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Key takeaways from PM Modi’s address to the Parliament of Uganda

Published By : Admin | July 25, 2018 | 13:00 IST
The dawn of the new opportunities and the unity of aspirations of our young population connect us: PM Modi
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India's principled support to Africa's liberation movements often came at cost to our nation’s trade. This mattered nothing in comparison to Africa's freedom: PM
Today, India and Africa stand on the threshold of a future of great promise: PM Modi
India is proud to be Africa’s partner. Uganda is central to our commitment to the continent: PM Modi
We are proud of the work of Indian peacekeepers in over a dozen UN peacekeeping missions in Africa: PM
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India will work with you and for you. Our partnership will build instruments of empowerment in Africa: PM Modi

Your Excellency President Yoweri Museveni,
Your Excellency Vice President
Right Honourable Rebecca Kadaga, Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament,
Honourable Ministers,
Honourable Members of the Parliament,
Excellencies,
Brothers and Sisters,
Namaskar.
Bala Musija.

I am deeply honoured by the invitation to address this august House. I have had similar privilege in other Parliaments. This is, however, special. This honour has come to a Prime Minister of India for the first time. It is a great honour for the 1.25 billion people of India. I carry their greetings and warm wishes of friendship with me to this House and for all the people of Uganda. Your presence, Madam Speaker, reminds me of my Lok Sabha, which also has a lady Speaker. I also see a large number of young Members of Parliament here. This is good news for democracy. Every time I come to Uganda, I am enchanted by this "Pearl of Africa”. It is a land of immense beauty, great wealth of resources and rich heritage. Its rivers and lakes have nurtured civilisations across this large region. I am conscious of the history that brings us to this point, when the Prime Minister of the largest democracy is speaking to elected Members of the Parliament of another sovereign nation. Our ancient maritime links, the dark ages of colonial rule, the shared struggle for freedom, the uncertain paths as independent countries in a divided world, the dawn of the new opportunities and the unity of aspirations of our young population. All of these connect us.

Mr. President,

Our people are among the many threads that connect Uganda and India together. Over a century ago, the heroic labour connected Uganda to the shores of the Indian Ocean through railway. Your gracious presence today speaks of the precious bonds of friendship and solidarity between our people. You have brought peace and stability to your nation and to the region. You have put it on the path of growth and progress amidst many challenges. You have empowered women and made your nation more inclusive. Your visionary leadership has enabled Ugandan people of Indian origin to return to their cherished home, regain their lives and help rebuild the nation that they deeply love. In opening the State House to the celebration of Deepawali, you have lit up the many strands of ties that connect India and Uganda. Among these, the most sacred is the site at Jinja, at the source of River Nile, where a portion of the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed. In his life and beyond, he is one with Africa and Africans. And, at the sacred site in Jinja, where a statue of Gandhiji now stands, we will build a Gandhi Heritage Centre. As we approach the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, there can be no better homage than a Centre to remind us of Africa’s role in shaping his mission that even inspired Africa to freedom and justice; and the universal and timeless values of his life and message.

Excellencies,

The story of India’s own freedom struggle is closely linked to Africa. It is not just the 21 years that Gandhiji spent in Africa, or the First Non- Cooperation Movement he led. For India, the moral principles of independence movement, or the peaceful means to pursue it, were not just confined to the boundaries of India or to the future of Indians. It was a universal quest for liberty, dignity, equality and opportunity for every human being. Nowhere did it apply more than in Africa. Twenty years before our independence, the leaders of our National Movement had linked India’s freedom struggle to the fight against colonial rule around the world, especially Africa. Even as India stood on the threshold of independence, the fate of Africa was not far from our minds. Mahatma Gandhi firmly believed that India’s freedom will remain incomplete so long as Africa remains in bondage. Free India did not forget his words. India pursued Afro-Asian solidarity in Bandung. We stood firm in opposition to apartheid in South Africa. We took leading and bold positions in former Rhodesia – which is now known as Zimbabwe, in Guinea Bassau, Angola and Namibia. Gandhiji’s peaceful resistance inspired leaders like Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Albert Luthuli, Julius Nyrere and Kwame Nkrumah. History is witness to the success of the ancient wisdom of India and Africa and the enduring strength of peaceful resistance. Some of the most profound changes in Africa came through Gandhian methods. India's principled support to Africa's liberation movements often came at a cost to our nation’s trade. But, nothing mattered in comparison to Africa's freedom.

Excellencies,

Our economic and international partnerships over the past seven decades have been prompted as much by economic impulse as by the moral principles and emotional bonds. We sought a fair and equitable access to markets and resources. We fought together to make development the foundation of global trade. And, we worked to diversify economic partnership between countries of the South. Our doctors and teachers went to Africa not just to seek professional opportunities, but in solidarity with a common cause of development as free nations. As President Museveni said at the 3rd India Africa Forum Summit in Delhi in 2015 and I quote - "We fought against colonial rule together. Let us fight for mutual prosperity together.” Excellencies,

Today, India and Africa stand on the threshold of a future of great promise: as confident, secure, youthful, innovative, and dynamic people. Uganda is an example of Africa on the move. It is witnessing increasing gender parity, rising educational and health standards, and expanding infrastructure and connectivity. It is a region with growing trade and investment. We are seeing a surge of innovation. We in India rejoice in every African success, because of our deep bonds of friendships.

Excellencies,

India is proud to be Africa’s partner. And, Uganda is central to our commitment to the continent. Yesterday, I announced two Lines of Credit for Uganda. The first, of 141 million US dollars for electricity lines. And the second, of 64 million US dollars for agriculture and dairy production. As in the past, we will continue to support the aspirations of the people of Uganda – in agriculture and healthcare, education and training, infrastructure and energy, capacity building in government and training in defence. I compliment President Museveni and this House on the decision to join the International Solar Alliance.

Excellencies,

As with Uganda, we have deepened our partnership and engagement across the vast expanse of Africa. In the past four years, our President, Vice President and I have collectively visited no less than 25 countries in Africa. Our Ministers have covered virtually all African nations. We were honoured to host all 54 countries - over 40 at Heads of State and Government level - at the third Africa-India Forum Summit in October 2015. We were also privileged to host many African leaders for the inaugural summit of the International Solar Alliance. Other than all these, 32 Heads of State or Government from Africa have visited India in the last four years. My home state Gujarat was proud to be the host of the first ever meeting of the African Development Bank in India last year. And we are also opening 18 new embassies in Africa.

Excellencies,

Our development partnership currently includes implementation of 180 Lines of Credit worth about USD 11 billion in over 40 African countries. At the last India Africa Forum Summit, we had committed a concessional Line of Credit of 10 billion U.S. dollars and 600 million dollars in grant assistance. Every year, over 8000 African youth are trained in a diverse set of programmes. As always, our efforts will be driven by your priorities. Indian companies have invested over US$ 54 billion in Africa. Our trade with Africa is now over US$ 62 billion. This is over 21 per cent more than in the previous year. Africa's exports to India are growing. And, our economic ties are now increasingly driven by new partnerships of innovation in the digital economy. The Pan Africa E-Network links 48 African countries to India, and to one another. It can become the new backbone for digital innovation in Africa. With several coastal nations, our partnership now increasingly seeks to harness the benefits of Blue Economy in a sustainable manner. And, India’s medicines turned the tide on diseases that were once a threat to Africa’s future. They also continue to make healthcare affordable and accessible to many.

Excellencies,

As we work together for prosperity, we have stood together for peace. Indian soldiers have served in blue helmets so that Africa’s children can look to a future of peace. We are proud of the work of Indian peacekeepers in over a dozen UN peacekeeping missions in Africa, since our first mission in Congo in 1960. In all the UN peacekeeping Missions in the world, 163 Indians have made the supreme sacrifice. This is among the highest number for any country. Almost 70 per cent of these embraced martyrdom just in Africa. Today, over 6,000 Indians serve in five peacekeeping operations in Africa. Indian women established a landmark with the first all-female Police Unit of the United Nations in Liberia. Our defence and security cooperation is growing with nations in Africa, as we work together to counter terrorism and piracy, and keep our seas secure.

Excellencies,

India's engagement with Africa will continue to be guided by 10 principles.

One, Africa will be at the top of our priorities. We will continue to intensify and deepen our engagement with Africa. As we have shown, it will be sustained and regular.

Two, our development partnership will be guided by your priorities. It will be on terms that will be comfortable for you, that will liberate your potential and not constrain your future. We will rely on African talent and skills. We will build as much local capacity and create as many local opportunities as possible.

Three, we will keep our markets open and make it easier and more attractive to trade with India. We will support our industry to invest in Africa.

Four, we will harness India’s experience with digital revolution to support Africa’s development; improve delivery of public services; extend education and health; spread digital literacy; expand financial inclusion; and mainstream the marginalised.

This will not just be our partnership to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, but also to equip the youth of Africa for their place in the digital age.

Five, Africa has 60 per cent of the world’s arable land, but produces just 10 per cent of the global output. We will work with you to improve Africa’s agriculture.

Six, our partnership will address the challenges of climate change. We will work with Africa to ensure a just international climate order; to preserve our biodiversity; and, adopt clean and efficient energy sources.

Seven, we will strengthen our cooperation and mutual capabilities in combating terrorism and extremism; keeping our cyberspace safe and secure; and, supporting the UN in advancing and keeping peace;.

Eight, we will work with African nations to keep the oceans open and free for the benefit of all nations. The world needs cooperation and not competition in the eastern shores of Africa and the eastern Indian Ocean. That is why India’s vision of Indian Ocean Security is cooperative and inclusive, rooted in security and growth for all in the region.

Nine, and, this is especially important to me: as global engagement in Africa increases, we must all work together to ensure that Africa does not once again turn into a theatre of rival ambitions, but becomes a nursery for the aspirations of Africa’s youth.

Ten, Just as India and Africa fought colonial rule together, we will work together for a just, representative and democratic global order that has a voice and a role for one-third of humanity that lives in Africa and India.

India's own quest for reforms in the global institutions is incomplete without an equal place for Africa. That will be a key purpose of our foreign policy.

Excellencies,

If this is to be a century of nations, rising together in freedom and equality; if this is to be an age when the light of opportunity dawns on all humans; if this is a time when our planet has a more hopeful future; then all of this magnificent continent of Africa must walk in step with the rest of the world. India will work with you and for you. Our partnership will build instruments of empowerment in Africa. We will stand in solidarity with your endeavours, in transparency, with respect and on the principle of equality. We will speak for you, and with you. Two-thirds of India and two-thirds of Africa is under the age of 35 years. And, if the future belongs to the youth, then this century is ours to shape and build. And, let us be guided by the Ugandan saying that is - "Anayejitahidi hufaidi” which means "one who makes the extra effort will benefit”. India has made that extra effort for Africa. And will always do so. For Africa's benefit.

Thank you. Thank you very much.
Asante Sana

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In this decade of the 21st century, India is riding the Reform Express: PM Modi at ET Now Global Business Summit
February 13, 2026
Amid numerous disruptions, this decade has been one of unprecedented development for India, marked by strong delivery and by efforts that have strengthened our democracy: PM
In this decade of the 21st century, India is riding the Reform Express: PM
We have made the Budget not only outlay-focused but also outcome-centric: PM
Over the past decade, we have regarded technology and innovation as the core drivers of growth: PM
Today, we are entering into trade deals with the world because today's India is confident and ready to compete globally: PM

You are all welcome to this Global Business Summit; I extend my greetings to each one of you. We are here to discuss the theme “A Decade of Disruption, A Century of Change.” After listening to Vineet ji’s speech, I feel my task has become much easier. But let me make a small request-since you know so much, it should sometimes also be reflected in ET.

Friends,

The past decade of the 21st century has been one of unprecedented disruption. The world has witnessed a global pandemic, tensions and wars in different regions, and supply chain breakdowns that shook the global balance, all within a single decade. But friends, it is said that the true strength of a nation is revealed in times of crisis, and I take great pride in the fact that amid so many disruptions, this decade has been one of unprecedented development for India, marked by remarkable delivery and the strengthening of democracy. When the previous decade began, India was the eleventh-largest economy. Amid such turbulence, there were strong apprehensions that India might slip further down. But today, India is moving rapidly toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy. And the “Century of Change” that you speak of will, I say with great responsibility, rest significantly on India. Today, India contributes more than 16 percent to global growth, and I am confident that in every coming year of this century, our contribution will keep increasing steadily. I have not come here like an astrologer making predictions. India will drive global growth; it will emerge as the new engine of the world economy.

Friends,

After the Second World War, a new global order took shape. But after seven decades, that system is breaking down. The world is moving toward a new world order. Why is this happening? It happened because the foundation of the earlier system was based on a “One Size Fits All” approach. It was believed that the world economy would be centered in the core and that supply chains would become strong and dependable. Nations were seen merely as contributors within that framework. But today, this model is being challenged and is losing its relevance. Every country now realizes that it must build its own resilience.

Friends,

What the world is discussing today, India made part of its policy as early as 2015, ten years ago. When NITI Aayog was established, its founding document clearly articulated India’s vision: India would not import a single development model from any other country. We would pursue an Indian approach to India’s development. This policy gave India the confidence to make decisions according to its own requirements and in its own national interest. That is a key reason why, even during a decade of disruption, India’s economy did not weaken but continued to grow stronger.

Friends,

In this decade of the 21st century, India is riding on a Reform Express. The greatest feature of this Reform Express is that we are accelerating it not out of compulsion but with conviction, and with a commitment to reform. Many distinguished experts and stalwarts of the economic world are present here. You have seen the period before 2014. Reforms were undertaken only when circumstances forced them, when crises struck, when no other option remained. The reforms of 1991 happened when the country faced the danger of bankruptcy and had to pledge its gold. That was the approach of earlier governments-they undertook reforms only out of compulsion. After the 26/11 terrorist attack, when the Congress government’s weaknesses were exposed, the NIA was formed. When the power sector collapsed and grids began to fail, only then did reforms in the power sector occur out of necessity.

Friends,

There is a long list of examples reminding us that when reforms are made under compulsion, neither the correct results nor the desired national outcomes are achieved.

Friends,

I am proud that in the last eleven years, we have carried out reforms with complete conviction-reforms in policy, in process, in delivery, and even in mindset. Because if policy changes but processes remain the same, if the mindset remains unchanged, and if delivery does not improve, reforms remain merely pieces of paper. Therefore, we have made sincere efforts to transform the entire system.

Friends,

Let me speak about processes. A simple yet crucial process is that of Cabinet notes. Many here would know that earlier, it would take months just to prepare a Cabinet note. How could a nation develop at that speed? So we changed this process. We made decision-making time-bound and technology-driven. We ensured that a Cabinet note would not remain on any officer’s desk beyond a fixed number of hours-either reject it or take a decision. The nation is witnessing the results today.

Friends,

Let me also give the example of approvals for railway overbridges. Earlier, it would take several years to get a single design approved. Multiple clearances were required, and letters had to be written at various levels-and I am speaking not about the private sector, but about the government. We changed this as well. Today, see the pace at which road and railway infrastructure is being built. Vineet ji elaborated on this extensively.

Friends,

Another interesting example is border infrastructure, which is directly linked to national security. There was a time when even constructing a simple road in border areas required permissions from Delhi. At the district level, there was practically no authority empowered to make decisions; there were wall upon walls, and no one could take responsibility. That is why, even decades later, border infrastructure remained in poor condition. After 2014, we reformed this process, empowered local administration, and today we are witnessing rapid development in border infrastructure.

Friends,

One reform in the past decade that has created a stir worldwide is UPI, India’s digital payment system. It is not merely an app; it represents an extraordinary convergence of policy, process, and delivery. Those who could never even imagine accessing banking and financial services are now being served by UPI. Digital India, the digital payment system, the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile trinity-these reforms were not born of compulsion but of conviction. Our conviction was to ensure the inclusion of citizens whom previous governments had never reached. Those who were never cared for, Modi honors and empowers. That is why these reforms were undertaken, and our government continues to move forward with this same spirit.

Friends,

This new mindset of India is also reflected in our Budget. Earlier, when the Budget was discussed, the focus was only on outlay-how much money was allocated, what became cheaper or costlier. On television, budget discussions would revolve almost entirely around whether income tax had increased or decreased, as if nothing beyond that existed in the country. The number of new trains announced would dominate headlines, and later no one would ask what happened to those announcements. Therefore, we transformed the Budget from being merely outlay-centric to being outcome-centric.

Friends,

Another significant change in the Budget discourse is this: before 2014, there was extensive discussion about off-budget borrowing. Now, there is the discussion about off-budget reforms. Beyond the Budget framework, we implemented next-generation GST reforms, replaced the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog, removed Article 370, enacted legislation against triple talaq, and passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Act.

Friends,

Whether announced within the Budget or beyond it, the Reform Express continues to gather speed. In just the past year, we have carried out reforms in the ports and maritime sector, taken numerous initiatives for the shipbuilding industry, advanced reforms under the Jan Vishwas Act, enacted the Shanti Act for energy security, implemented labor law reforms, introduced the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, reformed the Waqf law, and introduced a new GRAM G Act to promote rural employment. Numerous such reforms have been undertaken throughout the year.

Friends,

This year’s Budget has propelled the Reform Express even further. While the Budget has many dimensions, I will speak about two important factors-Capex and Technology. As in previous years, infrastructure spending has been increased to nearly ₹17 lakh crore in this Budget as well. You are aware of the significant multiplier effect of capex; it enhances the nation’s capacity and productivity and generates large-scale employment across numerous sectors. The construction of five university townships, the creation of city economic regions in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, and seven new high-speed rail corridors, such Budget announcements are, in the truest sense, investments in our youth and in the nation’s future.

Friends,

Over the past decade, we have regarded technology and innovation as core drivers of growth. With this vision, we promoted a start-up culture and a hackathon culture across the country. Today, India has more than two lakh registered start-ups operating across diverse sectors. We encouraged our youth and fostered a spirit that rewards risk-taking. The results are evident before us. This year’s Budget further strengthens this priority. Significant announcements have been made, particularly for sectors such as biopharma, semiconductors, and AI.

Friends,

As the country’s economic strength has grown, we have also empowered the States proportionately. Let me share another figure. Between 2004 and 2014, over ten years, the States received around ₹18 lakh crore as tax devolution. In contrast, from 2014 to 2025, States have been given ₹84 lakh crore. If I add the approximately ₹14 lakh crore proposed in this year’s Budget, the total tax devolution to States under our government will reach nearly ₹100 lakh crore. This amount has been transferred by the Union Government to various State governments to advance development initiatives in their respective regions.

Friends,

These days, there is considerable discussion about India’s FTAs-Free Trade Agreements. As I entered here, the conversations had already begun, and analyses are taking place across the world. Today, however, let me present another interesting perspective-perhaps not the angle the media seeks, but one that may be useful. I firmly believe that what I am about to say may not have crossed your minds either. Have you ever wondered why such extensive free trade deals with developed nations did not materialize before 2014? The country was the same, the youthful energy was the same, the government system was the same-so what changed? The change came in the government’s vision, in its policy and intent, and in India’s capabilities.

Friends,

Reflect for a moment-when India was labeled among the “Fragile Five” economies, who would have engaged with us? In a village, would a wealthy family agree to marry their daughter into an impoverished household? They would look down upon it. That was our situation in the world. When the country was gripped by policy paralysis, surrounded by scams and corruption, who could have placed their trust in India? Before 2014, India’s manufacturing base was extremely weak. Earlier governments were hesitant; hardly anyone approached India, and even if efforts were made, they feared that deals with developed nations would result in those countries flooding our markets and capturing them. In that atmosphere of despair, before 2014, the UPA government managed comprehensive trade agreements with only four countries. In contrast, the trade deals concluded by India over the past decade cover 38 countries across different regions of the world. Today, we are entering trade agreements because India is confident. Today’s India is prepared to compete globally. Over the past eleven years, India has built a robust manufacturing ecosystem. Therefore, India today is capable and empowered, and that is why the world trusts us. This transformation forms the foundation of the paradigm shift in our trade policy, and this paradigm shift has become an essential pillar in our journey toward a Developed India.

Friends,

Our government is working with full sensitivity to ensure that every citizen participates in development. Those left behind in the race for progress are being prioritized. Previous governments only made announcements for persons with disabilities; we too could have continued that path. But sensitivity defines governance. The example I am about to give may seem small to some of you. Just as our country has linguistic diversity, sign language too was fragmented-one form in Tamil Nadu, another in Uttar Pradesh, a third in Gujarat, a fourth in Assam. If a differently-abled person from one state travelled to another, communication became difficult. This may not appear to be a major task, but a sensitive government does not consider such matters trivial. For the first time, India has institutionalized and standardized Indian Sign Language. Similarly, the transgender community had long struggled for their rights; we enacted legislation granting them dignity and protection. In the past decade, millions of women were freed from the regressive practice of triple talaq, and reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies was ensured.

Friends,

The mindset within the government machinery has also transformed, becoming more sensitive. This difference in thinking is visible even in schemes like providing free food grains to the needy. Some in the opposition mock us; certain newspapers amplify such mockery. They ask why free rations are given when 250 million people have supposedly risen out of poverty. It is a peculiar question. When a patient is discharged from a hospital, does the doctor not still advise precautions for several days? Yes, the person has come out of poverty, but that does not mean support should immediately cease. Those with narrow thinking fail to understand that lifting someone out of poverty is not sufficient; we must ensure that those who have entered the neo-middle class do not slip back into poverty. That is why continued support in the form of free food grains remains necessary. Over the past years, the Central Government has spent lakhs of crores on this scheme, providing immense support to the poor and the neo-middle class.

Friends,

We also observe a difference in thinking in another context. Some people question why I speak of 2047. They ask whether a Developed India will truly materialize by then, and whether it matters if we ourselves are not present at that time. This, too, is a prevalent mindset.

Friends,

Those who fought for India’s independence endured lathi charges, imprisonment in Cellular Jail, and even mounted the gallows. Had they thought that independence might not come in their lifetime and questioned why they should suffer for it, would India ever have attained freedom? When the nation comes first, when national interest is paramount, every decision and every policy is shaped for the country. Our vision is clear-we must continue working tirelessly to build a Developed India. Whether we are present in 2047 or not, the nation will endure, and future generations will live on. Therefore, we must dedicate our present so that their tomorrow is secure and bright. I sow today so that the generations of tomorrow may reap the harvest.

Friends,

The world must now prepare to live with disruption. Its nature may evolve over time, but rapid change in systems is inevitable. You can already witness the disruption brought by AI. In the coming years, AI will usher in even more revolutionary transformations, and India is prepared. In a few days, India will host the Global AI Impact Summit. Nations and technology leaders from across the world will gather here. Together with all of them, we will continue striving to build a better world. With this confidence, I once again extend my best wishes to all of you for this Summit.

Thank you very much.

Vande Mataram.