Hon’ble Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research His Excellency Dr. Kamel Baddari
Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries His Excellency Mr. Youcef Cherfa
Representative of Speaker of the Council of the Nation, Mr. Mohamed Redha Oussahla
Honorable members of the Ministry of Foreign affairs, National Community abroad and African Affairs,
Excellencies, Distinguished Defense Attaches,
Esteemed members of Indian Community
Media friends,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On the happy occasion of the 76th Republic Day of India, it is my proud privilege to to welcome you all. I extend my warm greetings and best wishes on this special occasion.
It was on this day i.e. on 26th January 1950 that the Constitution of India came into force and India became sovereign, secular, democratic Republic.
Republic Day is a day of great historical and emotional significance for India.
This is an occasion, we reaffirm our commitment to equality, fraternity, liberty and justice.
This is an occasion, we rejoice our achievements especially pluralism, open society, open markets, rule of law and free press.
Excellencies and Friends,
Today India is a strong, vibrant, diverse, secular and dynamic Republic. Our economy has seen massive and sustainable growth in all fields. We have consistently seen 7% inclusive growth in recent years and the momentum continues. Just to give certain highlights:
India is world’s 7th largest country, a great civilization with rich history and culture
In the last one decade, India has grown from the 10th largest economy to the 5th largest and we are on a path to become 3rd largest
Our youth have created the third largest start-up ecosystem in the world, including 100 plus unicorns
Our digital infrastructure is empowering the poor – we have opened 500 million bank accounts for the people. We connected these bank accounts with digital identity and mobiles. Due to this, people receive assistance directly in their bank accounts.
Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest free health insurance scheme, is benefiting over 500 million people.
We have built over 30 million homes for those in need and have lifted 250 million people out of poverty
We have moved towards green mobility with 20% ethanol blending in petrol
We have a strong service sector and now we are becoming stronger in manufacturing
India has become the second largest mobile manufacturer in the world
We have reached Mars and the Moon.
All-in all Indian government is working relentlessly on the mantra of Reform, Perform, and Transform in several areas. The goal is to build a capable India to make the Global economy more stable, resilient and to bring peace in the world.
Excellencies and Friends,
As India grows, it is natural that longstanding collaboration with African countries including Algeria will expand further.
Anchored in trust, mutual respect and common solidarity, the traditionally cordial and friendly partnership between India and Algeria is focused now on value addition in all fields.
The year 2024 saw significant reinforcement of the bilateral relations. Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Hon’ble President of India and paid a State visit to Algeria from October 13-16, 2024, the first ever visit by an Indian President to Algeria. The visit also saw organization of first-ever India-Algeria Economic Forum. During the visit we had wide ranging and forward looking discussions covering the entire gamut of our bilateral relations.
Bilateral trade between India and Algeria has now rebounded and stands at US$ 1.73 billion.
India provides capacity building and training to African candidates including Algerian friends under India’s flagship initiative called ITEC i.e. Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation. So far, 465 Algerians have availed of the benefits of this program.
Excellencies and Friends,
Defence relations between India and Algeria are strong and evolving.
The space cooperation between us is yet another exciting avenue for bilateral engagement after India launched 4 satellites for Algeria in September 2016 under a commercial agreement.
We value Algeria’s participation in the International Solar Alliance.
The people-to-people ties between India and Algeria continue to progress.
Most Algerians are quick to sing a few lines of old Bollywood song ‘Jaane tu’ when someone meets an Indian.
I am confident that the year 2025 would see a steady stream of exchange of high-level visits and further augmentation of bilateral ties as both our countries stand to gain enormously from each other in all domains.
So, let me conclude, Excellencies and friends, on this 76th Republic Day, we rededicate ourselves to work harder to build an India in which benefits of our growth reach all citizens.
Once again, I extend my warm felicitations to all on this glorious occasion.
I take this opportunity to thank Hon’ble President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune for a wonderful bouquet on this important occasion.
Thank you.
Jai Hind!
Jai Bharat!
