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மோடியின் உத்தரவாதம் - 'ஒரு விக்சித் பாரத்' (வளர்ச்சியடைந்த இந்தியா)

Published By : Admin | November 23, 2023 | 19:31 IST

As participants in the social contract, citizens in a democracy entrust governments to provide services that they cannot individually secure. However, government accountability is not inherently guaranteed by this social contract. Effective leadership becomes crucial in this complex scenario.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stands as a tall example of strong, effective leadership that can deliver on its promises.

In a letter written to the people of Rajasthan on the eve of upcoming assembly elections, PM Modi recalled fondly the characteristic history of Rajasthan. He said that the state’s past is replete with examples where people have sacrificed even their lives to stay true to their word. In a similar vein, the Prime Minister enunciated ‘Modi Yaani Har Guarantee Poori Hone Ki Guarantee’.

‘Modi Ki Guarantee’ denotes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to the aspirations of the common man. It echoes the resolution of his government to serve the last man standing. It allows us to witness a political phenomenon, hitherto missing, where promises carry meaning and are executed meaningfully.

The expanse of these guarantees extends to the most fundamental of needs. We have been a witness to the reality of most people in our country still being deprived of the basic necessities of life even as we celebrate Independence year after year. Past efforts have fallen short of building a nation, equally abundant and statistically inspiring. However, the summer of 2014 set in motion a volley of changes that gave us hope and enlivened in us the idea of daring to dream beyond the basics.

As we begin, we must appreciate the tremendous transformation of India, from being a net importer of food grains in the ‘60s to one of the largest cereal exporters today. In recent years, significant progress has been made in improving access to food and expanding the security net for the underprivileged. Speaking at a rally in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, the PM said, “During Covid-19, the biggest concern of the poor was what they would feed their children…then I decided that I will not let any poor sleep hungry, hence the BJP government started the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.” The scheme guarantees free rations to 80 crore Indians and has been extended for the next five years. Besides, the annadatas of the country, the farmers have been rightfully supported via PM KISAN, a scheme that benefits over 11 crore farmers today.

Also, as studies indicate, 13.5 crore people were lifted out of poverty under the ongoing government of PM Modi—something which once relegated to the rhetoric of previous governments and slogans like 'Garibi Hatao'. The Prime Minister’s concern for the underprivileged stems from years in public life, traveling through the length and breadth of the country. As a result, in the words of the PM himself, his government began its work with a spirit of service with doorstep delivery of services to the poor as its topmost priority. The recently launched Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is in line with this vision. As it traverses the indelicate realities of rural India, the Yatra aims to reach the last mile, and educate them about a variety of government schemes that they can benefit from. Looking to cover 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayats and 3,600 urban local bodies by January 25, 2024, this initiative is in a way Modi’s guarantee to the poor of this country, to our mothers and sisters, to the farmers and the youth of this country.

As he spoke on the launch of the Yatra, PM Modi highlighted how his government has sanctioned over 4 crore houses under PM Awas Yojana—a unique guarantee towards Housing for All. According to the PM, the approach to focus on long-pending issues instead of picking easy outcomes has helped the government make welfare a reality. 100% electrification of villages which were earlier doomed to live in obscurity is a clear example of this approach.

Water, which is vital for life, had been a distant reality for crores of households in India. Women were at the forefront of this crisis, collecting and carrying water through sickness and health even after several years of Independence. However, the Prime Minister has always encouraged women to be equal partners in India’s development, and his government’s Jal Jeevan Mission attests to that. Today over 13 crore tap water connections have been provided, taking the coverage to 70% of the families from only 17% about a decade ago.

Women have also been at the forefront of bearing the brunt of the sanitation crisis. Before 2014, sanitation coverage in villages was only 40%, whereas after the government’s behavioral nudge in the form of Swachh Bharat Mission, the country is 100% ODF-free. Further, the government’s guarantee of smokeless kitchens is close to saturation with 10 crore LPG connections being sanctioned under Ujjwala. Today almost 100% of villages in India have LPG connections as against 50-55% earlier.

As we speak of bijli, paani, makaan—the other basic human rights that determine good health—the Modi government has been determined to redefine the contours of healthcare ever since it came to power. Today Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana guarantees free medical treatment up to Rs. 5 lakhs to over 55 crore individuals every year. Nearly 27.38 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued under the formidable plan. Moreover, in a bid to reduce the woes of expanding out-of-pocket expenditure, the Jan Aushadhi Kendras provide affordable yet quality medicines at a minimum discount of 75%, leading to Rs. 23,000 crore in savings. Today, child immunization has expanded its coverage to almost 100% in 6 states/UTs, and 90% in 17 states.

As we walk through the above-mentioned data, it is amply clear that PM Modi’s government has performed competently on the parameters of delivery and diligence. The past has outlived its circumstance marred by corruption, appeasement politics and a clear lack of vision. Today, PM Modi’s whole-of-government approach has made the underprivileged its topmost priority, taking each initiative to its logical conclusion with effect.

As India’s journey towards equitable and inclusive development advances, PM Modi has expressed optimism for a future where every individual, particularly the poor and the underprivileged, will have access to essential amenities. “A ration card ensuring free rations, an Ujjwala gas connection, consistent electricity supply in homes, access to tap water, Ayushman card for healthcare, and security of a home,” the PM said reassuringly.

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Joint Statement: Official visit of Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India to Kuwait (December 21-22, 2024)
December 22, 2024

At the invitation of His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of India His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Kuwait on 21-22 December 2024. This was his first visit to Kuwait. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait on 21 December 2024 as the ‘Guest of Honour’ of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait received Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Bayan Palace on 22 December 2024 and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi expressed his deep appreciation to His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for conferring on him the highest award of the State of Kuwait ‘The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer’. The leaders exchanged views on bilateral, global, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

Given the traditional, close and friendly bilateral relations and desire to deepen cooperation in all fields, the two leaders agreed to elevate the relations between India and Kuwait to a ‘Strategic Partnership’. The leaders stressed that it is in line with the common interests of the two countries and for the mutual benefit of the two peoples. Establishment of a strategic partnership between both countries will further broad-base and deepen our long-standing historical ties.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait. In light of the newly established strategic partnership, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations through comprehensive and structured cooperation in key areas, including political, trade, investment, defence, security, energy, culture, education, technology and people-to-people ties.

The two sides recalled the centuries-old historical ties rooted in shared history and cultural affinities. They noted with satisfaction the regular interactions at various levels which have helped in generating and sustaining the momentum in the multifaceted bilateral cooperation. Both sides emphasized on sustaining the recent momentum in high-level exchanges through regular bilateral exchanges at Ministerial and senior-official levels.

The two sides welcomed the recent establishment of a Joint Commission on Cooperation (JCC) between India and Kuwait. The JCC will be an institutional mechanism to review and monitor the entire spectrum of the bilateral relations between the two countries and will be headed by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. To further expand our bilateral cooperation across various fields, new Joint Working Groups (JWGs) have been set up in areas of trade, investments, education and skill development, science and technology, security and counter-terrorism, agriculture, and culture, in addition to the existing JWGs on Health, Manpower and Hydrocarbons. Both sides emphasized on convening the meetings of the JCC and the JWGs under it at an early date.

Both sides noted that trade has been an enduring link between the two countries and emphasized on the potential for further growth and diversification in bilateral trade. They also emphasized on the need for promoting exchange of business delegations and strengthening institutional linkages.

Recognizing that the Indian economy is one of the fastest growing emerging major economies and acknowledging Kuwait’s significant investment capacity, both sides discussed various avenues for investments in India. The Kuwaiti side welcomed steps taken by India in making a conducive environment for foreign direct investments and foreign institutional investments, and expressed interest to explore investment opportunities in different sectors, including technology, tourism, healthcare, food-security, logistics and others. They recognized the need for closer and greater engagement between investment authorities in Kuwait with Indian institutions, companies and funds. They encouraged companies of both countries to invest and participate in infrastructure projects. They also directed the concerned authorities of both countries to fast-track and complete the ongoing negotiations on the Bilateral Investment Treaty.

Both sides discussed ways to enhance their bilateral partnership in the energy sector. While expressing satisfaction at the bilateral energy trade, they agreed that potential exists to further enhance it. They discussed avenues to transform the cooperation from a buyer-seller relationship to a comprehensive partnership with greater collaboration in upstream and downstream sectors. Both sides expressed keenness to support companies of the two countries to increase cooperation in the fields of exploration and production of oil and gas, refining, engineering services, petrochemical industries, new and renewable energy. Both sides also agreed to discuss participation by Kuwait in India's Strategic Petroleum Reserve Programme.

Both sides agreed that defence is an important component of the strategic partnership between India and Kuwait. The two sides welcomed the signing of the MoU in the field of Defence that will provide the required framework to further strengthen bilateral defence ties, including through joint military exercises, training of defence personnel, coastal defence, maritime safety, joint development and production of defence equipment.

The two sides unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism and called for disrupting of terrorism financing networks and safe havens, and dismantling of terror infrastructure. Expressing appreciation of their ongoing bilateral cooperation in the area of security, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, information and intelligence sharing, developing and exchanging experiences, best practices and technologies, capacity building and to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug-trafficking and other transnational crimes. The two sides discussed ways and means to promote cooperation in cybersecurity, including prevention of use of cyberspace for terrorism, radicalisation and for disturbing social harmony. The Indian side praised the results of the fourth high-level conference on "Enhancing International Cooperation in Combating Terrorism and Building Resilient Mechanisms for Border Security - The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process," which was hosted by the State of Kuwait on November 4-5, 2024.

Both sides acknowledged health cooperation as one of the important pillars of bilateral ties and expressed their commitment to further strengthen collaboration in this important sector. Both sides appreciated the bilateral cooperation during the COVID- 19 pandemic. They discussed the possibility of setting up of Indian pharmaceutical manufacturing plants in Kuwait. They also expressed their intent to strengthen cooperation in the field of medical products regulation in the ongoing discussions on an MoU between the drug regulatory authorities.

The two sides expressed interest in pursuing deeper collaboration in the area of technology including emerging technologies, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. They discussed avenues to explore B2B cooperation, furthering e-Governance, and sharing best practices for facilitating industries/companies of both countries in the policies and regulation in the electronics and IT sector.

The Kuwaiti side also expressed interest in cooperation with India to ensure its food-security. Both sides discussed various avenues for collaboration including investments by Kuwaiti companies in food parks in India.

The Indian side welcomed Kuwait’s decision to become a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), marking a significant step towards collaboration in developing and deploying low-carbon growth trajectories and fostering sustainable energy solutions. Both sides agreed to work closely towards increasing the deployment of solar energy across the globe within ISA.

Both sides noted the recent meetings between the civil aviation authorities of both countries. The two sides discussed the increase of bilateral flight seat capacities and associated issues. They agreed to continue discussions in order to reach a mutually acceptable solution at an early date.

Appreciating the renewal of the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for 2025-2029, which will facilitate greater cultural exchanges in arts, music, and literature festivals, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment on further enhancing people to people contacts and strengthening the cultural cooperation.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the signing of the Executive Program on Cooperation in the Field of Sports for 2025-2028. which will strengthen cooperation in the area of sports including mutual exchange and visits of sportsmen, organising workshops, seminars and conferences, exchange of sports publications between both nations.

Both sides highlighted that education is an important area of cooperation including strengthening institutional linkages and exchanges between higher educational institutions of both countries. Both sides also expressed interest in collaborating on Educational Technology, exploring opportunities for online learning platforms and digital libraries to modernize educational infrastructure.

As part of the activities under the MoU between Sheikh Saud Al Nasser Al Sabah Kuwaiti Diplomatic Institute and the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), both sides welcomed the proposal to organize the Special Course for diplomats and Officers from Kuwait at SSIFS in New Delhi.

Both sides acknowledged that centuries old people-to-people ties represent a fundamental pillar of the historic India-Kuwait relationship. The Kuwaiti leadership expressed deep appreciation for the role and contribution made by the Indian community in Kuwait for the progress and development of their host country, noting that Indian citizens in Kuwait are highly respected for their peaceful and hard-working nature. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi conveyed his appreciation to the leadership of Kuwait for ensuring the welfare and well-being of this large and vibrant Indian community in Kuwait.

The two sides stressed upon the depth and importance of long standing and historical cooperation in the field of manpower mobility and human resources. Both sides agreed to hold regular meetings of Consular Dialogue as well as Labour and Manpower Dialogue to address issues related to expatriates, labour mobility and matters of mutual interest.

The two sides appreciated the excellent coordination between both sides in the UN and other multilateral fora. The Indian side welcomed Kuwait’s entry as ‘dialogue partner’ in SCO during India’s Presidency of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2023. The Indian side also appreciated Kuwait’s active role in the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD). The Kuwaiti side highlighted the importance of making the necessary efforts to explore the possibility of transforming the ACD into a regional organisation.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi congratulated His Highness the Amir on Kuwait’s assumption of the Presidency of GCC this year and expressed confidence that the growing India-GCC cooperation will be further strengthened under his visionary leadership. Both sides welcomed the outcomes of the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers held in Riyadh on 9 September 2024. The Kuwaiti side as the current Chair of GCC assured full support for deepening of the India-GCC cooperation under the recently adopted Joint Action Plan in areas including health, trade, security, agriculture and food security, transportation, energy, culture, amongst others. Both sides also stressed the importance of early conclusion of the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement.

In the context of the UN reforms, both leaders emphasized the importance of an effective multilateral system, centered on a UN reflective of contemporary realities, as a key factor in tackling global challenges. The two sides stressed the need for the UN reforms, including of the Security Council through expansion in both categories of membership, to make it more representative, credible and effective.

The following documents were signed/exchanged during the visit, which will further deepen the multifaceted bilateral relationship as well as open avenues for newer areas of cooperation:● MoU between India and Kuwait on Cooperation in the field of Defence.

● Cultural Exchange Programme between India and Kuwait for the years 2025-2029.

● Executive Programme between India and Kuwait on Cooperation in the field of Sports for 2025-2028 between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India and Public Authority for Youth and Sports, Government of the State of Kuwait.

● Kuwait’s membership of International Solar Alliance (ISA).

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi thanked His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. The visit reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Kuwait. The leaders expressed optimism that this renewed partnership would continue to grow, benefiting the people of both countries and contributing to regional and global stability. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also invited His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait to visit India.