The Philippines and India have a history of a mutually enriching engagement that spans several centuries as fellow democratic partners with dynamic economies.
The grand ballroom of the Shangri-la Fort was filled with VIP guests who enjoyed a festive celebration. | photographs by marbee shing-go for the daily tribune
India Ambassador Shambhu Kumaran, Berg Go of Grit Motors Baguio, National Scientist Dr. Emil Javier of UP and Thailand Ambassador Tull Traisorat.
Former Philippine Ambassador to Russia Victor Garcia and wife Connie, DoTr Sec. Jaime Bautista and former Parañaque Mayor Jun Bernabe.
India Ambassador Shambhu Kumaran and wife, Mme. Amrita Singh Kumaran with Baguio Congressman Mark Go and Congressional Committee on Higher and Technical Education's Charis Go.
India Ambassador Shambhu Kumaran with guests of honor House Speaker Martin Romualdez and First Lady Liza Marcos. | photograph courtesy of the embassy of india in the philippines
Former Philippine Ambassador to India Ramon Bagatsing Jr.
India is banking on the bright minds and skills of its people to break into greater heights in this digitally-enabled world.
"This transformation has been possible due to the infinite talent and indefatigable energy of India's people especially its youth," Ambassador Shambhu Kumaran said during India's 75th Independence Day celebration on 15 August at Taguig City.
India's emergence as the world's largest democracy, its fastest growing major economy and its lead role in global affairs can be attributed to three Ds: Democracy, demography and demand.
"It is thus a day of joy of celebration, and also a day of hope and aspiration for a better future," the Indian envoy added.
The Philippines and India have a history of mutually enriching engagement that spans several centuries as fellow democratic partners with dynamic economies.
"From close political dialogue, to growing trade and investment ties, to deep development and partnership, cutting across vital sectors such as health, agriculture, finance and infrastructure, to dynamic engagement in defense and security and to the vibrancy of our cultural interactions, India and the Philippines have never been as close together as we are today," he said.
Kumaran added India is more than ready to work with the Marcos administration towards a "developmental partnership that meets the aspirations of young and vibrant populations, and one that safeguards our respective nations' security interests in the Indo Pacific region."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos further pledged to grow and enhance India and the Philippines' relations.
