It’s Asia’s century : PM Modi at ASEAN

- by India Writes Network | India Writes Network

Modi

KUALA LUMPUR: Addressing the 13th India-ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the political, economic and security challenges facing India and Southeast Asia, and how the 21st century would belong to Asia. He also called for enhancing cooperation on combating terrorism and pushed for a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

Here are the excerpts from the speech

  • We meet at a time of multiple global challenges: economic uncertainties, political turmoil and security threats.
  • In this difficult moment, India and ASEAN are two bright spots of optimism.
  • India is today the fastest growing major economy in the world. The growth rate is touching 7.5 %, and is likely to go higher. Our inflation is down as also our fiscal and external deficits. And, business and international confidence has increased sharply.
  • The scale of transformation in India is vast; so, the size of economic opportunities in India are huge.
  • ASEAN’s economy continues to forge ahead with dynamism and energy.
  • I have no doubt that we will reinforce prosperity for our 1.9 billion people.
  • As always, ASEAN is providing both inspiration and leadership for regional cooperation and integration. And, from India’s perspective, ASEAN values and leadership will remain central to integration across Asia and Pacific.
  • Much of the potential for economic partnership remains untapped. I am confident that our trade and investment will expand, as our economies grow.
  • We also look forward to progress in negotiations for a balanced and ambitious Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement that covers goods and services as well as investments.
  • We also propose to commit a Line of Credit of 1.0 billion U.S. dollars to promote projects that support physical and digital connectivity between India and ASEAN.
  • We will enlarge the ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund from the current one million U.S. dollars to 5 million U.S. dollars.
  • Our research and innovation efforts must cover a range of common challenges – massive urbanization and mega cities; skills for the future; food security; water; and, affordable healthcare.
  • An issue of global concern is climate change. India has ambitious clean energy plans: 175 GW of additional capacity of renewable energy by 2022; and, 40% of energy through non-fossil fuel by 2030.
  • I have also proposed an international solar alliance of 122 solar-rich countries, which French President Hollande and I will launch in Paris on November 30. We look forward to your participation in the launch and the alliance.
  • We are proposing to open an ASEAN Studies Centre in our Northeastern Hill University in Shillong, which is our gateway to the East.
  • The first ASEAN-India Cyber Security Conference we hosted in January 2015 should be the springboard for greater cooperation in this area.
  • India hopes that all parties to the disputes in the South China Sea will abide by the guidelines on the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and redouble efforts for early adoption of a Code of Conduct on the basis of consensus.
  • Terrorism has emerged as a major global challenge that affects us all here. We have excellent bilateral cooperation with ASEAN members. And, we should see how we can enhance our cooperation at the regional and international level, including through support for adoption of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
  • As our rapidly transforming region navigates its way through uncertain times to a peaceful and prosperous future, we look forward to ASEAN leading the way in defining the regional architecture.

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India Writes Network
India Writes Network
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