Prime Minister's speech at the Business Breakfast hosted by Premier of Queensland

Published By : Admin | November 17, 2014 | 11:26 IST

I would like to begin by acknowledging the traditional elders on whose land we stand today, and their ancestors, past and present.

Premier Newman,

  • Thank you very much for arranging this breakfast meeting with economic leaders of Queensland.
  • I am honoured and very encouraged by this large turnout.
  • Congratulations to Queensland and Brisbane for hosting such a wonderful G20. For the past few days, you have shown what a world class city you are.
  • Queensland's economy has been performing well, on basis of your traditional strengths in areas like tourism, resources and agriculture, but also through your investments in areas of advanced technologies and services.
  • This is a tribute to your leadership and to the government and business in Queensland.
  • I am delighted to be here for a number of reasons.
  • One, I have always placed great emphasis on relations between states, not just between national capitals.
  • Premier Newman, you and your Government are doing a lot to pursue economic opportunities with India.
  • You have sent a number of trade missions to India. Just this September, there was a Queensland-Gujarat Energy Roundtable in Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat. And, I am naturally pleased that Queensland will be participating in Vibrant Gujarat in January 2015 to showcase your infrastructure capabilities.
  • I know that you are not partial to Gujarat, but you are sending delegations to Kolkata and Delhi and elsewhere!

  • The second reason is that today, India is your fourth largest export destination. For us, Queensland is emerging as a major investment destination.
  • We welcome the efforts you have made to make it possible for an Australian Dollar 16 billion investment to take place in coal mining.
  • It will set a new standard for India-Australia cooperation and demonstrate how Australia and Queensland can be a vital partner in meeting India's requirement for energy and other vital resources.
  • Queensland can be an important partner in India's development – in energy, mineral resources, agriculture and food security, education and advanced technology in some areas.
  • We have launched a major set of reforms to boost economic growth and improve the quality of life of people.  We have set an ambitious agenda and a brisk pace.
  • In the area of policy:

o    We have eased foreign direct investment laws in key areas like railways, defence and insurance;

o   We have set up a commission to reform railways, which has always been seen as a just another government department – this has never been done before.

o   We have introduced labour reforms

o   We have made big changes in our policies on fuel – coal, natural gas, diesel 

  • In the area of processes:

o   changing the way we work as government. Good Governance is the starting point of change. It is as important to business as it is to ordinary citizens.

o   eliminating unnecessary laws and regulations, making processes easier and shorter, ensuring that our government is more transparent

o   Focus on ease of doing business

o   We are partnering with state governments and even going doing to districts and villages.

o   Digital India Campaign

o   Facilitation Cells have been set up.

 

  • In terms of institutions

o   set up a new department for skill development;

o   set up a special authority for industrial corridors

o   eBiz Portal for integrated application process – 24x7

o   Closely monitoring implementation of decisions

o   set up an Expenditure Reform Commission;

  • In terms of Initiatives

o   We have launched Make in India as a new mission to promote manufacturing in India.

o   creating world class infrastructure

o   100 Smart cities; Metro projects for 50 cities;  modern waste management system for 500 cities;

o   affordable healthcare within everyone's reach; sanitation for all by 2019; a roof over every head by 2022; electricity in every household;

o   Clean Energy – with special focus on solar energy; energy efficiency

o   Water conservation

o   Clean Ganga Programme , which is also a major urban renewal and environment protection programme

  • I see great opportunities for our cooperation. Let me highlight some of them.
  • Coal is already a major item of exports to India; but, I see vast potential in resources in general, as Indian industrial sector gathers momentum and grows.
  • We could also commence import of Liquified Natural Gas from Queensland.
  • You are leaders in many areas of mining and mining technologies, services and equipment, mining consultancy, mine safety, coal washeries and mine management.
  •  I invite you to participate in India.
  • We have made our policies transparent and predictable. We have made our procedures clearly defined and smooth.
  • Queensland can also be a partner in strengthening India's food security. We already import a fairly significant amount of fruits and vegetables and some quantities of fertilizer.
  • What we need is an integrated partnership –joint research to improve yield and farm productivity to development of agriculture supply chain infrastructure and food processing.  This is an area of great priority for my government.
  • Infrastructure , where we aim to invest over a trillion dollars over the next five years.
  • Queensland's strengths in advanced areas of technology also offer enormous opportunities for collaboration such as biotechnology  and your growing strengths in aviation sector
  • We can develop strong synergies in the area of information and communication technology and its every growing application in all areas of life and business.  I hope Indian IT companies will enjoy good access. Conversely, Digital India offers enormous opportunities.
  • Queensland can take justifiable pride in its success in the tourism sector. Indian investors would be willing to partner with you, as more and more Indians are drawn to the incredible beauty and hospitality of your state.
  • You can participate in India's ambitious plans for smart, sustainable, habitable cities to cater to its growing urban population. It is expected that nearly 11% of the world's urban population in 2025 will be in India.
  • You can make India a manufacturing hub, for India, for exports and for import back into Australia.
  • Let us foster closer cooperation in skill development and education; and, research and development.Your Universities and Research Institutions have already contributed significantly to the growing science and technology relationship between India and Australia.
  • This is particularly true of the collaboration between the two countries under the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund.
  • I know that most of you are aware of the opportunities in India and have looked at the market.

new brisbane breakfast meet 684 (3)

  • You will begin to find a difference in India.
  • There will no longer have to reach those opportunities through uncertain and unpredictable pathways, crossing hurdles along the way.
  • You will not only be able to convert opportunities into partnerships, you will do it in an environment that is welcoming and easy to do business in.
  • Let me conclude by saying, India-Australia relationship is comprehensive, involving economic cooperation, a growing security and strategic partnership and increasing cooperation in international forums, which are vital for peace, stability and prosperity in our region.
  • I am keen to hear your views. I will make sure our team here follows up on them.
  • I thank you all for coming here this morning and wish you a very productive day ahead. Thank you.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 17, 2014

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India remains a committed partner in Africa’s development journey: PM Modi in Parliament of Ghana
July 03, 2025

The Right Honourable Speaker,

Leadership of the House,

Honourable Members of Parliament,

Members of the Council of State,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Representatives of Political Parties,

The Ga Maan Tasse,

Independent Constitutional bodies,

Civil Society Organizations,

The Indian Community in Ghana,

Maachhhe !

Good morning!

I am deeply honoured to address this esteemed House today.

It is a privilege to be in Ghana - a land that radiates the spirit of democracy, dignity, and resilience. As the representative of the world’s largest democracy, I bring with me the goodwill and greetings of 1.4 billion Indians.

Ghana is known as the land of gold, not just for what lies under your soil, but as much for the warmth and strength in your hearts. When we look at Ghana, we see a nation that shines with courage that rises above history that meets every challenge with dignity and grace. Your commitment to democratic ideals and inclusive progress truly makes Ghana a beacon of inspiration for the entire African continent.

Friends,

Last evening was a deeply moving experience. Receiving your national award from my dear friend, President Mahama, is an honour. I will always cherish it.

इस सम्मान के लिए में 140 करोड़ भारतीयों की तरफ से घाना के लोगों का आभार व्यक्त करता हूँ।

On behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India, I thank the people of Ghana for this honour. I dedicate it to the enduring friendship and shared values that bind India and Ghana.

|

Distinguished members,

Earlier today, I had the honour of paying tribute to a visionary statesman, and beloved son of Ghana Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

He once said,

"The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the super-imposed influences that keep us apart.”

His words continue to guide our shared journey. His vision was a democratic Republic, built on strong institutions. True democracy promotes discussion and debate. It unites people. It supports dignity and promotes human rights. Democratic values may take time to grow. But it is our responsibility to preserve and nurture them.

Friends,

India is the mother of Democracy.

हमारे लिए लोकतंत्र एक system नहीं, एक संस्कार है
हजारों वर्षों से लोकतंत्र ने भारतीय समाज को निरंतर गति दी है

For us, democracy is not merely a system. It is a part of our fundamental values. From thousands of years ago, we have examples of centers like Vaishali. The Rig Veda, one of the world’s oldest scriptures, says:

आनो भद्राः क्रतवो यन्तु विश्वतः

It means, let good thoughts come to us from all directions.

This openness to ideas is the core of democracy. India has over two thousand five hundred political parties. I repeat, two thousand five hundred political parties. Twenty different parties governing different states, twenty-two official languages, thousands of dialects.

This is also the reason that people who came to India have always been welcomed with open hearts. The same spirit helps Indians integrate easily wherever they go. Even in Ghana, they have blended into society, just like sugar in tea.

Distinguished Members,

The histories of India and Ghana bear the scars of colonial rule. But our spirits have always remained free and fearless. We draw strength and inspiration from our rich heritage. We take pride in our social, cultural and linguistic diversity.

We built nations rooted in freedom, unity, and dignity. Our relationship knows no bounds. And with your permission, may I say, our friendship is sweeter than your famous ‘Sugarloaf’ pineapple. With President Mahama, we have decided to elevate our ties to a comprehensive partnership.

|

Friends,

The world order created after the Second World War is changing fast. The revolution in technology, the rise of the Global South, and the shifting demographics are contributing to its pace and scale. The challenges such as colonial rule that humanity has faced in the earlier centuries, still persist in different forms.

The world is also facing new and complex crises such as climate change, pandemics, terrorism, and cybersecurity. Institutions created in the last century are struggling to respond. The changing circumstances demand credible and effective reforms in global governance.

Progress cannot come without giving voice to the Global South. We need more than slogans. We need action. That is why, during India’s G20 Presidency, we worked with the vision - One Earth, One Family, One Future.

We put emphasis on Africa’s rightful place at the global high table. We are proud that the African Union became a permanent member of the G20 during our Presidency.

Friends,

For India, our philosophy is - Humanity First.

We believe in :

सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः ,
सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः।
सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु ,
मा किश्चत दुःखभाग्भवेत्॥

It means,

"May all be happy,
May all be free from illness,
May all see what is auspicious ,
May no one suffer in any way.”

This philosophy embodies India’s approach to the world. It guided our actions during the COVID pandemic. We shared vaccines and medicines with over 150 countries, including our friends in Ghana.

We launched Mission LiFE - Lifestyle For Environment, to address climate change and promote sustainable living. This inclusive spirit powers our global initiatives like:

One World, One Sun, One Grid;

One World One Health; for a healthier planet;

International Solar Alliance; to encourage solar energy and sustainability;

International Big Cats Alliance; to protect wildlife;

and the Global Biofuels Alliance; to advance clean biofuels and cut carbon emissions.

I am glad that Ghana, as a founding member, will host the African Regional Meeting for the International Solar Alliance this September. This demonstrates our shared belief that the world is one family.

Distinguished members,

Over the past decade, India has seen a major transformation. The people of India have reposed their faith in peace, security, and development. Last year, they re-elected the same government for the third consecutive time. Something, that happened after more than six decades.

Today, India is the fastest growing emerging economy. On the foundations of stable polity and good governance, India will soon be the third largest economy.

We already contribute nearly 16% to global growth. Our demography is paying its dividend. India now has the world’s third largest start -up ecosystem. India is an innovation and technology hub, where global companies want to converge.

We are recognised as the Pharmacy of the world. Indian women today lead in science, space, aviation and sports. India landed on the Moon. And, today an Indian is in orbit giving wings to our human space flight mission.

कितना सुखद संयोग है कि, भारत के कई गौरव भरे क्षणों में, अफ्रीका जुड़ा हुआ है। जब भारत के चंद्रयान ने, चाँद के साउथ pole पर लैंड कया, तो उस दिन भी मैं अफ्रीका में था। और आज , जब एक भारतीय एस्ट्रोनॉट, मानवता के उज्ज्वल भविष्य के लिए , space स्टेशन में experiments कर रहा है , मैं एक बार फिर अफ्रीका मैं हूँ ।

Africa has been connected to many of India’s proudest moments in space. When India’s Chandrayaan landed on the Moon’s South Pole, I was in Africa. And today, as an Indian astronaut conducts experiments onboard Space Station for the welfare of humanity — I am once again in Africa.

This is no ordinary coincidence. It reflects the deep bond we share, our common aspirations, and our shared future. Our development is inclusive. Our growth touches the lives of every Indian.

The people of India have resolved to make India a Developed Nation by 2047, when we celebrate 100 years of Independence. As Ghana continues to pursue the path of progress and prosperity, India shall walk with you, shoulder to shoulder, on this road.

|

Friends,

आज ग्लोबल उठा-पटक, हर कसी के लिए चिंता का कारण है। ऐसे में, भारत का लोकतंत्र, आशा की किरण बना हुआ हैं । उसी प्रकार, भारत की विकास यात्रा, ग्लोबल ग्रोथ को गति देने वाली है। विश्व का सबसे बड़ा लोकतंत्र , एक ऐसा स्तंभ है , जो जितना मज़बूत होगा, दुनिया को उतना ही सशक्त बनाएगा। वैश्विक स्थिरता बढ़ाने में योगदान करेगा।

In these times of global uncertainty, India's democratic stability shines as a ray of hope. India’s rapid progress is a catalyst for global growth. As the world’s largest democracy, India is a pillar of strength for the world. A strong India, will contribute to a more stable and prosperous world. After all, our mantra is:

सबका साथ, सबका विकास, सबका विश्वास, सबका प्रयास

It means "Together, for everyone’s growth with everyone’s trust and effort.”

India remains a committed partner in Africa’s development journey. We support Africa's Development Framework, Agenda 2063, to secure a bright and sustainable future for its people.

Africa’s goals are our priorities. Our approach is to grow together as equals. Our development partnership with Africa is demand-driven. It is focussed on building local capacities and creating local opportunities. Our objective is not just to invest, but to empower. To help develop self-sustaining eco-systems.

It is my honour to give further momentum to this partnership. In 2015, we hosted the India-Africa Summit. President Mahama was one of our esteemed Guests. In 2017, India hosted the annual meeting of the African Development Bank. We have expanded our diplomatic presence to 46 countries across Africa.

Over 200 projects across the continent enhance connectivity, infrastructure and Industrial capacity. Every year, our India-Africa Business conclave generates new opportunities.

In Ghana, we inaugurated the Tema – Mpakadan rail line last year. It is the largest infrastructure project in this part of the African region. We welcome Ghana’s own efforts to accelerate economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Ghana also holds great potential to become an IT and innovation hub in the region. Together, we will shape a future, full of promise and progress.

Distinguished Members,

Free and fair elections are the soul of any democracy. It is encouraging to see our Electoral Commissions working closely together. I am confident that India’s Election Commission will be honoured to share its experiences in conducting the world’s largest elections with full trust and transparency.

Parliamentary exchanges are also a cornerstone of the relationship between our two democracies. I recall the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Meeting held in Accra in 2023. It welcomed the largest Indian Parliamentary delegation to Ghana, including state legislatures in India. We deeply value such vibrant dialogue.

I welcome the establishment of Ghana-India Parliamentary Friendship Society in your Parliament. I propose to further reinforce our Parliamentary ties. I invite you to visit the new Parliament of India. You will be able to see the bold steps we have taken to reserve one-third of seats in the Indian Parliament and State Assemblies for women.

You can witness the debate and discussions that are the hallmark of Indian democracy. I assure you, they are as spirited and passionate as the game of your beloved-Black Stars!

Friends,

India and Ghana share a dream. A dream where every child gets opportunities. Where every voice is heard. Where nations rise together, not apart.

Dr Nkrumah had said, and I quote: "I am not African because I was born in Africa. But because Africa was born in me.”

In the same way, India carries Africa in its heart. Let us build a partnership not only for today, but for generations to come.

Thank you.

मेदा - मुआसे !