Text of Prime Minister’s Remarks to the Media during his visit to Germany

Published By : Admin | April 14, 2015 | 17:40 IST

Chancellor Merkel, Members of the Media

I want to sincerely thank Chancellor Merkel and Germany for the very warm welcome that my delegation and I have received.

I am especially grateful that in the first year of my Government, India was chosen as a partner country for the largest industrial trade fair in the world.

Chancellor Merkel was generous with her time for me, my delegation and the CEOs of several Indian companies in Hannover. Today, my delegation and I have once again been heartily welcomed in Berlin.

I also thank her for the very open, constructive and perceptive discussions on relations between India and Germany. This is a reflection of her deep concern for Germany’s interests and her commitment to India – Germany relations.

Yesterday in Hannover, she accepted the invitation of India’s Lion to raise the level of Germany’s engagement in India and assured me of a strong response by Germany’s Eagle. I believe that there will be a strong partnership between the King of the Earth, Lion and the King of the Skies, the Eagle.

When I last came to Berlin, Germany was successful in winning the World Cup Final. This time in Berlin, I feel that we will also be successful in taking the strategic partnership between India and Germany to new heights.

Whenever anyone in India talks about technology, manufacturing or high quality, Germany is the first country that comes to the mind. So, it is natural that when India has embarked on a new journey for ‘Make in India’ for economic development and employment, we look forward to Germany’s strong partnership.

Whatever objectives we think of in terms of economic transformation and improvement in quality of life of ordinary citizens, technology, skills, innovation and investment will play an important role in it.

My objective of coming to Germany was not only to invite the German industry to India, but to assure them that they would find an open and stable environment, which would be easy to do business in; and that they will have my full support to invest and work in India.

I feel deeply encouraged by the enthusiasm and interest that I have seen in Chancellor Merkel and Germany. Equally, the feedback that I have got will be of great benefit to me in framing our policies.

I have also decided that we will establish a mechanism for German companies to facilitate their investment and business in India.

Our goal of ‘Make in India’ and creating employment for our youth depends on skill development in our country. Germany is a world leader in this field. India will have to pursue its skill development programme in accordance with its own circumstances. But at the same time, there is a lot that we can learn from Germany. We had a detailed discussion on the subject. Similarly, we intend to further strengthen our close cooperation in the areas of science, technology and education.

An area that has great priority for me personally and for my country is renewable energy and energy efficiency. As I have already said, we intend to add 175 Giga Watts of renewable energy during the next seven years. Germany is a strong partner in the development of clean energy. We would also like your cooperation on manufacturing of equipment for clean and renewable energy in India; and enhance our shared efforts to address the challenge of climate change.

Development of India as a manufacturing hub and expansion of infrastructure of India would also be beneficial for trade. Our imports would also grow. And, it is natural that German companies would benefit a lot from it. In this context, I would also like to state that negotiations between India and European Union on a Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement have remained stalled for two years. I have requested Chancellor Merkel that India and European Union should resume the negotiations quickly and conclude a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement at the earliest.

We would also like to enhance our cooperation in the area of advanced technology and defence manufacturing. I hope that the German companies would participate enthusiastically in this and that your government would support them fully.

Chancellor Merkel and I had also discussed international developments. We in India believe that economic momentum in Europe is important for the global economy and European stability for global peace. The world looks to Germany for leadership in addressing both challenges. I also congratulate her on the successful outcome of talks with Iran. This will be beneficial for the entire region. Instability and violence in West Asia affects the security of our citizens at home. Peaceful and democratic development of Afghanistan is important for both of us. The direction that Asia-Pacific region will take in this century will be of great significance to the entire world.

The spread of terrorism is growing and its character is changing. The threat is coming close to us across every region of the world. We need a comprehensive global strategy to deal with this global challenge, in which India and Germany can work together. Equally, in the coming days, maritime cyber and space security would be a matter of concern to everyone and we should increase our cooperation in this area as well.

It is my belief that India and Germany are two countries that have earned the right to be permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Our membership will also be beneficial to the world. We both would like to see tangible progress in the United Nations Security Council reforms during the 70th Anniversary year of the United Nations.

We also look forward to a successful outcome of COP-21 in Paris this year.

Once again, I would like to thank everyone, especially Chancellor Merkel for a very successful and productive visit and I look forward eagerly to hosting Chancellor Merkel in India in October.

Thank you.

PM’s Reply to the questions during the Joint Press Statement with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at Berlin

प्रधानमंत्री की जर्मनी यात्रा से संबंधित प्रश्न का उत्तरः

प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी: आज पूरे विश्व का ध्यान भारत की तरफ जा रहा है। भारत दुनिया की सबसे तेज गति से आगे बढ़ने वाली Economy के रूप में उसने अपनी जगह बनाई है। भारत के पास तीन प्रमुख ऐसी सुविधाएं हैं, जो विश्व में किसी के पास नहीं है। Demographic Dividend, Democracy and Demand. और इन तीनों बातों को देखें तो भारत में manufacturing hub बनने की पूरी संभावना है। जहां low cost manufacturing हो, “zero defect-zero effect” के साथ हो और दुनिया के सभी investors के लिए भारत एक ऐसी जगह है कि जहां पर विपुल मात्रा में work force है।

जहां बहुत बड़ी मात्रा में domestic मांग है और जहां की democratic values हैं। जो जर्मनी और भारत दोनों समान रूप से share करते हैं। तो एक ऐसा माहौल है कि जिसके कारण विश्व के अनेक देशों को और जर्मनी को विशेष रूप से भारत अनुकूल है। जर्मनी की ताकत है manufacturing, विश्व की आवश्यकताओं की पूर्ति के लिए German companies और भारत देश का माहौल, ये दोनों मिलकर के काम करे तो विश्व की अनेक आवश्यकताओं को हम बहुत अच्छे ढंग से पूरा कर सकते हैं।

भारत का work force जो कि इस manufacturing sector में तैयार होगा। वो आने वाले दिनों में एक world work force के रूप में convert हो सकता है। भारत में रोजगार, ये सबसे बड़ी आवश्यकता है और इसलिए हमारा ध्यान manufacturing hub बनाने की दिशा में है।

Hannover fair में जितनी कंपनियां मिलीं बाद में चांसलर मर्केल ने एक शाम डिनर रखा था, यहां के industrial houses के साथ, उसमें भी विस्तार से चर्चा हुई है और मैं देख रहा हूं कि चाहे skill development का काम हो, चाहे vocational education की बात हो, चाहे railway में technology up-gradation हो, expansion हो, Defence manufacturing sector का काम हो, engineering sector की विकास की नई क्षितिज हो, सभी क्षेत्रों में आज German कंपनियां, भारत के साथ मिलकर के काम करने के लिए तैयार हैं। और मेरी और चांसलर मर्केल के बीच जो बातचीत हुई है, उसके कारण इन कंपनियों का भी विश्वास बढ़ा है और उन कंपनियों का भी विश्वास बढ़ा है।

मुझे लगता है कि आने वाले दिनों में human resource development का काम हो, professional management का काम हो, manufacturing की दिशा में आगे बढ़ने की बात हो, सभी क्षेत्रों में जर्मनी और भारत सफलतापूर्वक आगे बढ़ेंगे, इस विश्वास के साथ मैं आज यहां से लौट रहा हूं।

वैश्विक आतंकवाद के मुद्दे से संबंधित प्रश्न का उत्तरः

प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी: मैं मानता हूं कि terrorism ये मानवता के लिए एक बहुत बड़ा खतरा है। जो भी मानवतवाद में विश्वास करते हैं। उनकी भाषा कोई भी हो, भू-भाग कोई भी हो, परंपराएं कोई भी हो लेकिन मानवतावादी शक्तियों का एक होना बहुत आवश्यक है और सभी मानवतावादी शक्तियों ने आतंकवाद के खिलाफ एक स्वर से, एक ही intensity के साथ बोलने की आवश्यकता है, collectively efforts करने की आवश्यकता है।

और हम देख रहे हैं आज से 25 साल पहले हम भारत के लोग दुनिया को आतंकवाद के खतरे की बात बताते थे तो कुछ लोग हमें कहते थे, ये आपका law and order problem है। आज दुनिया को समझ आया है कि कितना भयंकर रूप होता है और ये मानवता के खिलाफ एक लड़ाई है। जब तक हम मानवतावादी शक्तियों को एकत्र नहीं करते हैं और हम आतंकवाद के सामने समान रूप से व्यवहार नहीं करते हैं, उनको खुला मैदान मिल जाता है। उनको शस्त्र जहां से मिलते हो, उस पर से रोक कैसे लगे? आतंकवादियों को shelter देने वाली अगर सरकारें हैं तो उन सरकारों पर दबाव कैसे पैदा किया जाए? जितनी sensitivity nuclear weapon को लेकर के है, उतनी ही आतंकवाद को पनाह देने वालों देशों के प्रति भी होनी चाहिए। अगर ये ही एक मूड बनता है और हम आतंकवाद को और आतंकवाद को समर्थन करने वालों को isolate करना ये हमारी पहली strategy होनी चाहिए और दुनिया इस पर गंभीरता से सोचेगी।

दूसरा महत्वपूर्ण काम है United Nation में बहुत लंब अर्से से एक प्रस्ताव चर्चा पर pending पड़ा हुआ है। जिसमें आतंकवाद की definition होना बहुत आवश्यक है। मैं चाहूंगा कि जब United Nation अपने 70 साल पूर्ण करने जा रहा है। उस resolution को पारित करे, define करे और दुनिया के लोगों के लिए बंधनकर्ता चीजों का regulation तैयार करे। तब जाकर के एक platform पर से इस मानवता विरोधी पृवत्तियों के खिलाफ दुनिया को एकत्र किया जा सकता है। मैं चांसलर मर्केल के विचारों से परिचित हूं। वे आतंकवाद के खिलाफ उतने ही स्पष्ट विचार रखती हैं, जितना कि हम भारत के लोग पिछले 30 साल से आतंकवाद से परेशान हैं। हम अनुभव करते हैं और मैं मानता हूं कि अब पूरी दुनिया, जिस प्रकार से आतंकवाद फैल रहा है और अधिक सजग बनकर के और अधिक साथ मिलकर के इस मानवता की रक्षा के लिए काम करेंगी।

संयुक्त राष्ट्र सुरक्षा परिषद (UNSC) में, भारत की स्थायी सदस्यता से संबधित प्रश्न का उत्तर: 

प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी: एक विषय जो आपने पूछा है permanent membership, security council में, मैं दुनिया का इस बात की ओर ध्यान आकर्षित करना चाहता हूं। आप जानते हैं कि ये वर्ष UN के 70 साल हो रहे हैं और पूरा विश्व ये वर्ष प्रथम विश्व युद्ध की शताब्दी के वर्ष से गुजर रहा है। विश्व को मालूम होना चाहिए कि भारत के सैनिक प्रथम विश्व युद्ध में 75 thousand से ज्यादा सैनिक शहीद हुए थे और प्रथम विश्व युद्ध में 14 लाख से ज्यादा भारत के सैनिकों को हिस्सा लेना पड़ा था। उसमें भारत का कोई हित नहीं था, भारत की कोई योजना नही थी। UN के बाद आप देखिए Peace Keeping Force, सबसे ज्यादा सैनिक Peace Keeping Force में जो राष्ट्र भेजे जाते हैं, उनमें एक नाम भारत का है। Peace Keeping Force में भी UN के मार्गदर्शन में उत्तम से उत्तम कार्य करने के लिए बार-बार भारत की सराहना होती है और भारत जिसका इतिहास और संस्कृति कभी भी ये वो देश जिसने युद्ध नहीं किया है, आक्रमण नहीं किया है।

वो देश जहां अहिंसा के दूत महात्मा गांधी पैदा हुए थे, वो देश जहां गौतम बुद्ध पैदा हुए थे, जहां की संस्कृति, परंपरा, शांति को समर्पित है, उस देश को अगर United Nation में permanent membership security council न मिले, उसके लिए 70 साल तक उसको इंतजार करना पड़े, तब सवाल उठता है कि शांति पर भरोसा करने वाले, शांति के लिए जीने वाले, शांति जिनके DNA में है, ऐसे देश के प्रति अब न्याय होना चाहिए, समय बहुत चला गया है।

Thank you

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Your Excellency President Irfan Ali,
Prime Minister Mark Philips,
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo,
Former President Donald Ramotar,
Members of the Guyanese Cabinet,
Members of the Indo-Guyanese Community,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Namaskar!

Seetaram !

I am delighted to be with all of you today.First of all, I want to thank President Irfan Ali for joining us.I am deeply touched by the love and affection given to me since my arrival.I thank President Ali for opening the doors of his home to me.

I thank his family for their warmth and kindness. The spirit of hospitality is at the heart of our culture. I could feel that, over the last two days. With President Ali and his grandmother, we also planted a tree. It is part of our initiative, "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam", that is, "a tree for mother”. It was an emotional moment that I will always remember.

Friends,

I was deeply honoured to receive the ‘Order of Excellence’, the highest national award of Guyana. I thank the people of Guyana for this gesture. This is an honour of 1.4 billion Indians. It is the recognition of the 3 lakh strong Indo-Guyanese community and their contributions to the development of Guyana.

Friends,

I have great memories of visiting your wonderful country over two decades ago. At that time, I held no official position. I came to Guyana as a traveller, full of curiosity. Now, I have returned to this land of many rivers as the Prime Minister of India. A lot of things have changed between then and now. But the love and affection of my Guyanese brothers and sisters remains the same! My experience has reaffirmed - you can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian.

Friends,

Today, I visited the India Arrival Monument. It brings to life, the long and difficult journey of your ancestors nearly two centuries ago. They came from different parts of India. They brought with them different cultures, languages and traditions. Over time, they made this new land their home. Today, these languages, stories and traditions are part of the rich culture of Guyana.

I salute the spirit of the Indo-Guyanese community. You fought for freedom and democracy. You have worked to make Guyana one of the fastest growing economies. From humble beginnings you have risen to the top. Shri Cheddi Jagan used to say: "It matters not what a person is born, but who they choose to be.”He also lived these words. The son of a family of labourers, he went on to become a leader of global stature.

President Irfan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, former President Donald Ramotar, they are all Ambassadors of the Indo Guyanese community. Joseph Ruhomon, one of the earliest Indo-Guyanese intellectuals, Ramcharitar Lalla, one of the first Indo-Guyanese poets, Shana Yardan, the renowned woman poet, Many such Indo-Guyanese made an impact on academics and arts, music and medicine.

Friends,

Our commonalities provide a strong foundation to our friendship. Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply. Culture, cuisine and cricket! Just a couple of weeks ago, I am sure you all celebrated Diwali. And in a few months, when India celebrates Holi, Guyana will celebrate Phagwa.

This year, the Diwali was special as Ram Lalla returned to Ayodhya after 500 years. People in India remember that the holy water and shilas from Guyana were also sent to build the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Despite being oceans apart, your cultural connection with Mother India is strong.

I could feel this when I visited the Arya Samaj Monument and Saraswati Vidya Niketan School earlier today. Both India and Guyana are proud of our rich and diverse culture. We see diversity as something to be celebrated, not just accommodated. Our countries are showing how cultural diversity is our strength.

Friends,

Wherever people of India go, they take one important thing along with them. The food! The Indo-Guyanese community also has a unique food tradition which has both Indian and Guyanese elements. I am aware that Dhal Puri is popular here! The seven-curry meal that I had at President Ali’s home was delicious. It will remain a fond memory for me.

Friends,

The love for cricket also binds our nations strongly. It is not just a sport. It is a way of life, deeply embedded in our national identity. The Providence National Cricket Stadium in Guyana stands as a symbol of our friendship.

Kanhai, Kalicharan, Chanderpaul are all well-known names in India. Clive Lloyd and his team have been a favourite of many generations. Young players from this region also have a huge fan base in India. Some of these great cricketers are here with us today. Many of our cricket fans enjoyed the T-20 World Cup that you hosted this year.

Your cheers for the ‘Team in Blue’ at their match in Guyana could be heard even back home in India!

Friends,

This morning, I had the honour of addressing the Guyanese Parliament. Coming from the Mother of Democracy, I felt the spiritual connect with one of the most vibrant democracies in the Caribbean region. We have a shared history that binds us together. Common struggle against colonial rule, love for democratic values, And, respect for diversity.

We have a shared future that we want to create. Aspirations for growth and development, Commitment towards economy and ecology, And, belief in a just and inclusive world order.

Friends,

I know the people of Guyana are well-wishers of India. You would be closely watching the progress being made in India. India’s journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability.

In just 10 years, India has grown from the tenth largest economy to the fifth largest. And, soon, we will become the third-largest. Our youth have made us the third largest start-up ecosystem in the world. India is a global hub for e-commerce, AI, fintech, agriculture, technology and more.

We have reached Mars and the Moon. From highways to i-ways, airways to railways, we are building state of art infrastructure. We have a strong service sector. Now, we are also becoming stronger in manufacturing. India has become the second largest mobile manufacturer in the world.

Friends,

India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive. Our digital public infrastructure is empowering the poor. We opened over 500 million bank accounts for the people. We connected these bank accounts with digital identity and mobiles. Due to this, people receive assistance directly in their bank accounts. Ayushman Bharat is the world’s largest free health insurance scheme. It is benefiting over 500 million people.

We have built over 30 million homes for those in need. In just one decade, we have lifted 250 million people out of poverty. Even among the poor, our initiatives have benefited women the most. Millions of women are becoming grassroots entrepreneurs, generating jobs and opportunities.

Friends,

While all this massive growth was happening, we also focused on sustainability. In just a decade, our solar energy capacity grew 30-fold ! Can you imagine ?We have moved towards green mobility, with 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol.

At the international level too, we have played a central role in many initiatives to combat climate change. The International Solar Alliance, The Global Biofuels Alliance, The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Many of these initiatives have a special focus on empowering the Global South.

We have also championed the International Big Cat Alliance. Guyana, with its majestic Jaguars, also stands to benefit from this.

Friends,

Last year, we had hosted President Irfaan Ali as the Chief Guest of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas. We also received Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in India. Together, we have worked to strengthen bilateral cooperation in many areas.

Today, we have agreed to widen the scope of our collaboration -from energy to enterprise,Ayurveda to agriculture, infrastructure to innovation, healthcare to human resources, anddata to development. Our partnership also holds significant value for the wider region. The second India-CARICOM summit held yesterday is testament to the same.

As members of the United Nations, we both believe in reformed multilateralism. As developing countries, we understand the power of the Global South. We seek strategic autonomy and support inclusive development. We prioritize sustainable development and climate justice. And, we continue to call for dialogue and diplomacy to address global crises.

Friends,

I always call our diaspora the Rashtradoots. An Ambassador is a Rajdoot, but for me you are all Rashtradoots. They are Ambassadors of Indian culture and values. It is said that no worldly pleasure can compare to the comfort of a mother’s lap.

You, the Indo-Guyanese community, are doubly blessed. You have Guyana as your motherland and Bharat Mata as your ancestral land. Today, when India is a land of opportunities, each one of you can play a bigger role in connecting our two countries.

Friends,

Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz has been launched. I call upon you to participate. Also encourage your friends from Guyana. It will be a good opportunity to understand India, its values, culture and diversity.

Friends,

Next year, from 13 January to 26 February, Maha Kumbh will be held at Prayagraj. I invite you to attend this gathering with families and friends. You can travel to Basti or Gonda, from where many of you came. You can also visit the Ram Temple at Ayodhya. There is another invite.

It is for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas that will be held in Bhubaneshwar in January. If you come, you can also take the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath in Puri. Now with so many events and invitations, I hope to see many of you in India soon. Once again, thank you all for the love and affection you have shown me.

Thank you.
Thank you very much.

And special thanks to my friend Ali. Thanks a lot.