India is the world’s rising star. India has secured its place as one of the world’s most remarkable and resilient countries. It is driven by the spirit of its people and the power of its global vision which is why India is shaping today’s world. The UK is excited to be partner of India’s continued development and its dynamism. Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit to the UK last year marked a new era in the UK-India relationship. We are two outward-looking nations shaping a global future; the world’s oldest democracy working hand in hand with the world’s largest democracy. We should continue our work together to seize the wealth of opportunities that our partnership brings and that will deliver a prosperous future for us both. That’s why last week I travelled to India, one of my first visits as the UK’s International Development Secretary, with the message that together through economic development and our people-to-people ties, we will turn Prime Minister Modi’s ambitious vision into reality. On India’s Independence Day, I want to celebrate the achievements of the Indian diaspora community in the UK who are at the cornerstone of helping the Britain and India partnership to flourish. For me, it’s the ties between our people, the invisible glue that bind us together, that makes this relationship so special. And that’s why I will continue to champion the UK’s Indian diaspora and the UK’s relationship with India. Today is a good day to take stock of how far India has come. A bright future awaits and our two great nations must continue to stand shoulder to shoulder, working together to build prosperity, security and stability. I wish all Indians a happy Independence Day.
Rt Hon Priti Patel MP
Secretary of State for International Development
Independent India marches on at an uneven speed in a largely predictable direction. Narendra Modi has brought a new perspective on India’s relations with the world, and continues to work towards it with commendable zeal and determination. India’s relations with Britain remain as warm as ever though it is not yet clear what new direction they might take in the light of Britain’s exit from the European Union. At one level India’s importance should increase and the two countries should come even closer. Modi has also activated the Indian diaspora as a bridge between the two countries. Additionally he has opened the Indian market to huge British investment in infrastructure and public utility as well as in financial services. Some of the restrictions on the British trained professionals practising in India are also being lifted. All in all, I expect the next year to mark India’s continuing progress domestically as well as internationally.
Lord Prof Bhikhu Parekh
I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to all the British Indian families who are celebrating India’s Independence Day this year. Independence Day is a time to celebrate both our roots and also the life that we have here. It is a day we feel proud to be the bridge between two magnificent democracies. It is a day we feel proud to be both British and Indian. British Indians have played a rich and successful role in Britain’s economic, political and cultural landscape. We have seamlessly integrated into British society but also maintained strong elements of our identity and heritage. We have looked to have the best of all worlds. Last year we saw Wembley Stadium rocking as our then Prime Minister David Cameron introduced Prime Minister Modi; it was a proud moment for all of us. Let us be thankful for our shared identities and the rich bonds of history that bind these two great democratic nations together.
Lord Dolar Popat
Today commemorates Indian Independence, one of the most significant days in India's history. The 70th Anniversary this year is a stark reminder of how far we have come since 1947, and of how much we can achieve.As the Chair of the Indo-British All Party Parliamentary Group I am pleased to pass on the best wishes of every member of Parliament to the Indian community along with my own. I wish peace and success will come for everyone celebrating today, and that we will all remember the secular and tolerant messages inshrined at India's rebirth in 1947.The British-Indian relationship continues to go from strength to strength and I am proud of what India and Britain have achieved together and can achieve through common endeavor.
India has proudly taken up the a committed internationalist mantle, fully engaged with multi-lateral organisations and now is a beacon of cooperation. Again my best wishes to everyone celebrating today.
Virendra Sharma MP
As India celebrates the 70th year of independence let us be aware that while much has been achieved much remains to be done. India's democracy has thrown up a good leader and let us support him in whichever we can for him to take India to the too.
Lord Meghnad Desai
I would like to extend my warmest wishes to the people of India and the British Indian community in the United Kingdom on the occasion of India’s Independence Day. I was delighted to visit India last month, my first overseas trip since being appointed as UK Minister for Asia and the Pacific. I saw at first hand the breadth and depth of the UK-India co-operation in business, education, culture, defence and counter-terrorism. At the heart of the burgeoning UK-India relationship are our strong people to people links. The Indian diaspora continue to contribute immensely to our country - in business, public services, culture, media and politics.Following Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UK last year, we are determined to strengthen these links even further.The new British Government is committed to our relationship with India and I am deeply honoured to play my part in fostering ever stronger bonds.
Alok Sharma MP
Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister
I want to send my warmest wishes and congratulations to the people of India on the celebration of their 70th year of Independence. In the coming year I hope to see closer relations between the UK and India. Britain’s decision to leave the European Union provides the opportunity for a new deal between our two countries. India has thrived as a Republic, to become a country whose culture, people and food are truly global.
As someone whose parents were born in India and who has the privilege to repent the largest number of British Indians in any city in Europe my affection and love of India knows no bounds. I am extremely proud of my Indian heritage and will be celebrating with the Indian people.
We in the United Kingdom salute India on this historic occasion.
Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP
Chairman, Home Affairs Select Committee
On 15th August 2016, India celebrates the 70th anniversary of Indian independence. I wish all at Asian Voice and all your readers a wonderful Independence Day. I am proud that together we can reflect on progress since Independence. Across India and in the global diaspora community, the achievements of India are a matter of pride and a beacon of encouragement for other emerging nations.
India is today a global economic power with a strong base in education, science and industry. Developing strong economic ties with neighbours as well as nations across the world is vital for a strong foundation for the future. India has also seen real success as the world's largest democracy; reaching out to engage a diverse nation in a debate about its challenges and its future.
It is exciting to see India focused on programmes for sustained economic growth, and at a time when we look to strengthen our trade and cultural relations between our two nations. We have the chance to develop new ways in which India and the UK can continue to learn from each other and work together to create a stronger world based on the values of peace and prosperity. I look forward to being a part of that journey.
Seema Malhotra MP
Member of Parliament for Feltham and Heston
