उपराज्यपाल, दिल्ली

• Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar Ji,

• Ambassador of the USA, H.E. Mr. Sergio Gor Ji,

• President &CEO, US IS PF, Dr. Mukesh Aghi Ji,

• Distinguished members of USISPF, leaders from industry, business and diplomacy

“We the People”, is more than, a book. It is an acknowledgement, that enduring international partnerships, are built, not only by governments, and official agreements, but by individuals, whose work quietly shapes, relationships over decades. 

As India’s Ambassador to the United States, during a particularly important period, I had the privilege, of witnessing this transformation, firsthand. Few relationships, in contemporary international affairs, have evolved as rapidly and comprehensively, as the partnership, between India and the United States. 

Today, this relationship extends, well beyond traditional diplomacy. It en compasses, defence cooperation, critical and emerging technologies, clean energy, healthcare, higher education, resilient supply chains, space exploration, innovation, and a dynamic, economic partnership. Together, these reflect, the strategic importance, both countries attach to one another, in an increasingly complex global environment. 

The single greatest strength, of this partnership lies, not in agreements, or joint statements, but in the trust, that has developed, between our societies. Governments create frameworks, but people, give them meaning. Entrepreneurs, researchers, universities, artists, innovators, philan thropists, and diplomats, have all contributed, to building confidence and cooperation, across decades. 

The Indian diaspora, has played a particularly significant role, serving, as one of the strongest bridges, between our democracies. Its contributions across business, science, technology, healthcare, education, public service, and culture, have strengthened, both economic cooperation, and mutual understanding. 

Under the leadership of, Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the partnership has acquired, unprecedented strategic depth. Built upon shared democratic values, mutual trust, and a common commitment, to peace, prosperity, and innovation, it has emerged, as one of the defining partnerships, of the twenty-first century. Both Prime Minister Modi, and President Donald Trump, have consistently underlined, that the true strength of this relationship, lies in the bonds, between our people. 

That is precisely, what makes this publication, so significant. It recognises the individuals, whose contributions, have complemented, the vision of our leaders, and helped transform that vision, into a living partnership. 

As our nations look, towards important milestones—America’s 250th anniversary, and India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat, 2047—the opportunities ahead, are even greater. The next phase, will be shaped by trusted technologies, artificial intelligence, resilient supply chains, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, healthcare innovation, space cooperation, and deeper collaboration, between universities, businesses, research institutions, and young entrepreneurs. 

The title, We the People, carries a profound message. It reminds, us that while governments establish, the architecture of international relations, it is people, who sustain and enrich them, across generations. As Hon’ble Prime Minister Modi, has said, “The collaboration and co-operation, between India and America, can shape, a better world.” That aspiration rests, not only on, the strength of our governments, but equally on, the enduring bonds 

between our societies, and the countless individuals, who  have strengthened, this partnership-many of whom are in the audience today. 

Documenting these stories, is not simply an exercise, in preserving history. It is an investment, in inspiring the next generation, to carry this partnership, forward. 

Thank you                            

Jai Hind