India will be a trusted partner in all priority areas identified by Oman under Vision 2040.

Let me also take this opportunity to convey, on behalf of the Government and people of India, warm greetings and best wishes to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, as well as the Government and the kind people of Oman for continued peace, progress, and prosperity.

May our Spirits rise with the Flag today! Happy Independence Day!

Johar, Namaskar, Jai Hind!