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PM Modi addresses civic reception at Kathmandu, Nepal

Published By : Admin | May 12, 2018 | 16:39 IST
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Shakyaji, you, your colleagues and Kathmandu's municipal corporation have organized this reception for me. I am extremely grateful to you people for this thing. It is not only for me, but it is an honor to entire India. Not only me, but 1.25 billion Indians are also grateful. Every Indian has a relationship of affinity with Kathmandu and Nepal. And I am also fortunate to have got this thing.

Even when I was not in politics… Whenever I visit Nepal, I have this feeling of peace and affection. And the biggest reason for this is your love, your affection and the warm welcome and respect shown by you people.

Yesterday, I was in Janakpur. It gives a very important message to the modern world. What was the uniqueness of Raja Janak? He caused the destruction of weapon and joined all with love and affection. This is the land that destroys the weapons and binds with love and affection.

Friends, whenever I think of Kathmandu then the image that emerges is not just of a city. That image is not of just a geographical valley. It’s not just that Kathmandu is mere capital of our neighbor and inseparable friend Nepal. It is not only the capital of the country of Mt. Everest and Lily Guraj. It is not only the capital of the country of Lord Buddha's birthplace. Kathmandu is a world in itself and the history of this world is as old, as majestic and as vast as the Himalayas.

Kathmandu has always attracted me. Because this city is as deep as it is fast moving. It is a precious jewel in the lap of the Himalayas. Kathmandu, is not just a canopy made of wood. This is a divine and grand palace of our shared culture and heritage. The city's diversity gives a glimpse of Nepal's great heritage and its large heart. Whether it is the forest of Nagarjuna or the hills of Shivpuri, whether it is calmness of hundreds of waterfalls and streams or the origins of Baghmati, this city of thousands of temples, Manjushree caves and Buddhist monasteries is unique in the world in itself.

From the roof of the buildings here one can see Dhaulagiri and Annapurna on one side and Sagarmatha on the other side which are known to the world as Everest and Kanchan Jangha. Where else this kind of view is possible? And if it is possible then it’s only and only in Kathmandu.

The patterns of Basantpur, the reputation of Patan, the magnificence of Bharatpur, the art of Keertipur and the elegance of Lalitpur; it seems Kathmandu has gathered all the colors of a rainbow in itself. So many traditions are mixed in its air just as Roli mixes with sandalwood. Prayers at Pashupatinath; gathering of devotees; spirituality walking on the stairs of the Sovereign Lord; chanting of 'Om Mani Padme Hum' echoing at the every step taken by the pilgrims performing parikrma of Lord Buddha. It seems as if all the musical notes of a tune have embraced each other on the threads.

I have been told that certain festivals, such as the festivals of Nevari community, are such that have an unprecedented confluence of Buddhists and Hindu beliefs and practices. Tradition and culture have made the artisans and handicraft of Kathmandu unmatched. Whether it is handmade paper or statues like Tara and Buddha; whether it is utensils made of clay from Bharatpur or stone, wood and metal work of Patan, Kathmandu is the great amalgamation of Nepal's unique art and craftsmanship. And I am glad that the new generation of Nepal have been following very well this tradition. And it is also bringing a newness to it by modifying it as per the youth.

Friends, I have had the privilege of visiting Pashupatinath in both of my visits to Nepal so far. In this visit, I was fortunate to visit Janakpur Dham and Muktinath in addition to Pashupati Nath, to all the three holy shrines. These three places are not only important pilgrim centers, they are India and Nepal's unshakable and unbreakable relation like Mt. Everest. In future whenever there will be an opportunity for me to visit Nepal, I will certainly make a programme to visit Lord Buddha's birth place Lumbini.

Friends, peace, and balance with nature, and value systems of both of our countries which are filled with spiritual values, these are a legacy for all the mankind and for the entire world. And, therefore, it is not surprising thing that people from all over the world are drawn towards India and Nepal in search of peace.

Some people go to Banaras and some other visit Bodh Gaya, while some go and stay in the lap of the Himalayas, while some other people live like ascetics in the monasteries of Buddha, but the quest is the same. The solution to the malaise of modern life will be found in the shared values ​​of India and Nepal.

Friends, Pashupatinath located on the bank of river Bagmati in Kathmandu and Kashi Vishwanath located on the banks of river Ganges, Buddha's birthplace Lumbini, Bodh Gaya - the place for hermitage, and Sarnath – the region from where the message was delivered.

Friends, we all of us have a rich and common heritage which is thousands of years old. Our shared heritage is the property of youth of both the countries. It has the roots of their past, the seeds of the present and the shoots of their future.

Friends, the entire world is passing through an era of several types of changes. Global environment is full of several fluctuations and uncertainties.

Friends, for thousands of years this belief that the whole world is one family has been the philosophy of India. We have been taking forward our philosophy of Sabka Sath-Sabka Vikas (Together with all, development for all) in our foreign cooperation policy with the same piousness. There is a prayer in Indian scriptures:

सर्वे भवन्‍तु सुखिन: सर्वे सन्‍तु निरामया:। सर्वे भद्राणि पश्‍यन्‍तु मा कश्चित् दुःख भाग्भवेत्।

Which means: May all be happy, may all be healthy. May there is wellbeing for everyone, may no one suffer. Indian seers have always dreamed of this thing. To achieve this ideal, our foreign policy is based on taking everyone along with us and we particularly share the experiences and opportunities of India with our neighborhood. In our culture ‘Neighborhood First’ is not just foreign policy but it is a way of living. There are many examples. While being a developing country itself, India has been cooperating for more than 50 years for capacity building in more than 160 countries under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Program, and we have been extending our cooperation as per the requirements of those countries.

Last year India launched South Asia satellite. As a result of this, our neighboring countries are receiving its services as a gift from our space capabilities. And when I had come here at the same platform for SAARC Summit then I had announced this thing from the same platform. At the same time, we are also focusing on how we can forge international partnerships to face the major challenges of the modern world which no one country can handle on its own. For example, in 2016, India and France together conceived a new international treaty based organization in the context of climate change. This revolutionary step has now been converted into a successful experiment.

In March this year, French President Macron and the leaders of nearly 50 other countries participated in the first summit of this International Solar Alliance in Delhi. Such efforts will help in forging technological and economic partnerships to meet the challenges of climate change, I am confident that this will particularly help in meeting the needs of small developing countries.

Friends, when Indians look at Nepal then we become very happy to see the environment and people here. The atmosphere in Nepal is full of optimism and of desire to have a bright future, and for strengthening the democracy, and also of the vision of a ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepalese’, and all of you have contributed in a very big way in creating this environment.

After the massive tragedy of the earthquake of 2015, the patience and indomitable courage exhibited by the people of Nepal and especially in Kathmandu is an example for the entire world. This is a testimony to the firm commitment and hard work of your society that a new system has been created in Nepal in such a short time while handling the disaster. After the earthquake, not just the buildings, in a way the whole country and society were rebuilt. Today there are democratic governments at all the three levels in Nepal - federal, provincial and local. And the elections for all three levels have been successfully conducted within one year. This power is inherent in all of you therefore I sincerely congratulate all of you.

Friends, Nepal has come a long way from the war to Lord Buddha. Bullet was dominant power but Nepal has opted for ballot after giving up bullet. This is journey from the war to Buddha. However, the destination is still far away, you still have to go a long distance. In a way, now we have reached the base camp of Mount Everest, but we still need to climb to the summit of Mt. Everest. And as mountaineers get a very strong support and company from the Sherpas of Nepal, India is ready to do the work of a Sherpa for you people in this developmental journey of Nepal.

This was the message that I have delivered in different words, this was the feeling that I have expressed yesterday and today during my Nepal visit, and also during the Prime Minister Oli’s visit to India last month. I am saying this thing with a lot of responsibility that Nepal must march ahead according to its own needs and priorities. India will always walk shoulder to shoulder with Nepal for its success. India’s success lies in your success. India’s happiness lies in Nepal’s happiness.

Whether it is the work of constructing railway lines or laying roads or the work of hydropower or of transmission lines or of Integrated Check Post or of oil pipeline or whether it is the job of further strengthening the cultural and people to people ties between the people of Nepal and India, we are always with you in your every need and will continue to do so in future also. We have started the work on DPR (detailed project report) for connecting Kathmandu with India through railway. And, now, perhaps it is…I don’t know how much discussion it has received here in Nepal, these days IPL cricket matches are being organsied in India and Nepal has also connected with IPL.

You are familiar with several recent initiatives of this journey. I have been told that for the first time a Nepalese player Sandeep Lamichane has been participating in the IPL. I hope that in future our people-to-people relationship will continue to be strengthened not only through cricket but also through other sports as well.

Friends, with these words, I once again express my heartfelt gratitude to the mayor of Kathmandu Shri Shakya ji, to the administration of Kathmandu, to the Government of Nepal, to the respected chief minister, to the respected foreign minister and to all of you. And I have the same feelings in my heart as you have in your hearts, the same feeling is there in my heart which is there in the heart of every Nepali, and the same feeling is there in the heart of every Indian and that is:

Long Live, Nepal-India Friendship,

Long Live, Nepal-India Friendship,

Long Live, Nepal-India Friendship,

Thanks a lot.

 

 

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India – Finland Joint Statement on the State Visit of President of the Republic of Finland
March 05, 2026

At the invitation of the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, President of the Republic of Finland, H.E. Dr. Alexander Stubb, is on a State Visit to India from 4-7 March 2026. President Stubb, who is on his first visit to India in his present capacity, is visiting New Delhi and Mumbai and is accompanied by Ms. Sari Multala, Minister of Climate and the Environment of Finland, Mr. Matias Marttinen, Minister of Employment of Finland, and a high-level delegation comprising of officials and business leaders. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue on 5 March 2026 in New Delhi with President Stubb as the Chief Guest delivering the Inaugural Keynote Address. President Stubb’s visit follows the visit of H.E. Mr. Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of the Republic of Finland for the AI Impact Summit in February 2026.

On 5 March 2026, President Stubb was warmly welcomed by Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Prime Minister Modi and President Stubb held wide-ranging discussions during a bilateral meeting, and jointly addressed the media. Prime Minister Modi also hosted a luncheon in honour of the visiting dignitary.

The President of Finland congratulated India for successfully hosting the AI Impact Summit 2026. Both Leaders shared the view that working towards safe, trustworthy, and inclusive development of AI is of paramount importance.

The Leaders affirmed the deep and enduring friendship between India and Finland, built on a foundation of mutual respect and the values of democracy and rule of law, as well as commitment to global peace, security, and international law.

The Prime Minister of India and the President of Finland reiterated their commitment to the rules-based international order and multilateral cooperation, with the UN at its core.

The Leaders underlined the importance of redoubling efforts to reach the Sustainable Development Goals, and the importance of global cooperation against the challenges of climate change and loss of biodiversity.

Welcoming the landmark Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union concluded in the India-EU Summit on 27 January 2026, the Leaders acknowledged the immense and mutually beneficial opportunities for both parties of increased trade and investments, including for the India-Finland bilateral relationship.

Building on the momentum provided by the India-Finland Virtual Summit on 16 March 2021 and the meetings of the Prime Ministers of both countries in the margins of two editions of India-Nordic Summit in 2018 and 2022 in Stockholm and Copenhagen respectively, as well as during the AI Impact Summit in February 2026, the Leaders emphasized their shared commitment to continue expanding and deepening the cooperation between the two nations. In this spirit, the leaders agreed to elevate the India-Finland relations to a Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability, based on converging interests and mutual benefits.

Trade and Investment

The Prime Minister of India and the President of Finland called upon the business community to make use of the vast opportunities unleashed by the landmark India-EU FTA. In this context, The Leaders agreed that the aim should be to double the value of current trade between India and Finland by 2030.

The Leaders took note of the lively interactions between the respective business communities, reflected by the large business delegation visiting India together with the Finnish President, as well as the companies that joined the Finnish Prime Minister in February in connection with the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. Both leaders expressed confidence that the India-Finland Business Summit and CEOs interaction scheduled to take place in Mumbai on 7 March would help pave the way for enhancing trade, technology collaboration and investments ties.

The Leaders welcomed the growing startup collaboration, manifested by the active participation of innovative Indian startups in Slush in Helsinki and Finnish startups in Startup Mahakumbh in New Delhi, as well as initiatives such as the Indo-Finland Startup Corridor.

Digitalization

Recognizing the transformative power of digitalization as a key driver of inclusive social and economic development, the Leaders identified digital transformation, including new and emerging technologies such as 5G, 6G, high-performance and quantum computing and Artificial Intelligence, as priority areas where collaboration based on mutual trust and benefit can be strengthened. The Leaders noted India’s experience in Digital Public Infrastructure, including digital payments such as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and discussed possibilities for cooperation in this area.

Against this backdrop, the Leaders asked the relevant ministries to establish a cross-sectoral Joint Working Group on Digitalization to define priorities and foster work on concrete and substantial actions driving the digital transition.

The Finnish President emphasized the positive impact of the considerable number of Indian professionals in the Finnish R&D and tech innovation ecosystems, contributing to social and economic development by means of digital transition and sustainability for the benefit of all.

The Leaders noted with satisfaction the Joint Calls by the Indian Department of Science and Technology and Business Finland to provide RDI funding for joint initiatives of Indian and Finnish companies and research organizations with focus on semiconductors, 6G, and energy systems. They also took note of the cooperation framework between Bharat 6G Alliance and the University of Oulu, Finland, welcoming all efforts to further strengthen bilateral collaboration on 6G.

Furthermore, the Leaders welcomed the work between the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Business Finland to further explore avenues of RDI collaboration with special focus on AI, noting also the discussions between the Indian Centre for Development of Advanced Computing and the Finnish IT Centre for Science with respect to High-Performance Computing.

In the field of advanced technology, the Leaders also highlighted Space tech as an emerging area of collaboration with considerable future potential and active private sector engagement between Indian and Finnish players.

Sustainability

On sustainability, both Leaders underlined the great potential in advancing clean energy solutions, notably in areas such as low carbon transition, energy efficiency, biofuels, smart grids, and green hydrogen. In addition, they highlighted the importance of cooperation in circular economy, sustainable water management and meteorology.

To this end, the Leaders welcomed the establishment of a Joint Working Group on Sustainability, bringing together relevant actors from both countries to enhance collaboration on sustainability-related issues.

Moreover, the Leaders underscored the importance of implementing the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of Renewable Energy, encompassing many key areas of collaboration that contribute to sustainability, including bioenergy and waste-to-energy solutions, power storage and flexible RE systems, green hydrogen, as well as wind, solar and small hydro power.

They acknowledged the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding on Environmental Cooperation, and collaboration under the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) and encouraged the parties to advance the deeper collaboration in circular economy, climate action, and sustainability.

Both sides acknowledged that the rapid deployment of Smart Energy solutions, including Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and other digital grid technologies, has enhanced efficiency while increasing cybersecurity risks to critical power infrastructure. They agreed to explore future areas of cooperation in promoting resilient, reliable and sustainable smart grid systems.

The Finnish President extended his appreciation to India for hosting the next World Circular Economy Forum in the later part of 2026, a Finnish initiative providing a platform to enhance circular economy solutions and bring together leading expertise in the search for new collaborative initiatives.

The Prime Minister of India acknowledged Finland’s active role in bringing together Indian, Finnish and other Nordic stakeholders in the framework of the Indo-Nordic Water Forum, promoting new collaborations and best practices in water resources management and wastewater management for circular economy solutions.

With respect to meteorological collaboration, the Leaders underscored the ongoing cooperation in aerosol monitoring and air quality forecasting between the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). They welcomed the work to establish a Virtual Research Center between FMI and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), also taking note of the already ongoing FMI-IITM research collaboration with multilateral projects exceeding a total value of Euros 11 million.

The Leaders also took note of the exchange of experiences between the Indian Ministry of Rural Development and the National Land Survey of Finland and the Finnish Environment Institute, cities, and companies about Land Stack, an integrated GIS based digital platform of land and property information.

The Leaders welcomed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding on fostering cooperation in the field of Official Statistics which provides a framework for exchange of best practices, methodologies, and technical expertise in the area of official statistics.

Mobility, education, and people-to-people contacts

The Prime Minister of India and the President of Finland recognized the importance of people-to-people contacts in all fields, including skilled workers, specialists and young professionals, researchers and students, businesspersons, and academics, thereby nurturing economic prosperity, contributing to a rich social fabric, and enhancing mutual understanding.

In this context, the Leaders hailed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Migration and Mobility Partnership, laying the frameworks for smooth, orderly, and mutually beneficial mobility for the years to come. Both sides agreed to take the steps required for the implementation of the MoU in a comprehensive and coordinated manner, that serves both India’s and Finland’s prosperity and economic growth. The Leaders also acknowledged the contacts between the respective Foreign Ministries, looking into possibilities of establishing bilateral dialogue on consular matters.

The Leaders took note of the Joint Statement endorsed by the High-Level Dialogue on Cooperation in Education (31 January 2024) and encouraged the relevant parties to accelerate their joint efforts to advance the common agenda, focusing on the agreed areas of secondary education, higher education, skill development, and student mobility.

In this context, they noted the growing interest in India towards the Finnish education system, the increasing cooperation in teacher training, as well as early childhood education institutions and schools that are being set up according to the Finnish model, as concrete expressions of the stakeholders’ shared will and commitment to continue developing the collaboration on education.

Furthermore, the Leaders highlighted the discussions on a bilateral audiovisual co-production agreement that will provide a solid frame to enhance cooperation in the film and gaming industries.

India-EU-relations

Both Leaders welcomed the new Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda, endorsed in the India-EU Summit on 27 January 2026, based on shared values and principles, mutual trust, converging interests, and shared political will. They agreed that India and the EU can be stable, predictable, and trusted partners, building a multifaceted and deepening long-term relationship with many positive outcomes for both sides.

The Leaders underlined that the conclusion of Free Trade Agreement takes the India-EU relations to a new level. In addition to clear economic benefits by enhancing market access and removing trade barriers, both Leaders noted that the FTA could support economic security and resilience through diversifying critical value chains and opening new markets.

As a platform to address key trade, technology, and economic security issues, the Leaders reaffirmed their support to further enhance the work of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council as the cornerstone of the India-EU technology partnership.

The Prime Minister of India and the President of Finland underscored that the signing of India-EU Security and Defense Partnership added another meaningful dimension to the India-EU Strategic Partnership that will deepen co-operation in areas of shared interests, including maritime security, defense industry, cyber and hybrid threats, space, as well as counter-terrorism.

The leaders lauded the signing of the MoU on Comprehensive Framework of Cooperation on Mobility and the launch of pilot European Union Legal Gateway Office in India.

Multilateral cooperation

The Leaders recognized the need to reform the UN system. In this context, they emphasized the importance of a comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to make it more efficient, representative, inclusive, and reflective of contemporary geopolitical realities. The President of Finland reiterated Finland’s support for the permanent membership of India in a reformed UNSC.

The leaders underscored the vital role of cooperation within the United Nations and other international bodies to safeguard multilateralism and uphold a rules-based international order, including supporting mutual candidacies and nominations.

Both sides agreed to continue their constructive cooperation in multilateral fora, including on peace and security, human rights, sustainable development as well as climate change and biodiversity.

The Leaders reiterated their shared commitment to promoting a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo‑Pacific, in accordance with international law, including the UNCLOS. In this context, India welcomed Finland to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation and dialogue on Arctic matters, including through joint research initiatives, academic exchanges, and capacity-building programmes. They took note of the first India–Finland Arctic Dialogue titled "The Himalayan and Arctic Ecosystems: India–Finland Partnership for a Sustainable Future” held in January 2026 in Rovaniemi, Finland, which brought together parliamentarians, government officials, academics and experts to deliberate on strategies and pathways for deepening collaboration on Arctic matters. Both leaders also underscored the importance of advancing cooperation in the structures of the Arctic Council, and within the broader framework of the India-Nordic Summit.

Both leaders unequivocally and strongly condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. They called for decisive and concerted international efforts to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner and in accordance with international law. They agreed to enhance cooperation to counter violent radicalization and extremism, combat financing of terrorism, promote internationally agreed anti‑money laundering standards, prevent exploitation of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, and tackle terrorist recruitment. The leaders reaffirmed strong commitment to continue taking active measures to disrupt the terror financing channels including at the UN and FATF. They condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025 and the terror incident near Red Fort, New Delhi on 10 November 2025.

Both Leaders agreed to continue to support efforts towards the achievement of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy, based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, including independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Conclusion

To take forward the cooperation under the India-Finland Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability, the Leaders asked the respective Working Groups on Digitalization and Sustainability to develop a future-oriented and concrete Action Plan, including definition of priority areas and related actions, and report back to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Finland and the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India on the progress achieved.

The President of Finland thanked the Prime Minister of India for the excellent arrangements during his state visit, and both Leaders expressed their appreciation of the open and constructive dialogue, and the forward-reaching and evolving cooperation. They agreed to continue their interaction with a solid foundation in a shared spirit of mutual respect and collaboration. President Stubb invited Prime Minister Modi to pay a visit to Finland, and Prime Minister Modi accepted the invitation.