The convergence of Thailand's 'Look West' & India's 'Act East' policy lights the path to a bright future of our partnership: PM

You Excellency Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha Ladies and Gentlemen

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to India.

Your visit is a high point in our top-level political exchanges.
You come from a land that is very familiar to us.

From the Legend of Rama to the Wisdom of Buddha our ties are founded on a shared cultural heritage. Our historical people-to-people ties provide a strong basis to our partnership.
Thailand is a trusted and valued friend, and one of our closest partners in Southeast Asia.

Friends,

Today, Prime Minister and I reviewed the full range of our bilateral engagement:
From culture to commerce;

From closer contacts between our peoples to deeper connectivity; and From counter-terrorism to defence and security.

We are both aware that rapid spread of terrorism and radical ideology poses a common challenge to both our societies.

And, we also recognize that our close security partnership would help us to secure our peoples from these threats.

In our shared objective to combat these challenges, India is particularly grateful to Thailand for its assistance and cooperation.

Beyond terrorism, we have agreed to further deepen our security engagement in the fields of cyber security, narcotics, transnational economic offenses and human trafficking.

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Friends,

The land frontiers of our two countries are not far apart.
And, we are also maritime neighbours.

So, Prime Minister and I have agreed to forge a closer partnership in the fields of defence and maritime cooperation.

A partnership to meet our bilateral interests ; and to respond to our shared regional goals.
And a partnership, which will be shaped by:
Sharing of expertise and experiences;
Greater staff exchanges and more exercises;
Cooperation on counter-piracy on seas;
Deeper engagement in naval patrolling; and Building linkages in the field of defence R&D and production.

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Friends,

Trade and commerce flows are an important lifeline of the interdependent world today.
Excellency and I agree that a more diversified commercial engagement between us would not only benefit both our economies. It would also enable greater regional economic prosperity.
In this context, we welcome the first meeting of the India-Thailand Joint Business Forum to be held later today. We encourage them, and the other business-sector stakeholders, to take lead in tapping the emerging business opportunities in both our countries.

Alongside trade, there are also ample avenues for greater manufacturing and investment linkages.
We see a particular synergy between Thai strengths in infrastructure, particularly tourism infrastructure, and India's priorities in this field.

Information Technology, pharmaceuticals, auto-components, and machinery are some other areas of promising collaboration.

We also see early conclusion of a balanced Comprehensive Economic and Partnership Agreement as our shared priority.

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Friends,

Prime Minister and I are fully aware that smooth flow of goods, services, capital and human resources between our economies needs a strong network of air, land and sea links.

We have, therefore, prioritized completion of India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral highway; and early signing of the Motor Vehicles Agreement between our three countries.

Connectivity is also an area of priority for India’s development.

Improving access to Southeast Asia from our Northeastern States benefits both our peoples.

Friends,

Stronger connectivity is essential not just for expanding bilateral trade ties. It also brings our people closer and facilitates enhanced science, education, culture and tourism cooperation.

Next year, to commemorate the seventy years of establishment of our diplomatic relations, we will celebrate Festival of India in Thailand, and Festival of Thailand in India.

This year, India is also celebrating one hundred and twenty-fifth birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of Indian Constitution.

I am delighted that the Indian Constitution will soon be translated into Thai language.

I am also happy to announce that to welcome more tourists from Thailand to India, and to help them enjoy their visits to Buddhist sites in India, we will soon facilitate double entry e-tourist visas for citizens of Thailand.

Excellency,

India has always deeply appreciated the warmth and affection of the Royal Family of Thailand for India.

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has been a frequent and very welcome visitor to India.

We look forward to welcoming her in India again later this year.

We also look forward to the honour of receiving His Royal Highness Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn in India at his earliest convenience.

In conclusion, let me say that the convergence of Thailand's 'Look West', and India's 'Act East' policy lights the path to a bright future of our partnership.

Excellency, let me once again welcome you and your delegation to India.

Thank you.

Ref: http://www.narendramodi.in/category/speeches

We want to link with the world to carve out new routes of peace and prosperity: PM Modi

Your Excellency Dr. Hassan Rouhani, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran,

Your Excellency Dr. Ashraf Ghani, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Honourable Ministers

Ladies and Gentlemen

A famous poet of Persia, Hafez once said:

रोज़े- हिज्रो-शबे-फ़ुर्क़ते-यार आख़र शुद

ज़दम इन फ़ालो-गुज़श्त अख़्तरो कार आख़र शुद्

[Meaning: Days of separation are over; night of wait is coming to an end; Our friendship will stay forever.]

Today, we are all witnessing creation of history. Not just for the people of our three countries, but for the entire region. To build bonds of connectivity is the most basic of human urges. Today, we seek to fulfil it. We are grateful to Excellency Rouhani for hosting this unique event. Thank you President Ashraf Ghani, for your presence. It truly holds a special significance. It is a privilege to be here. Excellency Rouhani, President Ghani and I have just held detailed discussions on a range of issues. The agenda for economic engagement is a clear priority for us. We stand together in unity of our purpose. To carve out new routes of peace, and prosperity is our common goal. We want to link with the world. But, better connectivity among ourselves is also our priority. It is indeed a new dawn for the region.

Excellencies,

Iran, Afghanistan and India are deeply aware of the richness and reality of our ancient links. Through centuries, art and culture, ideas and knowledge, language and traditions have formed a common bond between us. Even through turmoil of history, our societies never lost touch with each other. Today, we meet to write new chapters in our engagement.

Excellencies, The Agreement on the establishment of a Trilateral Transport and Transit Corridor signed just a while ago can alter the course of history of this region. It is a new foundation of convergence between our three nations. The corridor would spur unhindered flow of commerce throughout the region. Inflow of capital and technology could lead to new industrial infrastructure in Chahbahar. This would include gas based fertilizer plants, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and IT. The key arteries of the corridor would pass through the Chahbahar port of Iran. It's very location, on the mouth of Gulf of Oman, is of great strategic significance. Afghanistan will get an assured, effective, and a more friendly route to trade with the rest of the world. The arc of economic benefit from this agreement would extend beyond our three nations. Its reach could extend to the depths of the Central Asian countries. When linked with the International North South Transport Corridor, it would touch South Asia at one end and Europe at another. And, studies show that as compared to the traditional sea routes, it could bring down the cost and time of the cargo trade to Europe by about 50%. Over time, we could even look to connect it with the strong sea and land based routes that India has developed with the Indian Ocean Region and South East Asia.

Excellencies,

The world of 21st century offers unique opportunities.But, it also poses its own set of challenges.Today, the nature of global engagement requires an attitude more suitable to this century, not the mindset of the century gone by. Today, the watch-words of international tiesare trust not suspicion; cooperation not dominance; inclusivity not exclusion. This is also the guiding philosophy and driving spirit of the Chahbahar Agreement. This will be a corridor of peace and prosperity for our peoples. Motives of economic growth, and empowerment would drive it. It will build our security without making others vulnerable. It would break barriers among our nations and encourage new benchmarks of people-to-people contacts. And, help us to eventually build what we all desire and deserve - a friendly and healthy neighborhood.

Excellencies,

The world around us is changing in fundamental ways. And, the lack of comprehensive connectivity is not the only challenge that limits our national growth. Political turmoil and undercurrents of economic stress continue to spread in West Asia. In the Indo-Pacific, rise a mix of political competition and economic opportunities is putting pressure on the existing Asian order. Global economy is yet to fully come out of uncertainty and weakness. Our present growth and future prosperity is under threat from the spread of radical ideas and physical terror. Amidst this landscape, our three countries are blessed with the most potent resource—our youth. Our three nations are estimated to have more than 60 percent of their population under 30 years of age. They are an asset in our national and regional development. We want them to walk the road to knowledge and skills; industry and enterprise. And, not fall victim to the path of guns and violence. I am confident that economic fruits of the Chahbahar Agreement will expand trade, attract investment, build infrastructure, develop industry and create jobs for our youth. The Agreement will strengthen our ability to stand in mutual support against those whose only motto is to maim and kill the innocents. Its success will be a positive vote for peace and stability in the region.

Excellencies, It is my strong belief that trade and transit routes should only be a starting point of our journey to greater connectivity. In my vision, the full spectrum of connectivity agenda between Iran, Afghanistan and India should span:

• from culture to commerce;

• from traditions to technology;

• from Investments to IT;

• from services to strategy; and

• from people to politics.

In a way, it is a pledge to:

• Realize the imperative of better connectivity;

• Establish peace and create stability;

• Build economic prosperity and engineer new trade ties;

• Curb radicalism and remove shadows of terror; and

• Break barriers and spread sweetness of familiarity among our people.

History will look back at this effort with nothing but approval and admiration.

I compliment Excellencies Rouhani and Ghani for their leadership in guiding this effort.

Thank you all. Thank you very much.

Ref: http://www.narendramodi.in/category/speeches

India and Iran are not new friends. Our dosti is as old as history: PM Modi

Your Excellency President Rouhani,

Friends,

Thank you,

Excellency for your warm and wise words.

I am also grateful to you for the gracious hospitality given to me and my delegation. On behalf of the 1.25 billion Indians, I extend warm greetings to the friendly people of Iran. Through ages, the beauty and richness of the Persian heritage has attracted the world to Iran. For me, visiting Iran, is indeed a great privilege.

Excellency,

India and Iran are not new friends. Our dosti is as old as history. Through centuries, our societies have stayed connected through art and architecture, ideas and traditions, and culture and commerce. As friends and neighbours, we have shared interest in each other’s growth and prosperity, and joys and sorrows. We can never forget that Iran was among the first countries to come forward in support when earthquake struck my state, Gujarat, in 2001. Similarly, India is proud to have stood with the people of Iran during your difficult times. I compliment the leadership of Iran for their far-sighted diplomacy.

Excellency,

We had last met in Ufa in 2015. Your leadership and the clarity of your vision have deeply impressed me. In our meeting today, we focused on the full range of our bilateral engagement. We exchanged views on the emerging regional situation and global issues of common concern. The agenda and scope of our partnership is truly substantial. The outcomes and agreements signed today open a new chapter in our strategic partnership. The welfare of our people is guiding our broad based economic ties. Expanded trade ties, deeper connectivity, including Railways partnerships in oil and gas sector fertilizers education and cultural sphere are driving our overall economic engagement. The bilateral agreement to develop the Chahbahar port and related infrastructure, and availability of about US$ 500 million from India for this purpose, is an important milestone. This major effort would boost economic growth in the region. We are committed to take steps for early implementation of the agreements signed today.

Friends,

Later today we are going to sign the trilateral Transport and Transit Agreement with participation of Iran, India and Afghanistan. It will be a historic occasion. It will open new routes for India, Iran and Afghanistan to connect among themselves. India and Iran also share a crucial stake in peace, stability and prosperity of the region. We also have shared concerns at the spread of forces of instability, radicalism and terror in our region. We have agreed to consult closely and regularly on combating threats of terrorism, radicalism, drug trafficking and cyber crime. We have also agreed to enhance interaction between our defence and security institutions on regional and maritime security.

Friends,

The past history of our ties has been rich. President Rouhani and I would leave no stone unturned to work for its glorious future. Our friendship will be a factor of stability in our region. Later today, I look forward to calling on His eminence the Hon’ble Supreme Leader to advance our ties further.

Excellency Rouhani,

I look forward to welcoming you in India to carry forward the agenda of our engagement Where we are now and where we could be is most beautifully said in a couplet from Ghalib. Let me end with it:

जनूनत गरबे नफ्से-खुद तमाम अस्त

ज़े-काशी पा-बे काशान नीम गाम अस्त

[Means: Once we make up our mind, the distance between Kaashi and Kaashan is only half a step]

I once again sincerely thank you, Excellency for inviting me to Iran.

I also thank you all.

Ref: http://www.narendramodi.in/category/speeches

India's economic development is incomplete without development of it's neighbours: PM Modi

राष्ट्रपति अब्दुल्ला यामीन जी और मीडिया के मेरे साथियों,

आज भारत और मालदीव्स की सहभागिता के इतिहास में एक अहम दिन है।

आपकी इस भारत यात्रा पर मैं आपका हार्दिक स्वागत करता हूँ। दिल्ली में आपकी मौजूदगी, मेरे लिए व्यक्तिगत रूप से बहुत खुशी की बात है...आपका आना एक दोस्त के आने का ऐहसास कराता है।

लदीव्स भारत के सबसे घनिष्ट सहयोगियों में से एक है। संस्कृति की पुरानी कड़ियाँ,  दोनों देशों के लोगों के बीच आपसी मेल-जोल, और हिंद महासागर की लहरें, हमें जोड़ती हैं।

Excellency यामीन,

मालदीव्स की प्रगति, सुरक्षा और आर्थिक विकास, जितना आपका मकसद है, उतना ही भारत का भी लक्ष्य है। मालदीव्स की स्थिरता और सुरक्षा भारत के सामरिक हितों से सीधे-सीधे जुड़ी हुई है।  
मालदीव्स की समस्याएं,  हमारी भी चिंता हैं।  

मेरा मानना है कि भारत का आर्थिक विकास हमारे पड़ोसी देशों की तरक्की के बिना अधूरा है। 'Neighbours First’, न सिर्फ हमारी नीति है, बल्कि हमारे सिद्धांतों का अहम हिस्सा भी है।
दोस्तों,

मैंने राष्ट्रपति यामीन के साथ दोनों देशों के बीच संबंधों से जुड़े सभी विषयों पर विस्तार से बातचीत की है। ये साफ है कि भारत और मालदीव्स के संबंधों का दायरा हमारे साझे सामरिक, सुरक्षा, आर्थिक, और विकास के मकसद से परिभाषित है।  हम मालदीव्स की सुरक्षा जरूरतों के प्रति जागरुक हैं।  

राष्ट्रपति यामीन भी इस बात से सहमत हैं कि मालदीव्स भारत के सामरिक और सुरक्षा हितों के प्रति पूरी तरह संवेदनशील रहेगा।  

हमारा सांझा मत है कि भारत और मालदीव्स की समंदर की सीमाओं की सुरक्षा का सबसे बेहतर और इकलौता जरिया हमारी मजबूत दोस्ती है।   पूरे हिंद महासागर में शांति, समृद्धि और सुरक्षा के लिए भी ये बहुत ही जरूरी है।

हिंद महासागर में  net security provider  के तौर पर  भारत अपनी जिम्मेदारी को बखूबी समझता है। धरती के इस हिस्से में अपने सामरिक हितों की रक्षा के लिए भारत पूरी तरह तैयार है।  
हमारी आज की बातचीत में कई अहम विषयों पर सहमति बनी है।

रक्षा  के क्षेत्र में एक Concrete एक्शन प्लान को जल्द ही लागू करने से  हमारी सुरक्षा सहभागिता और मजबूत होगी।  

बंदरगाहों का विकास, लगातार ट्रेनिंग  और क्षमता में सुधार, जरूरी उपकरणों की सप्लाई, और समंदर का surveillance, इस के अहम अंग होंगे।  
भारत और  मालदीव्स मिलकर उथुरु थाईला फालु - UTH - में पोर्ट से जुड़ी सुविधाओं  का विकास करेंगे।
I-Haven का विकास मालदीव्स की प्राथमिकता है। भारत इस प्रोजेक्ट में मालदीव्स के साथ पार्टनरशिप   के लिए तैयार है।

हमने  मालदीव्स में पुलिस अकादमी की स्थापना, रक्षा मंत्रालय की इमारत का निर्माण और सुरक्षा से जुड़े Infrastructure प्रोजेक्ट्स में भी तेजी लाने का फैसला किया है।  
दक्षिण एशिया में सीमा पार से आतंकवाद और कट्टरवादी सोच के हावी होने से हो रहे नुकसान और खतरों के प्रति राष्ट्रपति यामीन और मैं पूरी तरह सजग हैं...सचेत हैं।  

इस चुनौती को ध्यान में रखते हुए, दोनों देशो की एजेंसियों के बीच information exchange और   मालदीव्स की पुलिस और सुरक्षा सेनाओं की ट्रेनिंग और उनकी क्षमताओं में विकास, हमारे सुरक्षा सहयोग का अहम हिस्सा है।
राहत और बचाव के काम में, प्राकृतिक आपदाओं के वक्त अपनी दोस्ती को...अपनी पार्टनरशिप को   और मजबूत करने पर भी दोनों देश सहमत हैं।
 
दोस्तों,
हम दोनों ने व्यापार,  आर्थिक और निवेश में साझेदारी के विकास पर भी विस्तार से बात की। भारत में होने वाले तीसरे Maldives Investment Forum का हम स्वागत करते हैं।  ये दोनों देशों के बीच निवेश और कारोबारी रिश्तों को और मजबूत करेगा।

स्वास्थ्य सेवाओं में सहभागिता हमारी प्राथमिकता है। साल 1995 में भारत ने मालदीव्स में जो अस्पताल बनाया था, उसको upgrade करना,  डॉक्टरों की टीम को और मजबूत करना, स्वास्थ्य से जुड़ी संस्थाओं का निर्माण, दवाइयों की उपलब्धता और स्वास्थ्य सेवाओं से जुड़ी आधुनिक तकनीक, इस के   अहम अंग हैं।  
Tourism के क्षेत्र मे आज हुआ समझोता दोनों देशो के economic और people-to-people ties को बढायेगा |
आज हमारे सहयोग की उड़ान, जल और थल को पार कर अंतरिक्ष को छू रही है।  South Asia Satellite के समझौते पर आज हुए हस्ताक्षर से  मालदीव्स और दूसरे दक्षिण एशियाई देशों को शिक्षा, स्वास्थ्य और पर्यटन के क्षेत्र में  भरपूर लाभ मिलेगा।  

मालदीव्स सांस्कृतिक धरोहर का धनी है। प्राचीन मस्जिदों और ऐतिहासिक स्मारकों के संरक्षण और उनकी मरम्मत के लिए आज हुआ समझौता हमारे सांस्कृतिक रिश्तों को और मजबूत बनाएगा।  

दोस्तों, 

राष्ट्रपति यामीन जी ने  मालदीव्स में हो रहे राजनीतिक तथा institutional सुधारों  के बारे में भी मुझे जानकारी दी है। भारत हर ऐसी कोशिश का समर्थन करता है जो मालदीव्स को, उस के नागरिकों को और राजनीति को सशक्त बनाए।

Excellency यामीन,

मालदीव्स की सफलता के सफर में भारत एक ऐसा दोस्त है जो हर हालात में मालदीव्स के साथ कदम से कदम मिला कर चलेगा । भारत हमेशा मालदीव्स की जनता का   सुदृढ़ मित्र   और विश्वसनीय पार्टनर रहेगा।
इन शब्दों के साथ मैं एक बार फिर आप का  भारत की धरती पर स्वागत करता हूं।  
धन्यवाद।

Ref: http://www.narendramodi.in/category/speeches