On 26^th January, India celebrated its 70^th Republic Day. Behind these successful years of vibrant constitutionalism comes a civilisation that endured unparalleled religious, linguistic, cultural and ethnic diversities for centuries. With its 29 states, 7 union territories, 22 different languages, several major and indigenous religious faiths, exclusive demographic dividend, India is the largest democracy and one of the biggest and fastest growing economies in the world. 
In fact, these virtues have enabled India emerge as a responsible and trusted player in managing domestic as well as global affairs. Leading world powers are vying to partner with India on several fronts. 
For example, the U.S. recognises India as a major defence trade and technology partner commensurate with its closest allies and partners. The U.S. puts special emphasis on strengthening diplomatic, economic and security ties with India for developing a long term vision and a policy for the Indo-Pacific, as outlined in its Asia Reassurance Initiative Act (ARIA).
Underpinning that India has increasingly occupied an important place in a complex geo-strategic space, the European Union has launched EU-India Strategy last year to boost its strategic partnership with India.
Australia’s manifestation of its deep faith and interest in India reflected through the launch of India Economic Strategy (IES) 2035. It means that by 2035, Australia strives to include India into its top three export markets, the third largest destination in Asia for Australian outward investment, and bring India into the inner circle of Australia’s strategic partnership, among others.  In a recent talk organised by CUTS, Harinder Sidhu, Australia’s High Commissioner to India asserted that India is very important for them as also revealed by the strategic ambition of IES 2035. 
These are not all but notable gestures to showcase the extent to which these 70 years of vibrant and dynamic constitutionalism have helped shape the world view about India and its 1.3 billion people.


                                                                                                                                     Pradeep S. Mehta P.S. The shutdown in the U.S. has had many repercussions because the Congress will not approve huge funding to build a wall on the Mexican border. Fortunately, the shutdown has been lifted for a short period but we pray that it will not be repeated at all.

 

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