In extending my warmest best wishes to India, on its 74th Independence Day there is much to reflect upon. This year’s celebrations take place against the backdrop of a pandemic which has dominated the global agenda. As the entire world adapts to living with Covid, every country is facing the same challenges of managing public health, and the economy, simultaneously. It is apparent that shutting down activity is proving much easier than re-opening. Whilst the mood of the nation might be more sombre and cautious, it also provides a moment to reflect upon the meaning of self-determination in an interdependent world.
India has risen to the current challenges through the resilience and sacrifice of its people - the very traits which secured its freedom as an independent nation. That same resolve will be crucial as India emerges into the next phase of recovery and revival.
There is a growing global consensus that we should use the Covid crisis as an opportunity to “build back better” and not revert to the status quo ante. India is well positioned to benefit from accelerating trends and the changing world order. Supply chains are already being diversified and India stands to become a major beneficiary, especially if it can speed-up domestic reforms. It is welcome to hear Prime Minister Modi explain his vision for Atma Nirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India, as expansive and not inwardly focussed. To quote him directly, it is: “not about being self-contained or being closed to the world. It is about being self-sustaining and self-generating”.
Indian talent is also shining through. Whether in healthcare or technology, the contribution of Indian-origin doctors, pharmaceutical companies or IT professionals are increasingly visible across the world. The Global Indian Diaspora has also remained connected and concerned throughout the present situation, and organisations like the British Asian Trust, where I am privileged to serve as a Trustee, has raised in excess of £1 million to help the most vulnerable in society through its emergency Covid Appeal.
The adversity of the pandemic has also brought UK and India closer together, whether through repatriation flights for our respective citizens or the manufacturing of vaccines. Looking forward, this same spirit of collaboration is important in harnessing the full potential of the special relationship between our two countries. The scope of this partnership now spans everything from the soil to space and will be an important priority for the UK as it leaves the European Union and reimagines it’s global engagement.
So on 15 August, as the Indian tricolour flies high, we stand in solidarity with the hopes and aspirations of 1.3 billion people - one of the most diverse countries in the world with a multiplicity of regional languages, cultures, religions and traditions - but all united in their pursuit of a healthier, peaceful and prosperous future, and committed to acting as a positive role model amongst the family of nations. Now more than ever, India needs the world and the world needs India.