Message from High Commissioner of India

H. E. Santosh Jha

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My dear brothers and sisters from Sri Lanka, Namaskar, Ayubowan, Vanakkam!

On this 79th Independence Day of India, I extend my warm greetings to all of you. Today, a resilient and rising India celebrates its independence not only as a democracy that upholds the aspirations of its people but also as a nation whose rise today is measurable and unstoppable; a nation that is not only lifting millions out of poverty, but also sending Missions to moon.

India is now the world's fourth-largest economy with a GDP exceeding USD 4 trillion, growing at an annual rate of 6.2% (IMF, 2025). This growth is not limited to statistics it reflects rising incomes, expanding opportunities, and the strengthening of economic foundations across the country. India is projected to become the third-largest economy by 2028, overtaking Germany.

What makes this growth particularly significant is its inclusive nature. According to World Bank data, extreme poverty in India has fallen sharply from 27.1% in 2011-12 to just 5.3% in 2022-23. At the same time, inequality has declined. India now ranks as the fourth most equal country globally on the Gini Index, with a score of 25.5, placing it in the "moderately low" inequality category.

These outcomes are the result of bold policy reforms and systemic transformation. Key initiatives like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) have modernised India's economy. Social protection schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and Jan Dhan Yojana have extended health and financial inclusion to millions, ensuring that growth reaches the most vulnerable.