PrintFriendly- It is a great privilege to speak to you at the inauguration of the second edition of the Raisina Dialogue.
- In May 2014, the people of India also ushered in a New Normal. My fellow Indians spoke in one voice to entrust my government with a mandate for change.
- Change not just of attitudes but of mindsets. Change from a state of drift to one of purposeful actions. Change to take bold decisions. A mandate in which reform would not be enough unless it transforms our economy and society.
- A transformation that is embedded in the aspiration and optimism of India’s youth, and in the boundless energy of its millions.
- Our economic growth; the welfare of our farmers; the employment opportunities for our youth; our access to capital, technology, markets and resources; And, security of our nation all of them are deeply impacted by developments in the world. But, the reverse is also true.
- The world needs India’s sustained rise, as much as India needs the world. Our desire to change our country has an indivisible link with the external world.
- India is pursuing its transformation in unsettled times, which is equally the result of human progress and violent turmoil. For multiple reasons and at multiple levels, the world is going through profound changes. Globally connected societies, digital opportunities, technology shifts, knowledge boom and innovation are leading the march of humanity.
- The multi-polarity of the world, and an increasingly multi-polar Asia, is a dominant fact today. And, we welcome it.
- We inhabit a strategically complex environment. In the broad sweep of history, the changing world is not necessarily a new situation.
- The crucial question is how do nations act in a situation where the frames of reference are shifting rapidly. Our choices and actions are based on the strength of our national power.
- Our actions and aspirations, capacities and human capital, democracy and demography, and strength and success will continue to be an anchor for all round regional and global progress.
- For me, Sab Ka Saath; Sab Ka Vikas is not just a vision for India. It is a belief for the whole world.
- In the last two and half years, we have partnered with almost all our neighbours to bring the region together. Where necessary, we have shed the burdens of our past for the progressive future of our region. The result of our efforts is there to see.
- My vision for our neighbourhood puts premium on peaceful and harmonious ties with entire South Asia.
- That vision had led me to invite leaders of all SAARC nations, including Pakistan, for my swearing in. For this vision, I had also travelled to Lahore. But, India alone cannot walk the path of peace. It also has to be Pakistan’s journey to make. Pakistan must walk away from terror if it wants to walk towards dialogue with India.
- I see the development of India and China as an unprecedented opportunity, for our two countries and for the whole world. At the same time, it is not unnatural for two large neighbouring powers to have some differences. In the management of our relationship, and for peace and progress in the region, both our countries need to show sensitivity and respect for each other’s core concerns and interests.
- Over the past two and a half years, we have given a strong momentum to our engagement with the United States, Russia, Japan and other major global powers.
- In my conversation with President-elect Donald Trump, we agreed to keep building on these gains in our strategic partnership. Russia is an abiding friend. President Putin and I have held long conversations on the challenges that confront the world today. Our trusted and strategic partnership, especially in the field of defence has deepened.
- True to our traditions, we have shouldered the international burden of our commitments. We have led assistance and relief efforts in times of disaster. We were a credible first responder during the earthquake in Nepal, evacuation from Yemen and during humanitarian crises in the Maldives and Fiji.
- Let me say this in conclusion, In connecting with the world, our ancient scriptures have guided us.
Rig Veda says, आ नो भद्रो : क्रत्वो यन्तु विश्वतः Means: “Let noble thoughts come to me from all directions”.
- With resolute steps at home, and expanding network of reliable friendships abroad, we will grasp the promise of a future that belongs to over a billion Indians.
- And in this endeavor, you will find in India, my friends, a beacon of peace and progress, stability and success, and access and accommodation.