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Press Statement by Prime Minister during his visit to the Netherlands

Published By : Admin | June 27, 2017 | 16:09 IST
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Your Excellency, Prime Minister Mark Rutte,

It was in the month of June 2015 that I had the opportunity of welcoming you in India. I have said at that time that June usually is characterized by very high temperatures in India, it’s very hot and yet you chose that month to come to India and that was a symbol of your commitment towards our bilateral relations.

Today, after exactly two years I too have come to the Netherlands in the month of June, but of course between Delhi and the Hague there is a lot of difference as far as temperatures are concerned. It’s almost like day and night. The weather here, as I can see, is very pleasant.

First of all Excellencies, I would like to thank you and express my gratitude for the warm welcome that has been accorded to not just me but my entire delegation and through this warm welcome you have expressed warm sentiments for Indian people.

Excellency, this visit of mine to the Netherlands was decided at a very short notice and yet I have to put on record that the way the visit has been organized, not only did you agree to accommodating this visit at such a short notice but in this very short period of time a very substantive program has been put together and it is a very result oriented program. I would like to laud your leadership and I think it is a manifestation of your excellent leadership.

Excellency, you are absolutely right, the relations that exist between India and Netherland are centuries old and it is also both our country’s intention to always make them deeper and closer. This year, as you said Excellency, we mark the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and the Netherlands and it is absolutely, therefore natural that we focus even more on our bilateral relations.

Today’s world is an inter-dependent and inter-connected world therefore it is absolutely natural that in our discussions we will be discussion not only bilateral issues but also issues of international importance.

As far as international issues are concerned there is a lot of convergence of views between our two countries and it is with the help of Netherlands that India successfully got membership of the MTCR last year and for that I would like to thank you heartily.

As far as bilateral investments are concerned, till now Netherlands stands at the fifth largest source of Foreign Direct Investments. In fact during the last three years it has become the third largest source of Foreign Direct Investments.

I don’t think there is any need to repeat the fact that in India’s economic development, in our priorities for development, Netherlands is a natural partner.

Today we will also get an opportunity to have a meeting with the CEOs of Dutch companies and I hope they continue to have a positive outlook as far as India is concerned and I am eager to hear their views.

Today I will also have an opportunity to meet people of Indian origin living in the Netherlands. The Indian diaspora here is a living link and bridge between the two countries. It is also our endeavor to further strengthen these people-to-people contacts.

For me indeed it is a matter of good fortune that I will also be calling on His Majesty, the King and Her Majesty, the Queen and indeed I am looking forward to my meeting with them. Once again I express my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Rutte, and the Government and the people of Netherlands. Thank you.

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Amid a massive gathering in Ernakulam today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the enthusiasm and confidence of the people reflected a strong aspiration for Keralam’s development and a new political direction in the state. He emphasised that the aspirations of the people clearly indicate a desire for faster growth and new opportunities.

Expressing confidence in the people’s mandate, PM Modi said, “The 21st century is a crucial time for Keralam. The state needs a new future and a new beginning. I am happy that the people of Keralam have decided to come out of the cycle of LDF and UDF. The confidence visible in this massive public meeting shows that people are ready for change.”

Highlighting the vision of a double-engine government, He stated Keralam possesses immense natural and human potential. He noted that the state has nature, culture, talent, technology and the blessings of the vast sea. However, he remarked that despite these strengths, development had not progressed at the desired pace due to alternating governments and political patterns that slowed long-term progress.

Calling for a new political direction, PM Modi iterated, “For rapid development, this pattern must change. You have given Congress and the Left more than seventy years. Now give BJP-NDA the next five years and you will see the vision of a Viksit Keralam take shape. You have Modi’s guarantee, what has not changed until now will change and Keralam will move forward.”

The Prime Minister said the vision of BJP-NDA is to position Keralam as a global hub for wellness, tourism and cultural experiences. He said, “For a Viksit Keralam, we must create new opportunities in tourism, talent and technology. The youth of Keralam have tremendous capability, and they should lead new sectors like startups, innovation and emerging technologies.”

Highlighting economic priorities, the PM stated, “Our government has ensured financial support and security for fishermen. Fishermen have been provided access to credit through the Kisan Credit Card and insurance coverage of up to five lakh rupees. Major projects like the Vizhinjam International Seaport show our commitment to strengthening the Blue Economy.”

Addressing concerns related to developments in the Gulf region, PM Modi said the government remains fully committed to the safety and welfare of Indian citizens working abroad. “Whenever any Indian citizen has faced danger anywhere in the world, India has made every effort to bring them back safely. Our embassies and missions are working round the clock to ensure help, food, medical care and support for our people,” he said.

“Whether it was rescuing nurses trapped in Iraq or securing the release of Father Tom from terrorists in Yemen, today’s India does not leave its citizens alone in times of crisis. We also brought Father Alexis Prem Kumar safely back from Afghanistan. Even today, our effort is to ensure safety and every possible assistance for Indians caught in difficult situations,” he added.

Coming down heavily on the Congress, PM Modi said, “It is unfortunate that even in such a serious global situation, the Congress party is indulging in politics. Congress leaders are making provocative statements so that the situation worsens, our people face difficulties and then they can start a campaign of abusing Modi.”

Highlighting the importance of self-reliance, PM Modi said, “India is continuously working to become self-reliant in the energy sector. Solar power capacity is expanding, electric mobility is being promoted and railway electrification is progressing rapidly. These steps are strengthening India’s long-term energy security.”

“On one hand, the BJP-NDA government is working tirelessly to make India self-reliant. On the other hand, Congress and the Left are busy mocking the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign. When they were in power, they only increased the country’s dependence on foreign nations. Even today, at a time when the world is facing conflict, Congress, the Left and their ecosystem are spreading rumours and creating panic. I urge the people of the country to stay alert and cautious against such misinformation.”

Criticising political opponents in the state, the Prime Minister said LDF and UDF represent two sides of the same system. He alleged that both groups have been associated with corruption, stalled development and divisive politics, which have hindered the progress of the state.

He continued, “When UDF was in power, the state witnessed the solar scam. Today, under LDF rule, the CMRL scam is dominating the headlines. Look at their partnership even in controversies around the Sabarimala temple. There are allegations of gold loot against leaders of one side and accusations of selling the looted gold against leaders of the other.”

Taking a swipe at the UDF and LDF, PM Modi asserted, "On one side is the UDF led by the Congress, which has now become MMC - Muslim League Maoist Congress. To win elections in Keralam, Congress depends on organisations like Jamaat and others whose radical agendas threaten the peace of the state. On the other side, the LDF has long-standing ties with extremist elements like the PDP, whose leaders are known for spreading extremism among the youth. Therefore, the people of Keralam must remain cautious of both UDF and LDF.”

Calling for a new mandate, the Prime Minister concluded by saying, “The goal of BJP is the development of the nation and the development of Keralam. With a BJP-NDA government here and a double-engine government, Keralam will move ahead with double the speed toward prosperity and growth.”