Speech by Ambassador Y. K. Sailas Thangal on the ODOP Wall Inauguration & ROI Office Opening Event

(Almaty, 09 December 2025)

1. Distinguished members of the Indian diaspora, dear friends of India, my colleague Mr. Swapnil and Team ROI - Dobroye Din, Salemetsiz be, Namaste. 
   
   
2. It is a special privilege for me to be with you in Almaty for the inauguration of the One District One Product, or ODOP Wall and the formal opening of our newly relocated office premises. These two milestones together reflect not only a new beginning for this office, but also a renewed commitment by India to deepen its engagement with Kazakhstan and to serve our community here better. 
   
   
3. India’s ODOP initiative is built on a simple but powerful idea: every district in India has at least one unique product that can shine on the global stage. From traditional handicrafts and handlooms to distinctive agricultural and food products, ODOP helps identify, brand, and promote these treasures so that the creativity and skills of local artisans and farmers can translate into greater income, dignity, and opportunity. It is both an economic strategy and a celebration of India’s cultural diversity and living heritage. 
   
   
4. Today, the ODOP Wall at the ROI, Almaty becomes a window into this diverse India. It tells the story of districts and communities through the products they have lovingly created over generations. Similar ODOP displays in other Indian missions have already helped raise awareness, encourage demand, and create new partnerships for these products in overseas markets. By joining this global network, Almaty signals that it too is ready to be a platform for Indian craftsmanship and innovation. 
   
   
5. I especially wish to address the Indian community present here: you are the natural ambassadors of ODOP. Whenever you introduce these products to your Kazakh friends, colleagues, and business partners - whether as gifts, in exhibitions, or through your own entrepreneurial ventures - you expand the horizons of our artisans back home. Many ODOP value chains involve women’s self-help groups and small producers, so your support directly contributes to rural development, women’s empowerment, and more inclusive growth in India. 
   
   
6. This new office in Almaty is also a symbol of our growing partnership with Kazakhstan. Our bilateral ties span energy, pharmaceuticals, education, IT, and people-to-people exchanges, and trade has been steadily increasing over the years. The presence and success of the Indian diaspora here have added immense depth and warmth to this relationship.
   
   
7. As we inaugurate this ODOP Wall and these new premises, I invite you to treat this space as your own - visit often, bring your families and friends, and explore the stories behind each product on display. Let us work together so that Almaty becomes known not only as a beautiful and dynamic city of Central Asia, but also as a hub where India’s unique district products are appreciated, promoted, and connected to new opportunities. 
   
   
8. With this spirit of partnership and shared prosperity, I once again thank you all for your presence and support. Jai Hind. Thank you. Khop Rekhmat.

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