Thaindian News

By Praful Kumar Singh

Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Sep 13 (ANI): Visiting Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil today asked People of Indian Origin (PIO) and Non Resident Indians (NRIs) to project correct image of India.

President Patil arrived today on a six-day state visit to Cambodia from September 13 to 18 with the objective of strengthening enduring partnerships with countries of the ASEAN region as part of India’s Look-East policy.

The Indian President is visiting Cambodia at the invitation of the King of Cambodia, Norodom Sihamoni.

Speaking at the Indian Community reception here, she said: “Overseas Indians comprising People of Indian Origin and Non Resident Indians today are amongst the best educated and successful communities in the world. India has the second largest Diaspora, estimated at over 25 million, present in every major region of the world.”

President Patil asked the overseas Indian community to carry forward the legacy of the values of Indian civilisation, upheld so magnificently by Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi.

“The onus is now on all of you to ensure that a correct image of India is portrayed among your colleagues, neighbours and others with whom you interact. You must also carry forward the efforts of our ancestors in establishing extremely friendly ties thousands of years ago with Cambodia,” she said.

“Always remember that your deeds in this country not only reflect your individual personality but in some way make Cambodians aware of the capabilities of India and also the Indian way of life,” President Patil added.

India has “warm and cordial relations” with Cambodia, one of the important countries in the ASEAN region, which has supported New Delhi’s bid for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

Apart from visiting Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, President Patil would be travelling with the delegation to Siem Reap where the world famous temples of Angkor Vat are located.

India and Cambodia enjoy a long standing and shared historical affinity and close cultural ties. Cambodia is an important partner of India among the ASEAN countries.

President Patil’s visit to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap will provide an opportunity for reaffirming and strengthening multifaceted bilateral ties, including commercial and investment relations.

Cambodia is also currently the coordinator on the ASEAN side for India-ASEAN relations. (ANI)