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India & Portugal have built modern bilateral partnership on the foundation of a shared historical connect: PM

Published By : Admin | January 7, 2017 | 19:16 IST
India & Portugal have built modern bilateral partnership on the foundation of a shared historical connect: PM
Our partnership is also strengthened by a strong convergence on global issues, including at the United Nations: PM
Expansion and deepening of trade, investment and business partnerships between India-Portugal is our shared priority: PM
Partnership being forged between Start-up Portugal and Start-up India will help us in our mutual quest to innovate and progress: PM
PM Modi thanks PM Antonio Costa of Portugal for consistent support for India’s permanent membership of the UN Security Council

 

Your Excellency, Prime Minister Antonio Costa,
Distinguished delegates,
Members of the media,
Friends,
Good Evening, to you all.
Excellency,

It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you and your delegation to India.This may be your first State Visit to India, but you are neither a stranger to India, nor is India unfamiliar to you.So, in addition to extending a warm welcome on this chilly evening, I must also say, Welcome Back! We are deeply honoured that you have accepted our invitation to be the Chief Guest at our Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the Indian Diaspora Day celebrations, in Bengaluru. Tomorrow, we will have the privilege to celebrate your outstanding accomplishments as a distinguished leader who has family roots in India. I also wish to congratulate you for the several successes that Portugal has had under your Prime Ministership. Under your leadership, the Portuguese economy is on a steady course and right direction.


Friends,

India and Portugal have built a modern bilateral partnership on the foundation of a shared historical connect.Our partnership is also strengthened by a strong convergence on global issues, including at the United Nations. In my extensive discussions with Prime Minister Costa today, we reviewed the full range of India–Portugal ties across various sectors. We agreed that the two countries must focus on action oriented approach to realize the full potential of economic opportunities in our partnership. The agreements signed today are just one indication of our shared resolve to do exactly that.

Friends,

Expansion and deepening of trade, investment, and business partnerships between our two countries is our shared priority. Areas of infrastructure, waste and water management, solar and wind energy, and innovation are full of opportunities to build strong commercial ties between our two economies.Our experiences of creating an ecosystem for start-ups could be an exciting area of bilateral engagement. It offers unique possibilities for building a rewarding partnership between our young business entrepreneurs that creates both value and wealth for both our societies.I am confident that the partnership being forged between Start-up Portugal and Start-up India will help us in our mutual quest to innovate and progress. Prime Minister Costa and I also agreed to deepen our partnership in the field of security and defence.The MoU on Defence cooperation signed today will help us harness our respective strengths in this field for mutual benefit.Sports is another area that holds promise for our bilateral ties. We are aware, Excellency, that you are an avid soccer fan. Portugal's strength in football and the rapid development of this sport in India could well form the nucleus of an emerging partnership in sporting disciplines.


Friends,

India and Portugal share common views on many international issues. I thanked Prime Minister Costa for Portugal’s consistent support for India’s permanent membership of the UN Security Council. We are also grateful for the support extended by Portugal to India’s membership of the Missile Technology Control Regime, and for its continued support for India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. We also discussed the need for the global community to take strong and urgent action against the rapidly growing and widely spreading threats of violence and terror.


Excellency,

India and Portugal share a common cultural canvas.We deeply appreciate the contribution of your father, Orlando Costa, to enriching this space and to Goan and Indo-Portuguese literature. Today, we have released a commemorative stamp celebrating two dance forms. These two art forms, one Portuguese and the other Indian, are wonderful examples of our cultural affinities.

Excellency,

You have an exciting agenda of engagements and travels in India over the next couple of days.I wish you and your delegation the very best for stay and experience in Bengaluru, Gujarat and Goa.I especially wish that you have a memorable visit to Goa and are able to reconnect with your ancestral roots. 

Thank You.
Thank You very much.

 

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Ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today turbocharged the BJP’s campaign with a high-energy address in Siliguri, drawing massive public support. Addressing a packed rally in North Bengal, the PM launched a scathing attack on the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing it of corruption, neglect and fostering a climate of fear.

Opening his speech with a personal connect to the region, PM Modi said, “Be it Darjeeling or Siliguri, I have come here many times. Every time, I receive immense love and blessings from the people. Yesterday’s 15-kilometre-long roadshow in Siliguri, filled with enthusiastic participation of youth and women, was truly incredible. Your affection and blessings are my greatest strength.”

He added, “Today’s massive gathering is enough to give sleepless nights to TMC. This rally in Siliguri is signaling the end of TMC’s ‘maha-jungle raj’. Across Bengal, one voice is echoing - ‘Poriborton dorkar, chai BJP sarkar!’”

He underscored what he called 15 years of misgovernance by TMC. “A child who was in Class 1 fifteen years ago is voting in this election today. This is the time to evaluate performance. But TMC has not delivered work, only a record of corruption,” he said.

Highlighting alleged regional neglect, he remarked, “Siliguri is the gateway to North Bengal, yet infrastructure here has been deliberately ignored. Whether it is connectivity, industry or tourism, people have only received neglect. Even the funds sent by the Centre have been siphoned off by syndicates.”

He further criticized the state government’s budget priorities, stating, “While thousands of crores are allocated elsewhere, North Bengal’s development continues to be sidelined. TMC is busy appeasing its vote bank instead of serving all sections equally.”

Emphasising Siliguri’s strategic importance, PM Modi said, “The Siliguri Corridor is not just a geographical term; it is an arm of Mother India. But TMC, driven by appeasement politics, has supported elements that have threatened this vital corridor. The country has a Tukde-Tukde gang and it threatened to cut off the Siliguri Corridor. They wanted to separate the northeast from the country. TMC, which indulges in appeasement politics, supports such people from the road to Parliament. This is the real face of TMC.”

He contrasted this with the Centre’s development push: “For BJP, Siliguri Corridor represents both national security and prosperity. Projects like the Sevoke-Rangpo railway line will directly connect Sikkim to the national rail network, boosting trade, tourism and employment for North Bengal’s youth.”

Outlining BJP’s roadmap, PM Modi said, “Under a double-engine government, Bengal will see double-speed development. We are committed to building modern engineering and medical colleges, a cancer hospital and a fashion designing institute in North Bengal.”

“We want the children of Bengal to have opportunities to play and excel in sports. That’s why BJP Bengal has announced plans to establish a Sports University in North Bengal. However, the TMC government is restricting the freedom of young women. They have created an atmosphere of fear among parents and women across the state,” he added.

Addressing tea garden workers, the PM noted, “Your tea’s flavour is known to me. But TMC has pushed tea gardens into distress. BJP will ensure land rights, housing, water, electricity, education and healthcare for every worker family.”

Raising concerns over law and order, the PM stated, “TMC has created fear among daughters and their families. “Modi guarantees justice in every case of crime against women. BJP will establish women police stations and help desks in every block and increase women’s recruitment in the police force,” he assured.

Announcing financial support, PM Modi said, “Bengal BJP has pledged ₹3,000 assistance for women. This money will reach directly into their bank accounts without any cut or commission.” “North Bengal is a land of immense talent. Tribal communities and Rajbanshi society have contributed greatly to India’s culture and progress. Our government is committed to preserving their language, traditions and identity,” he added.

In a strong closing appeal, PM Modi urged voters to give BJP an opportunity: “For 70 years, you gave chances to the Left, Congress and TMC. Now give Modi one chance, for the safety of daughters, for jobs for youth, for ending infiltration, for restoring law and order and for bringing back development.” He concluded with a powerful slogan, “Kamal khilao, ghuspaithiya bhagao! End fear, bring trust - this change is possible only with BJP.”