India India Celebrates its 60th Anniversary of Independence Day The following article was contributed by N. Parthasarathi, ambassador of India, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of India Independence Day on Aug. 15 ...Ed. Today, on 15th August, India celebrates its 60th Independence Day. For us it is not only a day of jubilation but is also a day to reflect on our achievements during the past six decades and to learn from our experience to work for a happy future for all our citizens. It is a happy coincidence that, on the same day, people of the Republic of Korea also celebrate their Liberation Day. We are happy to share this joyous occasion with the Government and the people of the Republic of Korea. Although India and Korea are geographically distant, there have been historic and cultural contacts between our two peoples dating back to ancient times. Over the centuries significant exchanges especially in arts, architecture, technology, costume and musical skills have taken place through the 'Silk Road'. The enduring philosophy of Buddhism which has influenced the lives and thoughts of our peoples has also provided a strong link between our two countries. During the last century, resistance movements against the colonial rule in both countries revived our contacts. The First March Movement of 1919 in Korea, Swadeshi Concept of Mahatma Gandhi and inspirational support extended to people of Korea by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore added considerably to strengthen our bonds. Three years ago, India and Korea celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic ties. President Roh Moo-hyun's State Visit to India in October 2004 proved to be a milestone in expanding our relations. Following the State Visit of our President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to the Republic of Korea in February 2006, India-Korea relations have entered into a new vibrant phase. During the two presidential visits, a number of new initiatives were taken to further expand and consolidate our bilateral cooperation, which today encompasses several fields. India-Korean bilateral trade has more than tripled over the last ten years to US$6.7 billion in 2005 and a Joint Task Force is continuing their negotiations to conclude a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and Korea. This agreement will go beyond a Free Trade Agreement and we are hopeful to conclude these negotiations by 2007. Today, India projects a vibrant economy as its growth is on an ascending trajectory. The current economic growth is around 8 percent and we hope to achieve a 9-10 percent sustainable growth in the coming years. The new resurgent India can be seen through the youth of India. They are bubbling with the cando spirit and they are making India a land of unlimited opportunities. Similarly Republic of Korea has emerged as an important economic force in this globalize world. Our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had the foresight to prophesize "emergence of Asia in world affairs will be a powerful influence for the world peace". The reality of Asia's significance in today's global economy reveals that the balance is decisively shifting to Asia, as half the growth in world output now comes from Asia. As Asia has changed in the last decade, India too has changed. We pay tribute to the success of countries such as Republic of Korea whose achievements have shaped India's thinking. Our country's "Look East Policy" launched in 1992 marked a strategic shift in India's vision of the world and India's place in the evolving global economy. It was about reaching out to our civilizational neighbours in the region as we understand, India's destiny is interlinked with these countries. India's participation, last year, in the East Asia Summit held in Kuala Lumpur is a vindication of our look East Policy. A prosperous and stable East Asia is vital for the long-term prosperity in Asia and the world. Based on our shared desire to develop closer and more extensive cooperation, both our countries established a "Long-term Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity". India has always stood for resolution of conflicts through dialogues. India would continue to extend her unstinted support and cooperation to the Republic of Korea for a peaceful resolution of the North Korea issue. We appreciate the positive contribution of South Korea in taking forward the Six- Party Talks and particularly their current efforts for resumption of the next round of these talks. We hope the process would culminate in bringing long lasting peace to the region and increase the prosperity of people of the Peninsula. India is no more a new destination for Korean businessmen. They have established an irreversible and enviable presence in the Indian market. Their acumen and foresight in investing early in India has brought rich dividends for both our countries. Samsung, LG, Hyundai are all household names in India and their products are known to offer 'Good value for money'. The Korean steel giant POSCO is implementing a huge US$ 12 Billion integrated steel project in the State of Orissa in India. There are a large number of areas where Korea and India can work together. Korea has the cutting edge technology and huge foreign exchange reserves and India has large human resources, a stable and conducive environment to invest. India also provides a large market and serves as a hub to reach out to markets in neighbouring countries and in the Middle East. There is a large untapped potential for investment and trading in automobile, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, shipping, construction and various other sectors. I am confident that the momentum that has been generated in recent years would grow stronger and stronger to make our relations more comprehensive and intensive in future Let me take this opportunity to wish all Indians in Korea a happy Independence Day.