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The relationship between India and the United States has been steadily growing over the years, and both countries have been working towards building a strong and harmonious global community. In a recent reception held at India House, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed her hopes for the future of the relationship between the two nations.
“We are together and building strong foundations for a strong, peaceful and harmonious global community,” Sitharaman said. “I wish this relationship between the United States of America and India grows from strength to strength, and all of us will surely contribute towards it.”
The reception was attended by several notable figures, including United States Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Indian Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs in the National Security Council, Kurt Campbell.
In her speech, Sitharaman highlighted the diversity of India and the celebrations of various festivals to mark the new day of the year. She also spoke about Bhimrao Ambedkar, who worked for India and wrote the constitution along with experts, despite coming from an oppressed Dalit community.
The Finance Minister also spoke about the important contributions of the Indian diaspora, who have integrated themselves into the US while still recalling their place of origin. “Even in India, differences are there between different regions, different people, and different languages,” she said. “When we talk about digital achievements of India, the achievements are pure because the platforms have languages which are at least 15 as recognized by the constitution of India.”
Sitharaman’s visit to the US also included her participation in ‘India’s Digital Public Infrastructure – Stacking Up the Benefits’, which is organised by IMF on how public and private sectors can work together on DPI in Washington. During a panel discussion at a World Bank-organised event on ‘Making it Personal: How Behavioral Change Can Tackle Climate Change’, the Finance Minister spoke about the impact of climate change on everyday life.
“Climate is now hitting us from various different angles, hitting us in everyday life,” Sitharaman said.
The Finance Minister also participated in the Development Committee Meeting during the World Bank-IMF’s Spring Meeting and a panel discussion on ‘Empowering Women as Entrepreneurs and Leaders’. She hosted the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG).
India and the United States have been making strides towards building a strong and peaceful global community, and with the continued efforts of both nations, the relationship is expected to grow stronger in the future.
The Importance of the Relationship Between India and the United States
The relationship between India and the United States is one that has been growing stronger over the years. Both nations have been working towards building a strong and harmonious global community. This relationship is important for several reasons.
Firstly, India and the United States share a common interest in maintaining global peace and security. Both nations are committed to promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Additionally, they share common values such as respect for diversity and individual freedom.
Secondly, the relationship between India and the United States is important for economic reasons. The two nations have a strong trade relationship, with the United States being one of India’s top trading partners. In 2019, the United States exported goods worth $35.5 billion to India, and imported goods worth $54.3 billion from India.
Thirdly, India and the United States have been working together on several important global issues such as climate change, terrorism, and regional security. The two nations have been cooperating on issues related to energy, technology, and space exploration.
India’s Diversity and Celebrations
India is known for its diverse culture and rich heritage, and the celebration of various festivals is a reflection of this. The country is home to people belonging to different religions, castes, and ethnicities, and each community has its unique customs and traditions.
The Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, highlighted the significance of this diversity during the reception at India House, saying, “India houses all of these people. And we’ve always had this diversity. It’s a country which loves celebrations, celebrating and recognizing its diversity.”
India is a land of festivals, and every month has something to celebrate. Some of the major festivals celebrated across the country include Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, and Dussehra. These festivals bring people together, promoting harmony and a sense of togetherness.
Furthermore, the Finance Minister emphasized that India’s achievements in the digital space are also a reflection of its diversity. She noted that most of the platforms are now available in regional languages recognized by the Indian Constitution, which is a major boost for the non-English speaking population.
Bhimrao Ambedkar’s Contribution
Nirmala Sitharaman also talked about the contribution of Bhimrao Ambedkar, a prominent figure in the Indian Independence movement and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution.
She said that Ambedkar came from an oppressed Dalit community but still became a significant figure in the new India in the making. He was instrumental in writing the Indian Constitution, along with other experts.
The Finance Minister’s remarks on Ambedkar’s contribution highlight the fact that India is a country that values every individual and their potential. It is a country that acknowledges the contributions of every community, irrespective of their social status.
India’s Digital Public Infrastructure
Sitharaman also participated in ‘India’s Digital Public Infrastructure – Stacking Up the Benefits’ organized by the IMF on how public and private sectors can work together on DPI in Washington.
During the event, she talked about the importance of the digital infrastructure in today’s world and how it can benefit the public at large. She emphasized that the digital infrastructure has become a vital tool for promoting financial inclusion, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.
She also noted that the Indian government has launched various initiatives to make the digital infrastructure more accessible to the people, including the Digital India program, which aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society.
Climate Change and its Impact
Nirmala Sitharaman also talked about the impact of climate change during a panel discussion at a World Bank-organized event on ‘Making it Personal: How Behavioral Change Can Tackle Climate Change’.
She noted that climate change is hitting us in our everyday lives and affecting us from different angles. She called for collective action to tackle climate change, saying that everyone has a role to play in reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, India and the United States share a deep and longstanding relationship that is built on a foundation of shared values, mutual respect, and trust. The recent visit of the Indian Finance Minister to the US has further strengthened this relationship, with both countries working towards building a strong, peaceful, and harmonious global community.
The Finance Minister’s remarks at the reception and the events she participated in highlight the diversity and richness of India’s culture and the country’s commitment to promoting economic growth, financial inclusion, and environmental sustainability. It is evident that India is a country that values diversity, celebrates its differences, and recognizes the potential of every individual.