India at 75 has defied the critics, says Rungsung
Published:Thursday | February 1, 2024 | 12:06 AMCarl Gilchrist/Gleaner Writer
Indian High Commissioner to Jamaica Rungsung Masakui has hailed his country’s achievements on the occasion of its 75th Republic Day celebration, noting that sceptics at the time of India’s independence deemed the population incapable of building a viable nation.
Today, the nuclear-capable Republic of India stands as a nation with an economy worth US$3.46 trillion in 2022, the fifth-largest economy by market exchange rates, and the third largest in terms of purchasing power, of around US$11.6 trillion.
The High Commissioner was not focusing on numbers however, but more on its democracy and positive contributions to the world.
Speaking at India’s National Day reception on Sunday at India House, Rungsung said that 75 years after the gifting of the constitution, India has risen and offered “a world view of contemporary realities of international political construct”.
“And she is determined to use all her resources and influence for global common good. India successfully hosted a historic G20 Summit, adding important elements to the international discourse,” Rungsung said.
“Voice of the Global South Virtual Summit One and Two hosted by India in January and September, respectively, in 2023 articulated the interests, concerns and priorities of the Global South.”
Cooperation between Jamaica and India in 2023 was further solidified with several events, ensuring that relations between both countries thrived. Following the visit to the Caribbean nation in May 2022 by then President of the Asian country, His Excellency Ram Nath Kovind – the first president of India to visit Jamaica in 60 years of diplomatic relationships – the last 12 months have seen an increase in activities.
These include the injection of US$1 million in October by the Indian government to improve rural livelihoods through resilience building; the presentation of five Indian Council of Cultural Affairs academic scholarships and 50 scholarships under the Indian Technical and Economic programme.
The high commission also held several free medical camps across several parishes, including Kingston, Hanover, St Mary, Portland and St Thomas. The outreach served approximately 10,000 people under the theme ‘Reaching the Unreached, Touching the Untouched and Serving the Unserved’.
Last year, business delegations from India visited Jamaica to explore business opportunities and to participate in Jamaica’s trade expo. It was a period that also saw India staging its first-ever diaspora conference on March 26 at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston, attracting hundreds of Indian nationals living in Jamaica.
Rungsung credited Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith for supporting the high commission, allowing the fruition of the commission’s efforts.
The National Day celebration also included the presentation of several cultural items from India.