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Remarks by Ambassador at reception to commemorate the 68th Republic Day of India

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Title:Remarks by Ambassador at reception to commemorate the 68th Republic Day of India
Date: 01/25/2017

Remarks by Ambassador at reception to commemorate the 68th Republic Day of India

24 January 2017

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great privilege for me to welcome you all to the celebration of the 68th Republic Day of India.

The Republic of India came into being on 26th January 1950 with the adoption of our Constitution. Since then, 1.2 billion Indians have made significant strides in nation-building through a democratic process that has laid emphasis on inclusive growth and social justice.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen:

2016 was also an important year in our relations with China. The year saw the State Visit of the President of India to China in May and three meetings between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping. Other high level engagements included the visits of our Defence Minister, Finance Minister and National Security Advisor to China and those of the Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, State Councillor, Foreign Minister and Chairman of NDRC from China to India.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to quote what my Prime Minister said about India-China relations on 17 January 2017: “I see the development of India and China as an unprecedented opportunity, for our two countries and for the whole world. At the same time, it is not unnatural for two large neighbouring powers to have some differences. In the management of our relationship, and for peace and progress in the region, both our countries need to show sensitivity and respect for each other's core concerns and interests.”

Building on this momentum, we look forward to working with our Chinese friends to continue our engagement in 2017, and making further progress in our relationship.

On behalf of the Indian Embassy, I extend greetings to all our Chinese friends for a happy and prosperous Year of the Rooster.

May I invite all of you to join me in raising a toast to the further prosperity of the peoples of China and India and to the strengthening of our friendship.