Embassy of India
Muscat

Reception on the occasion of India’s 75th Republic Day

January 28, 2024

‘VISHWA MITRA: AN INEVITABLE, IMPATIENT, INNOVATIVE, INCLUSIVE, INDISPENSABLE INDIA’

Remarks by Ambassador of India H.E. Amit Narang

Honored members of the Omani VIP delegation, 

Respected members of the Royal Family,

Distinguished Ambassadors,

Members of the Indian community,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On the proud occasion of the 75th Republic Day of India, it is my honor and pleasure to extend a warm welcome to you to today’s Reception.

As India celebrates its 75th Republic Day, the hearts of 1.4 billion Indians the world over are filled with pride. 

The traditions of debate, dialogue and participatory governance, that have been the hallmark of Bharat since ancient times, today find utterance in the rise of India as the largest democracy in the world. 

As a mother of democracy, India is also today among the fastest growing large economies, a major scientific and space power, a trailblazer in development and deployment of clean energy, a leader in digital economy, a role model of inclusivity and pluralism and also a major force for global peace and sustainable development. 

Today we also celebrate the rise of a new India; the story of the past decade.

In only 10 years, India has moved from being the 11th largest economy in the world to being the 5th largest and is on track to leapfrog to 3rd largest in another few years.

A new report released by Goldman Sachs predicts that the number of affluent Indians, defined as those with an annual per capita income exceeding US$ 10,000 is set to cross 100 million people by 2027. 

To put this in perspective, only 14 countries in the world have total populations of more than 100 million, which is also nearly twice the combined population of the GCC.

This is the story of the fabled ‘Incredible India’. 

In the words of an article in Harvard Business Review a few months ago, an ‘Inevitable India’;

In the context of the boundless energy of its youth, an ‘Impatient India’;

From the perspective of its start-ups and Unicorns, an ‘Innovative India’;

From the point of view of its civilizational ethos of unity in diversity, an ‘Inclusive India’;

And in the context of its centrality to global solutions for growth and sustainability, an ‘Indispensable India’.

This new India is also a credible and reliable force for global good. 

This new India, as External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar has noted, is a ‘Vishwa Mitra’, a partner of the world and a contributor to regional and global solutions.

Excellencies,

It is a matter of pride that year 2023 was a milestone in our bilateral ties.

India was honored by the participation of the Sultanate of Oman as a Special Guest under our Presidency of the G-20. 

India's invitation to Oman was a sincere gesture of friendship and a mark of the importance attached by the Government of India to the strategic partnership with Oman.

On its part, the participation of Oman in over 150 meetings of the G-20 was meaningful and constructive and Oman’s perspectives and insights contributed to enriching the wide-ranging discussions under our Presidency. 

The landmark State visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to India on December 16, 2023 was a fitting capstone to a busy year in bilateral relations. 

Being the first State visit from Oman to India in 26 years, and the first State visit of Sultan Haitham since ascending to the throne, this visit marked a new milestone in our bilateral ties. 

A far-reaching ‘India-Oman Joint Vision’ adopted during the visit is expected to anchor the development of our bilateral ties as a roadmap. 

This is a roadmap for the future of India-Oman relations.

Bilateral trade has doubled over the past 2 years to reach US$ 12.4 billion in FY 2022-23. A bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), for which discussions are ongoing, will further deepen and strengthen our economic partnership.

Our investment partnership will get a huge fillip with the 3rd Oman-India Joint Investment Fund (OIJIF) worth US$ 300 million that was announced during His Majesty’s visit to India. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The exhibit that has been jointly unveiled today is a testimony to the rich tapestry of India-Oman relationship.

A relationship that is as rich as it is deep. 

A relationship as steeped in history as it is imbued with the promise of the future. 

A relationship nurtured by centuries of trust and propelled by the forces of friendship.

Much before there were modern nations called India and Oman, Indians and Omanis were friends and maritime neighbours. 

Much before the Indian Rupee and the Omani Riyal were currencies, Indians and Omanis were trading in goods, services and ideas.

Much before inclusivity and unity in diversity were enshrined as ideals in modern legal documents, Indians and Omani were practicing them; in their homes.

Friends,

Under the visionary guidance of our leaders, India-Oman relationship is scaling new heights, transforming into a future-ready Jugalbandi.

As we step into 2024, the future of our relations will tap into the opportunities in areas as diverse as health and wellness, tourism and culture, space and new technologies, digital and financial inclusion as well as defence and maritime security. 

India-Oman relations are future-ready and the future of our relations is together, collaborative and bright.

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

It is a privilege to host all of you tonight.

Shukran Jazeelan, Thank you.

Jai Hind!