Ambassador Shri Harsh K. Jain of the Embassy of India to the Philippines, welcomed guests to a reception celebrating the 76th Republic Day of India and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines.
Held Jan. 27 at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La The Fort in BGC, the event highlighted India's democratic journey. Ambassador Jain noted that on Jan. 26, 1949, 75 years ago, India's Constitution came into effect, officially establishing the country as a sovereign, independent, democratic republic—the world’s largest democracy.
In his remarks, Ambassador Jain reflected on India's remarkable growth over the past 75 years, describing it as one of the fastest-growing major economies and a leading voice in global affairs. He highlighted the country’s advancements across key sectors, including infrastructure, information technology and IT-enabled services, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, digital public infrastructure, innovation and startups, defense, and space technology.
“We are confident that driven by the immense talent, bright minds and skilled people, India will continue to make swift progress to achieve our goal of becoming Vikshit Bharat, that is a developed India, by the time we celebrate the centenary of our independence in 2047,” said Ambassador Jain.
Coinciding with the celebration was a significant milestone in bilateral relations between the Philippines and India, marking the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. The connection between the peoples of India and the Philippines dates back centuries.
Ambassador Jain highlighted several historical linkages, including numerous Tagalog words with Sanskrit roots, the Laguna Copperplate Inscription—the oldest artifact discovered in the Philippines, written in Kavi script derived from Pallava— the golden statue of Agusan Tara, and the local adaptation of the Indian epic “Ramayana,” known as “Maharadia Lawana.”
The growing cooperation in defense and security, trade, investments, infrastructure, culture, agriculture, development, education, and tourism reflects the deepening ties and trust that continue to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
“The last few years have seen a particularly significant growth in our ties. President Marcos and Prime Minister Modi have set the direction for this upswing in the relations. Our bilateral trade has surpassed $3.5 billion mark last year. Investments in both directions are steadily growing. Our collaboration in the IT BPM sector has become a successful example of mutually beneficial collaboration. Philippines has become the first country to receive India’s BrahMos Shore based anti-ship missiles,” conveyed the ambassador.
He noted in his remarks at the ceremony “This important anniversary is both a celebration of what we have achieved and a reminder of what lies ahead. Our friendship is truly an enduring one that is now poised to move to a higher orbit.”
