South Asian country celebrates 75th Republic Day

Reflecting on India's journey as a sovereign democratic republic, Indian Ambassador to Korea Amit Kumar emphasized the remarkable progress achieved over the past seven decades during the 75th Republic Day of India ceremony in Seoul, on Friday.

"Today, we celebrate the 75th Republic Day of India, marking the day in 1950 when the Indian Constitution came into force, officially establishing us as a sovereign democratic republic," Kumar said. "Our journey, characterized by skepticism due to our sheer size, diverse development levels, and incredible diversity, has been a testament to the wisdom and foresight of our founding fathers."

He highlighted India's robust democracy, which has not only taken deep root but flourished over the decades, overcoming various challenges. Kumar noted several impressive milestones, including India's current status as the world's fifth-largest economy, with projections to become the third-largest within the next five years.

"India is changing at an unprecedented rate, and I encourage all of you to visit India to experience its energy and dynamism firsthand," he said, pointing to the exponential growth of the startup sector as evidence of the ongoing transformation.

The ambassador emphasized the deep-rooted friendship between India and Korea, rooted in ancient bonds of kinship and a shared heritage of Buddhism. He acknowledged India's significant humanitarian contribution during the Korean War, fostering a strong foundation for bilateral relations.

"Recent years have witnessed a significant expansion in our bilateral relations, marked by intensified interactions among governments, businesses, and other stakeholders," Kumar said. He highlighted key events such as the G20 summit and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, expressing gratitude for Korea's active participation and support during India's G20 Presidency.

Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about the future of India-Korea relations, anticipating a full diplomatic calendar. In the face of global geopolitical and geo-economic shifts, Kumar underscored the potential for greater engagement between India and Korea, both democracies with shared values and interests.

He outlined opportunities for collaboration and partnership, including in advanced manufacturing, construction, logistics, green hydrogen, electric vehicles, and emerging technologies. Kumar also praised the growing Indian diaspora in Korea, serving as a vital bridge between the two countries.

In conclusion, Ambassador Kumar expressed gratitude to those advocating for a stronger India-Korea partnership and encouraged continued support, advice, and friendship as both nations chart new areas of cooperation.