Prime Minister's Statement prior to his departure for Nepal

Published By : Admin | November 25, 2014 | 09:31 IST

I will leave today on a visit to Nepal to attend the 18th SAARC Summit, being hosted by the Government of Nepal in Kathmandu on 26-27 November 2014. 

Although this is my first SAARC Summit, during the last six months, I have interacted extensively with leaders of SAARC countries beginning with their auspicious presence at my swearing in ceremony. Development of close relations with our neighbours is a key priority for my Government. 

The 18th SAARC Summit will focus on the theme of “Deeper Regional Integration for Peace and Prosperity”. India has always emphasized the importance of greater regional integration at all levels for the socio-economic development of the South Asian region. We have undertaken several initiatives in this regard on bilateral, sub-regional and regional basis, and will continue to do more. We hope that the Summit will lead to concrete outcomes, particularly in regard to various initiatives on enhancing connectivity that have been under discussion for a long time. 

I also look forward to holding bilateral discussions with other South Asian Heads of State and Government on the margins of the SAARC Summit. 

This will be my second visit to Nepal within four months, which reflects the importance we attach to our unique and special relations with Nepal. There has been significant progress in the implementation of the decisions taken during my visit to Nepal in August 2014. I look forward to reviewing the progress in our relations with Prime Minister Sushil Koirala and other Nepalese leaders. We also hope to conclude some concrete agreements in the areas of connectivity and development cooperation. 

Explore More
78వ స్వాతంత్ర్య దినోత్సవ వేళ ఎర్రకోట ప్రాకారం నుంచి ప్రధాన మంత్రి శ్రీ నరేంద్ర మోదీ ప్రసంగం

ప్రముఖ ప్రసంగాలు

78వ స్వాతంత్ర్య దినోత్సవ వేళ ఎర్రకోట ప్రాకారం నుంచి ప్రధాన మంత్రి శ్రీ నరేంద్ర మోదీ ప్రసంగం
Bad loans decline: Banks’ gross NPA ratio declines to 13-year low of 2.5% at September end, says RBI report

Media Coverage

Bad loans decline: Banks’ gross NPA ratio declines to 13-year low of 2.5% at September end, says RBI report
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
...
Dr. Manmohan Singh will always be remembered as a kind person, a learned economist and a leader dedicated to reforms: PM
December 27, 2024
Dr. Singh's life teaches future generations how to rise above adversity and achieve great heights: PM
Dr. Singh will always be remembered as a kind person, a learned economist, and a leader dedicated to reforms: PM
Dr. Singh's distinguished parliamentary career was marked by his humility, gentleness, and intellect: PM
Dr. Singh always rose above party politics, maintaining contact with individuals from all parties and being easily accessible to everyone: PM

The demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh ji has deeply pained our hearts. His passing is a tremendous loss for us as a nation. Coming to Bharat during the time of partition after losing so much, and achieving remarkable success in every field of life, is no ordinary feat. His life serves as a lesson for future generations on how to rise above hardships and challenges to reach great heights.

He will always be remembered as a kind-hearted individual, a scholarly economist, and a leader dedicated to reforms. As an economist, he served the Government of Bharat in various capacities. During a challenging time, he played the role of the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. As the Finance Minister in the government of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao ji, he steered the country out of a financial crisis and paved the way for a new economic direction. His contributions as the Prime Minister towards the country’s development and progress will always be cherished.

His commitment to the people and the nation's development will forever be held in high regard. Dr. Manmohan Singh ji's life was a reflection of honesty and simplicity. He was an extraordinary parliamentarian. His humility, gentleness, and intellect defined his parliamentary life. I remember mentioning earlier this year, when his tenure in the Rajya Sabha ended, that his dedication as a Member of Parliament is an inspiration to all. Even during crucial moments of parliamentary sessions, he would attend in a wheelchair and fulfil his parliamentary duties.

Despite being educated at some of the world's most prestigious institutions and holding numerous top positions in the government, he never forgot the values of his humble background. Rising above partisan politics, he always maintained connections with people across party lines and remained approachable to everyone. During my tenure as Chief Minister, I had open discussions with Dr. Manmohan Singh ji on various national and international issues. Even after coming to Delhi, I would frequently meet and converse with him. I will always remember our discussions about the country and our meetings. Recently, I spoke to him on his birthday.

In this difficult moment, I extend my condolences to his family. On behalf of all the citizens of the country, I pay tribute to Dr. Manmohan Singh ji.