One of India’s strongest well-wishers PM Lee is in the driving seat for Singapore and for our bilateral relationship: PM Modi
To deliver benefits to both our people, our partnership aims to combine the strengths of Singapore with the scale of India: PM Modi
The trade and investment ties form the bedrock of our bilateral relationship: PM Modi to PM Loong of Singapore
Our defence and security cooperation is a key pillar of our strategic partnership: PM Modi to PM Loong of Singapore
Rising tide of terrorism, especially cross-border terrorism, and rise of radicalization are grave challenges to our security: PM Modi
It is my firm belief that those who believe in peace and humanity need to stand and act together against this menace (of terrorism): PM

Excellency Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
Members of the media.

I have been informed that Singapore is leading the world in putting driverless cars on the road. But, I rest assured, we all rest assured, that one of India’s strongest well-wishers Prime Minister Lee is in the driving seat for Singapore and for our bilateral relationship. Excellency Lee, you are a friend of India. We commend your commitment and contribution to strengthening our ties. It is indeed a great honour for me to welcome you here today.

Friends,

My first visit to Singapore as Prime Minister was on a solemn occasion, to pay our respects to Lee Kuan Yew, a guiding light not just for Singapore, but for the whole of Asia. This year, we were saddened by the demise of another great son of Singapore, former President S. R. Nathan. He was a close friend of India, and we had the honour to confer on him the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman. We will miss him.

Friends,

Singapore’s National Anthem is "Majulah Singapura”– "Onward, Singapore” No surprise, therefore, that if there is one country that seems to act in the present, but is alive to the needs of the future, it is Singapore. Whether it is manufacturing, environment, innovation, technology, or delivery of public services, Singapore does today what the rest of the world would do tomorrow.

Friends,

Less than twelve months ago, during my visit to Singapore, we had upgraded our bilateral relationship to the level of a Strategic Partnership with "Renewed Spirit, New Energy”. To deliver benefits to both our people, our partnership aims to combine the strengths of Singapore with the scale of India; and dynamism of Singapore with vibrancy of our States. During my visit last year we had drawn up a road map to realize our ambitious cooperative agenda. Expeditious implementation of agreed decisions has also been an important element of our engagement. Today, Excellency Lee and I undertook a detailed review of the shape and substance of our strategic partnership. During my visit to Singapore, Prime Minister Lee had taken me on a visit to the Institute for Technical Education. Today, we have signed two MOUs focused on skill development: one, to set up a Skill Development Centre for our North Eastern States in Guwahati; and the other with the National Skill Development Council. I also welcome the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence for Tourism Training in Udaipur, in cooperation with the State Government of Rajasthan. Rajasthan is also partnering with Singapore in the fields of urban development and waste management. Singapore is already our partner in developing Amaravati, the new capital city of Andhra Pradesh.

Friends,

The trade and investment ties form the bedrock of our bilateral relationship. We enjoy a strong network of business to business partnerships. In this context, Prime Minister Lee and I have agreed to expedite the second review of our Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. The MOU on Intellectual Property, which has been signed today, will facilitate greater business to business exchanges and collaborations. Prime Minister Lee and I also welcome the issuance of corporate Rupee bonds in Singapore. It is a step forward in our efforts to mobilize capital for India’s large infrastructure development needs.

Friends, 

Our defence and security cooperation is a key pillar of our strategic partnership. As two maritime nations, keeping the sea lanes of communication open, and respect for international legal order of seas and oceans is a shared priority. Our cooperation in the framework of ASEAN, East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Framework is aimed at building an open and inclusive architecture for regional cooperation, in an atmosphere of trust and confidence. Rising tide of terrorism, especially cross-border terrorism, and the rise of radicalization are grave challenges to our security. They threaten the very fabric of our societies. It is my firm belief that those who believe in peace and humanity need to stand and act together against this menace. Today, we have agreed to enhance our cooperation to counter these threats, including in the domain of cyber security.

Excellency Lee,

India has embarked on a path of strong economic growth and transformation. In this journey, we regard Singapore as a key partner. Recently, we benefitted from Deputy Prime Minister Shanmugaratnam's ideas on transforming India. I also deeply value your personal friendship, and your leadership in taking our bilateral relationship forward. Once again, I extend to you and your delegation my warmest welcome. I am confident that your visit to India will be productive and successful.

Thank you.
Thank you very much.

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अयोध्येत श्री राम जन्मभूमी मंदिर ध्वजारोहण उत्सवात पंतप्रधानांनी केलेले भाषण

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अयोध्येत श्री राम जन्मभूमी मंदिर ध्वजारोहण उत्सवात पंतप्रधानांनी केलेले भाषण
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Prime Minister urges MPs to vote in favour of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam Amendment, Calls it Historic Opportunity
April 17, 2026

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has highlighted that a discussion is currently underway in Parliament on the amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, noting that deliberations continued till 1 AM last night.

He stated that all misconceptions surrounding the amendment have been addressed with logical responses, and every concern raised by members has been resolved. The Prime Minister added that necessary information, wherever lacking, has also been provided to all members, ensuring that issues of opposition have been clarified.

Emphasising that the issue of women’s reservation has witnessed political debates for nearly four decades, the Prime Minister said that the time has now come to ensure that women, who constitute half of the country’s population, receive their rightful representation.

He observed that even after decades of independence, the low representation of women in the decision-making process is not appropriate and needs to be corrected.

The Prime Minister informed that voting in the Lok Sabha is expected shortly and urged all political parties to take a thoughtful and sensitive decision by voting in favour of the women’s reservation amendment.

Appealing on behalf of the women of the country, he urged all Members of Parliament to ensure that no action hurts the sentiments of Nari Shakti. He noted that crores of women are looking towards the Parliament, its intent, and its decisions.

The Prime Minister called upon MPs to reflect upon their families-mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives—and listen to their inner conscience while making the decision.

He described the amendment as a significant opportunity to serve and honour the women of the nation and urged members not to deprive them of new opportunities.

Expressing confidence, the Prime Minister said that if the amendment is passed unanimously, it will further strengthen Nari Shakti as well as the country’s democracy.

Calling it a historic moment, he urged all members to come together to create history by granting rightful representation to women, who form half of India’s population.

The Prime Minister wrote on X;

“संसद में इस समय नारीशक्ति वंदन अधिनियम में संशोधन पर चर्चा चल रही है। कल रात भी एक बजे तक चर्चा चली है।

जो भ्रम फैलाए गए, उनको दूर करने के लिए तर्कबद्ध जवाब दिया गया है। हर आशंका का समाधान किया गया है। जिन जानकारियों का अभाव था, वो जानकारियां भी हर सदस्य को दी गई हैं। किसी के मन में विरोध का जो कोई भी विषय था, उसका भी समाधान हुआ है।

महिला आरक्षण के इस विषय पर देश में चार दशक तक बहुत राजनीति कर ली गई है। अब समय है कि देश की आधी आबादी को उसके अधिकार अवश्य मिलें।

आजादी के इतने दशकों बाद भी भारत की महिलाओं का निर्णय प्रक्रिया में इतना कम प्रतिनिधित्व रहे, ये ठीक नहीं।

अब कुछ ही देर लोकसभा में मतदान होने वाला है। मैं सभी राजनीतिक दलों से आग्रह करता हूं… अपील करता हूं...

कृपया करके सोच-विचार करके पूरी संवेदनशीलता से निर्णय लें, महिला आरक्षण के पक्ष में मतदान करें।

मैं देश की नारी शक्ति की तरफ से भी सभी सदस्यों से प्रार्थना करूंगा… कुछ भी ऐसा ना करें, जिनसे नारीशक्ति की भावनाएं आहत हों।

देश की करोड़ों महिलाओं की दृष्टि हम सभी पर है, हमारी नीयत पर है, हमारे निर्णय पर है। कृपया करके नारीशक्ति वंदन अधिनियम में संशोधन का साथ दें।”

“मैं सभी सांसदों से कहूंगा...

आप अपने घर में मां-बहन-बेटी-पत्नी सबका स्मरण करते हुए अपनी अंतरात्मा को सुनिए ...

देश की नारीशक्ति की सेवा का, उनके वंदन का ये बहुत बड़ा अवसर है।

उन्हें नए अवसरों से वंचित नहीं करिए।

ये संशोधन सर्वसम्मति से पारित होगा, तो देश की नारीशक्ति और सशक्त होगी… देश का लोकतंत्र और सशक्त होगा।

आइए… हम मिलकर आज इतिहास रचें। भारत की नारी को… देश की आधी आबादी को उसका हक दें।”

"Parliament is discussing a historic legislation that paves the way for women’s reservation in legislative bodies. The discussions, which began yesterday, lasted till around 1 AM and have continued since the House proceedings began this morning.

The Government has addressed all apprehensions and misconceptions relating to the legislation with facts and logic. All concerns have been addressed and any gaps in information have also been filled.

For nearly four decades, this issue of women’s reservation in legislative bodies has been inordinately delayed. Now is the time to ensure that half of the nation’s population receives its rightful due in decision making. Even after so many decades of Independence, it is not right that women in India have such limited representation in this area.

In a short while from now, voting will take place in the Lok Sabha. I urge and appeal to all political parties to reflect carefully and take a sensitive decision by voting in favour of women’s reservation.

On behalf of our Nari Shakti, I also request all members not to do anything that may hurt the sentiments of women across India. Crores of women are watching us…our intent and our decisions. I once again request that everyone support the amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.”

"I would like to appeal to all Members of Parliament…

Please reflect upon your conscience, remembering the women in your own families.

The legislation to ensure women’s reservation in legislative bodies is a significant opportunity to do justice to women of our nation.

Please do not deprive our Nari Shakti of new opportunities.

If this amendment is passed unanimously, it will further empower the women of our country and strengthen our democracy.

Let us come together today to create history.

Let us ensure that the women of India, who are half of the nation’s population, receive their rightful due.”