Mayank Joshi | India: Seventy-six years of a vibrant republic

India’s Constitution serves as a resilient framework for good governance and societal progress, adapting to the challenges of shifting geopolitics, technological revolutions, and environmental changes. The 76 years have been a period of proud transformation for India.

Today, with a GDP nearing US$4 trillion, India is the fifth-largest global economy, driven by the aspirations of a young, dynamic society with 65 per cent of our population under 35 years old. Our annual exports have exceeded US$800 billion, and we attract over US$4.5 billion in monthly foreign direct investment inflows. Ranked 39th on the Global Innovation Index, resilient India has advanced in ease of doing business, excelling in digital payments, renewable energy, and affordable manufacturing. With over 100 unicorn startups, innovative India has emerged as the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world. Our Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor and space missions such as Mars Orbiter, Chandrayan-3, the Aditya L1 observatory, all underscore rapid strides in innovation and self-reliance.

We have entered into a new era of artificial intelligence, space exploration, electric vehicles, semiconductors, and green hydrogen. Nationwide initiatives of the Shakti master plan for multimodal infrastructure development, Make in India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) are propelling India towards a Make Local Go Global outreach in manufacturing, trade, and technology. The 17 Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreements signed by India with key partner countries aim to address global skill and talent gaps with its skilled workforce.

The vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has India into the Amrit Kaal, a period of transformative growth from 2022 to 2047. The goal is ambitious: to become a US$30 trillion developed economy - a Vikasit Bharat (developed India) -improving per capita income nearly nine-fold.

EMPHASISES PARTNERSHIPS

In today’s interconnected world, India emphasises partnerships rooted in our global philosophy that are anchored in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – one earth, one family, one future for all. Guided by this ancient principle, India has championed global initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and the Global Biofuel Alliance. These efforts underscore our commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and global stability and cement India’s role as a preferred destination for business and collaboration,

Through the Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme, India has extended lines of credit for over 600 projects across 78 countries, spanning railways, agriculture, infrastructure, disaster management, and power transmission. In Jamaica, India is assisting with US$1 million for a UNDP- and FAO-led community project in Kitson Town, benefiting farmers and residents. Additional grants of US$1 million for small and medium enterprises and quick-impact projects are on offer to Jamaica and CARICOM countries.

India has also emerged as “first responder” in humanitarian and disaster relief global efforts. India’s active participation in diverse multilateral platforms, including in the G20, NAM, BRICS, Quad, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the I2U2, highlights its strategic autonomy and commitment to addressing global challenges collaboratively. India also plays a pivotal role in the Global South and has organised three summits of the group of over 125 countries to strengthen their voice on the global stage.

This is the essence of India as a friend to the world, which is enshrined in the core values of the country from time immemorial.

The visit of Prime Minister Andrew Holness to India in September 2024 was historical. It was the first bilateral visit by a Jamaican prime minister. This visit elevated bilateral relations through four memoranda of understanding in sports, cultural exchange, digital public infrastructure, and Unified Payments Interface.. Symbolic gestures, such as naming a street in New Delhi as Jamaica Marg, underscore the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between our nations. The visit has set in motion multiple bilateral engagements in defence, healthcare, education, capacity building through ITEC programmes, and the offer of scoreboards for cricket. India has also recently dispatched 60 tons of emergency medical equipment, generators, and other utilities for Jamaica.

The 2nd India-CARICOM Summit in November 2024 further strengthened India-Jamaica engagement when Prime Minister Modi unveiled seven pillars for boosting partnership under the acronym CARICOM: capacity building, agriculture, renewable energy, innovation, cricket, ocean economy, and medicine. These announcements have provided a road map for India-CARICOM collaboration, addressing critical sectors like technology, agriculture, and healthcare.

REVOLUTIONISED FINANCIAL INCLUSION

India’s Unified Payments Interface could revolutionise financial inclusion and efficiency in Jamaica. India has offered to share expertise in space technology for resource mapping and climate studies. Agricultural innovations, including drones and natural farming, align with Jamaica’s efforts towards sustainable agriculture. Healthcare collaborations, such as drug-testing labs, mobile hospitals like BHISHM, and prosthetic limb camps, would provide solutions that are practical and life-changing. The recognition of Indian pharmacopoeia for affordable medicines may address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and strengthen healthcare in Jamaica.

The setting up of forensic labs, solar projects, and STEM education exchanges is also being explored. Several Indian companies already have an established presence in Latin America in sectors like agriculture, energy, IT, and pharmaceuticals. With right opportunities, they could explore their ventures in Jamaica. Joint cultural initiatives in areas of films, sports, cuisine, and music, as well as the training of women cricketers can deepen the people-to-people linkages and enhance tourism.

On the auspicious occasion of India’s 76th Republic Day, I extend warm greetings to Sir Patrick Allen, the Government and people of Jamaica, the Indian community, and all friends of India in Jamaica. January 26, 1950, marked a landmark moment with the adoption of the Constitution of India — the ‘living document’ that guarantees justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all its citizens. It embodies the principles of democracy, secularism, and pluralism, standing as a testament to India’s strength in “unity in diversity”.

As we celebrate our Republic Day, we reaffirm India’s commitment to deepening ties with Jamaica. Our shared vision for progress, driven by the 5Ts — trade, tourism, technology, talent, and tradition — can create meaningful and lasting partnerships. Working together, we can build a future of prosperity and inclusivity for our peoples.

Mayank Joshi is the high commissioner of India to Jamaica. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and cons.kingston@mea.gov.in