• Chief Guest His Excellency Mr. शार्ल रीशार मोंजो (Charles Richard Mondjo), the Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Congo

• My colleagues from the Diplomatic Corps and the Int’l organisations

• Hon’ble guests

• My fellow Indians 

Mbote/ Bonsoir/ Good Evening / Namaskaar

Ladies and Gentlemen, I welcome you all. 

Today India is celebrating its 76th Republic Day.  We are proud of the working of the Constitution adopted this day in 1950. As per the Indian ethos, democracy comprises the values of freedom, acceptability, equality, and inclusivity in society and allows its common citizens to lead a quality and dignified life. The successful conduct of periodic elections and the steady growth of voter turnout in each of these elections showcase confidence in the system. 

Despite India being one of the most diverse countries of the world with a multi-cultural, multi-ethnical, multi-linguistic and multi-religious society; the unity in diversity is the spirit of India.  Indian Constitution guarantees its citizens justice, liberty and equality. 

Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen,

India has been making rapid progress and is one of the fastest-growing and emerging economies. Today with more than USD 3.89 Trillion GDP, her economy is the fifth largest in the world. Education, health and economy have been the consistent priorities of the successive governments in India that have resulted in all-round improvement of the standard of living of Indian citizens. 

Today, we run one of the world’s largest health insurance schemes, made education a fundamental right, continue with the biggest welfare initiative in providing food grains to a significant percentage of Indian citizens, increased the paying capacity of the people, provided equal opportunities to all, drawn up schemes to uplift the vulnerable and on gender equality, passed legislation providing 33% reservation for women in parliament, to name a few. 

India successfully launched the Gaganyaan Mission, its first human spaceflight program, marking a historic milestone in space exploration and showcasing India’s indigenous technological capabilities. This achievement positioned India as the fourth country to master space docking technology.

India, being a founding member of the United Nations, strongly supports the purposes and principles of the UN and has made significant contributions in implementing the goals of the Charter, and the evolution of the UN's specialised programmes and agencies. It is also a member of most of the international organisations. India is also one of the largest contributors to the UN Peacekeeping Missions around the world. 

Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen,

India has been the frontrunner to foster South-South cooperation.  Being a developing country itself, India has always been conscious of our friends around the world, particularly in the Global South. India’s approach to development is mainly human-centric and is marked by mutual respect. For India, the most fundamental principle in cooperation is respecting development partners and being guided by their priorities. 

The Indian model of developmental cooperation is comprehensive and involves multiple instruments. including grant-in-aid, line of credit, capacity building and technical assistance. Depending on the priorities of partner countries, the cooperation ranges from commerce to culture, energy to engineering, health to housing, IT to infrastructure, sports to science, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance to restoration and preservation of cultural and heritage assets. We have shared our technical and technological expertise, and believe in growing together.

India has become a significant development partner through Lines of Credit and Grants-in-Aid to the global south, which today stands at USD 39 billion, that includes more than USD 12 billion to Africa.  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, India not only produced in large quantities international vaccines, but also invented its own, and distributed them under the scheme “Vaccine Friendship” to the Global South.  Today India is one of the largest pharma producers and has come to be known as the ‘pharmacy to the world’.

The medical tourism sector of India is growing manifolds. On average more than 2 million foreigners go to India every year for medical treatment as India provides medical and health care of international standards at low costs with the state of art medical facilities. I am happy to share that our Embassy issues medical visas on priority and more and more Congolese nationals have been visiting India for medical treatment and returning with entire satisfaction.

Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen,

India and the Republic of Congo enjoy warm and friendly relations dating back to the pre-independence era of Congo. India opened its resident diplomatic Mission here in November 2019.  Before that, India was, however, ably represented by our Honourary Consul General Mr. Daswani who has been a resident of this country for 44+ years.  

Honouring his dedicated service to the nation, the Congolese Government decorated him with the “Chevalier de devouement congolais” in 1987 and “Chevalier de merit congolais” in 1991.   He has also been decorated with the “Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award” by the Government of India in 2023. This award is the top most honour for an Indian living abroad.  Thank You Mr. Daswani, for your yeoman service for both nations.

Top Congolese dignitaries have been regular visitors to India.  The President of the Republic of Congo His Excellency Mr Denis Sassou-N'guesso visited India twice. Indian Foreign Ministers have also visited Congo thrice in the recent past.  

India, through its Vice Minister, represented the Indian President at the First International Conference on Afforestation and Reforestation, held in July 2024, showing India’s commitment to global environmental sustainability and reforestation initiatives. Earlier in October 2023, India was also represented by its Foreign Minister at the 2nd Three Basin Summit. India vociferously raises environmental and climate change issues on every international platform 

Showcasing India’s dedication to infrastructure development in the Republic of Congo, a 600 TPD Cement Plant is being constructed at Dolisie with an Indian Line of Credit worth $55 million.   India has been providing full scholarships to the Congolese nationals to study in India.   Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation program, India is also training Congolese nationals through short-term courses as capacity-building measures sharing the best practices, skills and knowledge.

The current bilateral trade between India and Congo stood at USD 282.59 million.  However, there is ample scope to enhance it. Importing Indian goods, which are quality-wise better and still cheaper, could help Congo boost its economy and help its masses with consumer goods at affordable prices.  Congo, in return, may increase its export of agricultural produce, hydrocarbon and minerals which are its core strength.

I take this opportunity to thank the Honourable Mayor of Brazzaville for naming a street as ‘Mahatma Gandhi Marg’ and also agreeing to place a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the roundabout there. This shows the respect for Mahatma Gandhi who was an apostle of peace and has been revered worldwide for spreading the message of non-violence. 

I also take this opportunity to THANK the leadership of Congo for leading from the front, making extensive efforts, raising the right voices and garnering support for environmental causes through his advocacy to save Mother Earth. 

Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Approximately 1000 Indians are living in Congo peacefully.  They are engaged mainly in the trade.  They are not only helping to strengthen the Congolese economy but also providing direct jobs and generating employment for fellow Congolese.  Indians here are also known for their philanthropy and have been helping the authorities in crises through cash and in-kind assistance – be it during the COVID-19 pandemic or during other natural calamities.  

Thank You dear fellow Indians, I am proud of you.  You are the face of India abroad and hence, expected to portray India in the best possible manner through your actions and deeds. I, being India’s representative here, urge you to always respect the laws of the land you currently living in and make efforts for the betterment of the bilateral relations with this beautiful nation.

Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen,

We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Congolese friends in our joint journey towards development and I convey the commitment of the Government of India in further strengthening our ties.  I am deeply grateful for your presence Excellency.  Your presence adds significance to this occasion and reflects the growing ties between India and the Republic of Congo.

Thank you ALL for joining us in this celebration today. I am also thankful to all the sponsors who wholeheartedly supported this event and my colleagues and the volunteers who have worked hard in organising this event wonderfully well.

I wish you all an enjoyable evening. 
Long Live the India-Congo friendship!  
Jai Hind Jai Bharat

 ***

REPUBLIC DAY RECEPTION 2025

• Chief Guest H.E. Mr. Charles Richard Mondjo, the Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Congo

• My colleagues from the Diplomatic Corps and the Int’l organisations

• Hon’ble guests

• My fellow Indians  

Mbote/ Bonsoir/ Good Evening / Namaskaar

Ladies and Gentlemen, I welcome you all.

Today India is celebrating its 76th Republic Day.  We are proud of the working of the Constitution adopted this day in 1950. As per the Indian ethos, democracy comprises the values of freedom, acceptability, equality, and inclusivity in society and allows its common citizens to lead a quality and dignified life. The successful conduct of periodic elections and the steady growth of voter turnout in each of these elections showcase confidence in the system. 

Despite India being one of the most diverse countries of the world with a multi-cultural, multi-ethnical, multi-linguistic and multi-religious society; the unity in diversity is the spirit of India.  Indian Constitution guarantees its citizens justice, liberty and equality. 

Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen,

India has been making rapid progress and is one of the fastest-growing and emerging economies. Today with more than USD 3.89 Trillion GDP, her economy is the fifth largest in the world. Education, health and economy have been the consistent priorities of the successive governments in India that have resulted in all-round improvement of the standard of living of Indian citizens. 

Today, we run one of the world’s largest health insurance schemes, made education a fundamental right, continue with the biggest welfare initiative in providing food grains to a significant percentage of Indian citizens, increased the paying capacity of the people, provided equal opportunities to all, drawn up schemes to uplift the vulnerable and on gender equality, passed legislation providing 33% reservation for women in parliament, to name a few. 

India successfully launched the Gaganyaan Mission, its first human spaceflight program, marking a historic milestone in space exploration and showcasing India’s indigenous technological capabilities. This achievement positioned India as the fourth country to master space docking technology.

India, being a founding member of the United Nations, strongly supports the purposes and principles of the UN and has made significant contributions in implementing the goals of the Charter, and the evolution of the UN's specialised programmes and agencies. It is also a member of most of the international organisations. India is also one of the largest contributors to the UN Peacekeeping Missions around the world. 

Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen,

India has been the frontrunner to foster South-South cooperation.  Being a developing country itself, India has always been conscious of our friends around the world, particularly in the Global South. India’s approach to development is mainly human-centric and is marked by mutual respect. For India, the most fundamental principle in cooperation is respecting development partners and being guided by their priorities. 

The Indian model of developmental cooperation is comprehensive and involves multiple instruments. including grant-in-aid, line of credit, capacity building and technical assistance. Depending on the priorities of partner countries, the cooperation ranges from commerce to culture, energy to engineering, health to housing, IT to infrastructure, sports to science, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance to restoration and preservation of cultural and heritage assets. We have shared our technical and technological expertise, and believe in growing together.

India has become a significant development partner through Lines of Credit and Grants-in-Aid to the global south, which today stands at USD 39 billion, that includes more than USD 12 billion to Africa.  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, India not only produced in large quantities international vaccines, but also invented its own, and distributed them under the scheme “Vaccine Friendship” to the Global South.  Today India is one of the largest pharma producers and has come to be known as the ‘pharmacy to the world’.  

The medical tourism sector of India is growing manifolds. On average more than 2 million foreigners go to India every year for medical treatment as India provides medical and health care of international standards at low costs with the state of art medical facilities. I am happy to share that our Embassy issues medical visas on priority and more and more Congolese nationals have been visiting India for medical treatment and returning with entire satisfaction.

Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen,

India and the Republic of Congo enjoy warm and friendly relations dating back to the pre-independence era of Congo. India opened its resident diplomatic Mission here in November 2019.  Before that, India was, however, ably represented by our Honourary Consul General Mr. Daswani who has been a resident of this country for 44+ years.  

Honouring his dedicated service to the nation, the Congolese Government decorated him with the “Chevalier de devouement congolais” in 1987 and “Chevalier de merit congolais” in 1991.   He has also been decorated with the “Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award” by the Government of India in 2023. This award is the top most honour for an Indian living abroad.  Thank You Mr. Daswani, for your yeoman service for both nations.

Top Congolese dignitaries have been regular visitors to India.  The President of the Republic of Congo His Excellency Mr Denis Sassou-N'guesso visited India twice. Indian Foreign Ministers have also visited Congo thrice in the recent past.  

India, through its Vice Minister, represented the Indian President at the First International Conference on Afforestation and Reforestation, held in July 2024, showing India’s commitment to global environmental sustainability and reforestation initiatives. Earlier in October 2023, India was also represented by its Foreign Minister at the 2nd Three Basin Summit. India vociferously raises environmental and climate change issues on every international platform 

Showcasing India’s dedication to infrastructure development in the Republic of Congo, a 600 TPD Cement Plant is being constructed at Dolisie with an Indian Line of Credit worth $55 million.   India has been providing full scholarships to the Congolese nationals to study in India.   Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation program, India is also training Congolese nationals through short-term courses as capacity-building measures sharing the best practices, skills and knowledge.

The current bilateral trade between India and Congo stood at USD 282.59 million.  However, there is ample scope to enhance it. Importing Indian goods, which are quality-wise better and still cheaper, could help Congo boost its economy and help its masses with consumer goods at affordable prices.  Congo, in return, may increase its export of agricultural produce, hydrocarbon and minerals which are its core strength.

I take this opportunity to thank the Honourable Mayor of Brazzaville for naming a street as ‘Mahatma Gandhi Marg’ and also agreeing to place a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the roundabout there. This shows the respect for Mahatma Gandhi who was an apostle of peace and has been revered worldwide for spreading the message of non-violence. 

I also take this opportunity to THANK the leadership of Congo for leading from the front, making extensive efforts, raising the right voices and garnering support for environmental causes through his advocacy to save Mother Earth. 

Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Approximately 1000 Indians are living in Congo peacefully.  They are engaged mainly in the trade.  They are not only helping to strengthen the Congolese economy but also providing direct jobs and generating employment for fellow Congolese.  Indians here are also known for their philanthropy and have been helping the authorities in crises through cash and in-kind assistance – be it during the COVID-19 pandemic or during other natural calamities.  

Thank You dear fellow Indians, I am proud of you.  You are the face of India abroad and hence, expected to portray India in the best possible manner through your actions and deeds. I, being India’s representative here, urge you to always respect the laws of the land you currently living in and make efforts for the betterment of the bilateral relations with this beautiful nation.

Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen,

We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Congolese friends in our joint journey towards development and I convey the commitment of the Government of India in further strengthening our ties. 

Thank you ALL for joining us in this celebration today. I am also thankful to all the sponsors who wholeheartedly supported this event and my colleagues and the volunteers who have worked hard in organising this event wonderfully well.

I wish you all an enjoyable evening.
Long Live the India-Congo friendship!
Jai Hind Jai Bharat

***