NEW YORK CITY, NY (TIP): As a part of the celebrations for the 70th anniversary of Independence Day of India and India@70 series, Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty, rang the opening bell at NASDAQ on Tuesday, August 16, 2017.

Speaking on the occasion, Consul General said, “Ours is an old civilization but a young country. India, a nation of 1.3 billion people, with 65 per cent under the age of 35 years, has emerged as the fastest growing major economy in the world. Our GDP growth rate this year is expected to be more than 7%. India is a bright spot of growth and stability in the global economy and is expected to remain so in the long run.

On almost every index of economic performance – competitiveness, innovation, ease of doing business, logistics, attractiveness as an investment destination, consumer confidence and business optimism – India’s ranking is constantly improving. India’s progress will not only ensure the wellbeing of one-sixth of humanity, it will also provide a new engine of global prosperity and an anchor of its stability.

About the Indo-US relations, he said,” The India-US relationship is a strong partnership that touches almost all areas of human endeavor. We consider the USA an important partner in our flagship programs such as Make in India, Digital India and Start Up India for bringing about inclusive social and economic changes in India. I also believe that amongst all the determinants of this incredible relationship, the most important are the financial sector tie ups which is the engine of growth and prosperity in both countries. In this the role of Nasdaq is critical.

Since the first Indian company was listed at Nasdaq in 1999, the number has gone up steadily and Indian companies have generated value by their association with Nasdaq.

Consul General thanked NASDAQ for continuing with the eight-year old tradition of celebrating India’s Independence with the ringing of the bell.

Prominent members of the business and Indian community and media were present at the ceremony.

This year marks the 8th year in the row that bell ringing ceremony was held at Nasdaq to commemorate India’s Independence Day.