Premier Christy Clark has issued the following statement to celebrate the 68th Republic Day of India:

“Today marks the 68th anniversary of the enactment of the Constitution of India and the founding of the Republic of India – a pivotal moment in history that led not only to independence, but the founding of the world’s largest democracy.

“British Columbia and India have much in common, from shared values of democracy, diversity, and economic development, to a flourishing and increasingly important relationship. India is B.C.’s fifth largest trading partner, the B.C. government is pleased to have been the first foreign government to issue a “Masala” bond in the Indian Rupee (INR) offshore market. Because of our strong cultural and ancestral links, those ties will continue to grow.”

“On behalf of all British Columbians, I extend warm wishes to everyone celebrating India’s Republic Day in India, around the world, and here at home.”