We have the privilege tonight to welcome the High Commissioner of India, H. E. Mr. Tanmaya Lal and Mrs. Sumita Lal. Excellency, welcome to Mauritius and thank you for spending this evening with us. Your presence among us is proof of the good relationship we have with your mission since years, a relationship which has a history, a present and a future.
When talking of the land of the great grandfathers of 70% of the Mauritian population, one is baffled with ideas that one does not know where to start. Let us just say that India, home to 1.3 billion people, or 17% of humanity, destined to be the world’s most populous nation by 2040, is the home to the world’s largest democracy, a land of all possibilities, a land of economic dynamism, a land of cultural vibrancy and a land of social mobility.
The social ascendency is palpable on the trip from the airport of Bombay to downtown………… the number of high rises and the cleanliness of the city. The cultural activity is best explained by the film industry that produces the largest number of films in the world and keeps millions glued to the entertainment of Bollywood. Some productions also make their way to the prestigious la Croisette, not next door, but in Cannes.
India is also home to some famous families who have formed some of the largest multinationals ……… the Tatas, the Ambanis, the Premjis, who are creating jobs in Europe and of course Mittal, the world number one manufacturer of Steel.
Mauritius must feel lucky to have a friend like India. We are a country without much natural resources and we have survived and progressed thanks to the support of India and of European countries, some of whom had colonized us and since a few years, by the generosity of China whose Ambassador has joined us to welcome you.
England and France have been some of our all-weather allies. Though being net sugar exporters, they have bought our sugar at guaranteed prices; they admitted our textile products on preferential tariffs to help us compete with the Asian low salary countries. The European support helped us leave our projected status of an overcrowded barracoon and join the club of NICs. Our next goal is to join the superior economy club.
The ties between our two countries are so multiple, deep and enduring that frankly they require no elaboration or rehearsal this evening. Sceptics sometimes suggest that democracy is impossible to create or to maintain in a country of the size of India because democracy is an inclusive system that promotes pluralism, secularism and respect for all citizens of a country. We had been receiving conflicting reports that there was an effort by anti-democratic forces to highjack the last election to deface India which prompted 71 Bollywood actors and writers to appeal to Indians to vote for India. PM Modi got the message and he sent the right signal: he was talking about Sab ka saath, sab ka Vikas and now has added sab ka Vishwa’s in his slogan– that is the trust. And India has proved them wrong again and won the election. It looks like official speeches in India will now start with Namaste, Jai Bhim, Salaam, Satsri Akal, Jai Jinendra, Buddha Namo, AlahAbho and Shalom. That is how you start to sab ka saath, the saath of 1.25 billion Indians in one single sentence.

May we look forward to the contribution of India in our next drive. Here, we have in mind of Mauritius being made regional offices of the Indian multi-nationals and their investments and to establish ties between our nascent industries with that of your giants. And since we are on the subject of bilateral cooperation, I would like to add one personal note, which I think should be permissible between friends. India could have followed the European example and allowed us to enjoy the advantages of the DDAA as it was and assured the vibrancy of our financial services.
We would like to wish you a happy and fruitful stay among us. With your rich track record as a seasoned Diplomat, we are sure that our relationship will only grow stronger. Whether it rains or shines, let us live our passion and commitment for an ever-friendly relationship. Long live India-Mauritius friendship.