When I arrived this morning I spoke briefly of the close ties between the United Kingdom and India. Tonight I should like to return to this theme and explore it in more depth. I hope you will agree that a relationship spanning nearly four centuries-though only a short period in the long march of India's civilisation-deserves more than a few brief words.
Let me add at once that I do not propose to usurp the task of the historians. Our task as statesmen is to look to the future and make use of the rich legacy which history has given us.
A vital part of that legacy is the tradition of values, ideals and institutions which our two countries share. We do not have to convince ourselves of our basic affinity by reference to vague eternal principles. The evidence is much more tangible than that it is seen in our parliamentary structures, in our legal systems, in our civil services and in numerous other spheres.
You, Indira GandhiPrime Minister, believe as I do that people have a right to be involved in the shaping of events which affect them. India's devotion to democratic processes of change is beyond question. In a country so large and so diverse, this is a remarkable achievement. We in Britain salute it. I hope that the long association between our countries has contributed to fostering these values.
But I recognise that if they have taken root, and found expression in institutions we hold in common, it is because they are in tune with the age-old genius of India, its traditions of tolerance, humanity, and freedom of thought and inquiry—traditions which have contributed to India's past cultural and intellectual wealth, and to its present scientific and technological achievements.
Our lives in Britain have been deeply influenced by our historical links with India. I am not thinking only of effects which India has had on our culture and language (our shared language), strong though that is. I am thinking more of the contribution which hundreds of thousands of Britons of Indian origin are making to every aspect of our society. That contribution makes me the more determined that all our citizens, whatever their background and origin, shall live together in peace and harmony.
I have referred to our cultural links. There is already an impressive exchange in both directions between our two countries. But the festival of India, which will be held in Britain in 1982, will add a new dimension to these links. The exhibitions and displays which are being arranged are sure to give us a deeper awareness of India's heritage and achievements. They will enable our countrymen of Indian origin to renew their cultural traditions. This is a cause for which I hope there will be generous contributions from both our countries. Prime Minister, you have kindly agreed to be joint patron with me of the festival. [end p1]
On the material side, our close ties are given substance by our ever-increasing commercial links. Britain is one of India's top three trading partners. And we are the largest foreign investor in India. We have a fine record in industrial collaboration and are proud of the contribution we have made to India's industrialisation. I believe there is much more we can do in this area. Britain has the requisite expertise to work with you in the planning and implementation of large-scale projects in key sectors of the economy such as coal, steel, power and railways. We are among the world's leaders in telecommunications and electronics. I believe there is also scope for Britain and India to co-operate in ventures in third countries, with each making its distinct contribution.
We live in a world beset by problems of unparalleled magnitude. The security of nations, great and small, is threatened by the wilful use of force with scant regard for international law. These tensions sometimes obscure the fundamental problem of creating a more just and equitable world. We must seek to overcome the glaring disparities between various countries and regions of the world, to make the fruit of material and cultural progress available to all, to eradicate ignorance, disease and poverty.
These are goals to which my country is deeply committed, as I know yours is also. It is natural that we should consult closely together on ways of achieving them. With our membership of the Atlantic Alliance and the European Community, and your leading role in the Non-Aligned movement (whose recent meeting in Delhi was such a success under your chairmanship), we are uniquely placed to promote greater international understanding. I hope that we can continue to work together in the international institutions of which we are both members, and particularly in the Commonwealth, to which India has made such a great contribution.
Prime Minister, India and Britain have travelled a long road together. Our relationship has been a constantly changing one, but it has always been based on true friendship and mutual respect for one another's qualities. If I have a message tonight, it is that Britain and India matter to each other. If we have differences, we must work to overcome them, to understand. But the important thing is to work together.
Your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I give you the toast-to the Prime Minister of India, may she continue in good health, to the great people of India, may their wishes for progress and prosperity be fulfilled, and to Indo-British friendship, long may it flourish.