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

Explore More
Today, the entire country and entire world is filled with the spirit of Bhagwan Shri Ram: PM Modi at Dhwajarohan Utsav in Ayodhya

Popular Speeches

Today, the entire country and entire world is filled with the spirit of Bhagwan Shri Ram: PM Modi at Dhwajarohan Utsav in Ayodhya
India's chip dreams get a Rs 1.25 lakh crore push with Semiconductor Mission 2.0

Media Coverage

India's chip dreams get a Rs 1.25 lakh crore push with Semiconductor Mission 2.0
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
...

Your Excellency, Honorable मिसेस अज़ारेल अर्नेस्टा,
Speaker of the National Assembly, Honorable मिसेस सिल्वान लेमियेल,
Leader of Government Business,
Honorable मिस्टर बैनॉ जॉर्ज, Leader of Opposition,
Honourable Members of the National Assembly,
And my dear sisters and brothers,
Namaskar!

Bonn apremidi!

It is a special honour to stand before you as the first Indian Prime Minister to address this National Assembly. I thank you, Madam Speaker, for your warm words.

I also thank President एर्मिनी and the people of Seychelles for honouring me with the “Guardian of the Blue Horizon earlier today. It will encourage all those who are making sustained efforts for environment conservation. I bring with me the warm greetings and best wishes of 1.4 billion people of India.

The first country in the Indian Ocean region that I visited as Prime Minister was Seychelles in 2015. It was also my first visit to Africa as Prime Minister. I came here because I believed that Seychelles occupies a special place in India's vision for the Indian Ocean. Today, as I return here after a decade, that conviction is stronger than ever.

And I am delighted to join you as you celebrate fifty years of your independence. Congratulations to you and the people of Seychelles on this special occasion.

Honourable Members,

To address this National Assembly is a rare privilege. Thank you for this special honour. I take this opportunity to congratulate the newly-elected members of this Eighth National Assembly. I also extend my felicitations to you, Madam Speaker, on becoming the first woman Speaker of this august House.

Honourable Members,

It is important to recall today that our friendship did not begin fifty years ago with the establishment of our diplomatic relations. It began much earlier. In August 1770, there were five Indians among those who arrived on board the ship Thelemaque at Saint Anne Island. That voyage showed the path to many more who followed. Over time, their stories became part of the story of modern Seychelles.

It reminds us that the bonds between us were not created by governments. They were built by people, nurtured by families, and sustained by generations. The Indian Ocean made this possible. The Indian Ocean does not separate India and Seychelles. It connects us. That is why we meet not as strangers. We meet as old friends.

Honourable Members,

The greatest strength of Seychelles is its people. Over generations, people from all parts of the world arrived here. They brought with them different languages, customs, beliefs and traditions. And together, they built a shared identity that is proudly Seychellois.

As the motto of this National Assembly says - Unity in Diversity. It can be heard in the melodies of Creole music. It can be seen in the rhythm of the Moutya dance. It can be experienced during Festival Kreol.

When the nation celebrates the richness of its heritage, the connections between our cultures are also visible in everyday life. They can be felt in the flavours of Kari Koko, Samossa, and Chutney. They can be found in the celebrations of Deepavali, Thai Pongal, and the Garba dance during Navratri. This is the Creole spirit that gives us great confidence in the future of our friendship.

Honourable Members,

As maritime neighbours, we recognise that the security of one adds to the security of the other. The prosperity of one contributes to the prosperity of the other. And the stability of the region benefits us all.

This year offers a powerful reminder of the depth of our partnership. Fifty years ago, at the dawn of your independence, an Indian naval ship, INS Nilgiri, was present in Port Victoria as a mark of friendship and solidarity. And today, INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak are docked at Port Victoria to celebrate the Golden Jubilee with you.

The passage of fifty years has changed many things. But it has not changed our commitment to one another. For decades, our defence forces, coast guards, and maritime agencies have trained and worked closely together. India deeply values the professionalism and dedication of the Seychelles Defence Forces and the Seychelles Coast Guard. They play a vital role in safeguarding your own vast maritime domain, as well as the wider Indian Ocean region. Our cooperation in maritime security, capacity building, hydrography, and maritime domain awareness reflects our shared commitment to a safer and more secure region.

I met President Herminie - Ton Pat - this morning and reviewed the remarkable progress achieved in our partnership. We also discussed our shared vision for the future. Our vision is captured in the idea of MAHASAGAR - Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

This vision recognises that our futures are inter-connected and inter-dependent. And, we will continue to work together for a safer and more secure Indian Ocean region.

Honourable Members,

When people look at a map, they may see Seychelles as a group of islands in the Indian Ocean. But we see something much greater. We see a nation whose horizons stretch far beyond its shores. Your maritime domain extends across nearly 1.4 million square kilometres.

This makes Seychelles not a small island state - but a Large Ocean Country. Long before the Blue Economy became a part of global discussions, Seychelles was already leading the way. Whether in protecting marine ecosystems or in advancing innovations like Blue Bonds, your country has helped shape important global conversations. Together, we can build partnerships in fisheries, marine science, coastal management, renewable energy, and sustainable tourism.

Yesterday, I had the honour of planting a sapling of the iconic Coco de Mer tree. Much like Seychelles itself - it is unique, precious, and occupies a special place in the world. The efforts being made by you to protect and preserve this natural wonder reflect a larger philosophy - that humanity must live in harmony with nature.

This sentiment resonates deeply in India as well. Let us work together to ensure that future generations inherit oceans that are healthier, safer, and more abundant than those we enjoy today.

Honourable Members,

The Global South, and especially the island nations, are the most impacted by Climate Change. Its effects are already visible on our coastlines, in the marine ecosystems, in weather patterns, and in our communities. We both firmly believe that those who have contributed the least to climate change should not bear the greatest burden of its consequences.

Climate action must be guided by fairness, responsibility, and equity. This is the essence of climate justice.

India has sought to lead by example. Over the last decade, we have undertaken one of the world's largest expansions of renewable energy. We have championed sustainable lifestyles through Mission LiFE - Lifestyle for Environment. Through our initiatives like International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Global Biofuels Alliance, and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam - a tree for mother - we have worked with partner countries to boost the green transition.

And India is committed to continue working with Seychelles to ensure that the concerns of Small Island Developing States receive the attention they deserve.

Honourable Members,

Seychelles and India both seek a world where development is more inclusive. We both seek a world where international institutions reflect contemporary realities. We believe that our shared future must be shaped collectively, inclusively, and fairly.

This belief guided India's efforts during our G20 Presidency. It was in this spirit that we worked to place the priorities of the Global South at the centre of international discussions. And it was in this spirit that we welcomed the African Union as a permanent member of the G20. This is the spirit that unites the Global South. And this is the vision that India and Seychelles will continue to advance together.

Honourable Members,

As we celebrate the achievements of the past fifty years, we must also look ahead. The future of Seychelles will be shaped by its youth. We are proud that students, professionals, officials, and security forces of Seychelles have trained and studied in India for decades.

In fact, it is said that one in every fifty people in Seychelles has undergone some training in India. They have returned home with skills, friendships, and experiences that continue to strengthen our partnership today.

I was delighted to learn about your IGNITE initiative to provide internships for the youth. It is an excellent framework, and we can explore new avenues for cooperation in this sector.

A key focus area for such cooperation can be in digital innovation. India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has demonstrated how technology can expand opportunity, improve governance, boost financial inclusion, and deliver services for hundreds of millions of people.

We would be happy to share our experiences and expertise as you pursue your own digital transformation. I am confident that the young people of Seychelles will embrace these opportunities with the same determination that guided the first fifty years of independence.

Honourable Members,

Today, as I stand before you in this historic Golden Jubilee year, our people are celebrating a friendship that stretches back more than two and a half centuries. Few partnerships are built on foundations as deep. And few partnerships have grown with such warmth, trust, and goodwill.

As we look ahead, let us continue to build upon these foundations. India will remain your trusted partner. We will celebrate your achievements. We will support your aspirations. And we will stand beside you as friends.

The last fifty years have been remarkable. But I firmly believe that the best chapters of the Seychelles story are yet to be written. And the best of our friendship is yet to come.