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PM Modi’s remarks at joint press meet with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia

Published By : Admin | February 20, 2019 | 13:15 IST
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Your Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud,

Sadeki,

Marhaba Bikum Fil Hind,

Friends,

I am very happy to welcome Royal Highness and his delegation on their first state visit to India. The economic, social and cultural relations of India and Saudi Arabia are centuries old. And they have always been cordial and friendly. The close and intense contact between our people is a living bridge for our countries. Your Majesty's, and Royal Highness, your personal interest and guidance have brought more intensity, depth and strength in our bilateral relations. The personal interest and the guidance of His Majesty and yourself Royal Highness, has brought more intensity, depth and strength in our bilateral relations. Today, in the 21st century, Saudi Arabia is among India's most valuable strategic partners. It is in our extended neighborhood, is a close friend and is also an important source of energy security of India. During my visit to Saudi Arabia in 2016, we had given many new dimensions to our relations, especially in the areas of energy and security. As a result of the meeting with you in Argentina two months ago, the essence of our strategic partnership has taken new dimensions in the areas of security, trade and investment. I am happy that according to your suggested outline, we have agreed to establish the Biennial Summit and Strategic Partnership Council. These will benefit our relations by providing them with strength, speed and progress.

Friends,

Today, we have made extensive and meaningful discussions on all the topics of bilateral relations. We have decided to take our economic cooperation to newer heights. We have agreed to establish a framework to facilitate institutional investment from Saudi Arabia into our economy. I welcome the investment of Saudi Arabia in India's infrastructure.

Your Royal Highness,

Your 'Vision 2030' and the economic reforms being carried out under your leadership are complementary to India's flagship programs such as 'Make in India', 'Start-Up India'. It's time to turn our energy relations into a strategic partnership. Saudi Arabia's involvement in the world's largest refinery and strategic petroleum reserves takes our energy relations far beyond the typical buyer-seller relationship. We have agreed to strengthen our cooperation in the areas of renewable energy. We welcome Saudi Arabia in the International Solar Alliance. The peaceful use of atomic energy, especially for water desalination and health, will be another dimension of our cooperation. Especially in the context of our strategic environment, we have also successfully discussed the strengthening and expanding of mutual defense cooperation. Last year, India was the 'Guest of Honor' at the prestigious Janradriyah festival in Saudi Arabia. Today we have set the goal of strengthening our cultural ties. To increase trade and tourism facility of e-Visa is being extended for the citizens of Saudi Arabia. We are grateful to His Majesty and Royal Highness for increasing the Haj quota for Indians. Peaceful and useful presence of 2.7 million Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia is an important link between us. Royal Highness has praised their positive contribution in the progress of Saudi Arabia. You have always taken care of their well-being. For this their gratitude and blessings are always with you.

Friends,

The brutal terrorist attack in Pulwama last week is another cruel reminder of the threat to humanity that has caused havoc on the world. In order to deal effectively with this threat, we agree that there is a need to increase all possible pressure on countries supporting any type of terrorism. Destroying the infrastructure of terrorism and ending its support and punishing terrorists and their supporters is very important. At the same time, cooperation against extremism and along with that there is a strong need of an action plan for this, so that the forces of violence and terror cannot mislead our youth. I am glad that Saudi Arabia and India have shared views about this.

Friends,

Both our two countries have shared interests in ensuring peace and stability in West Asia and the Gulf. In our talks today, it has been agreed to co-ordinate our work and to speed up our participation in this area. We have also agreed that stronger bilateral cooperation in areas such as counter terrorism, maritime security and cyber security will be beneficial for both the countries.

 

Your Royal Highness,

Your journey has given a new dimension to the rapid development of our relationships. I once again thank the Royal Highness for accepting our invitation. I also wish him and all the members of the delegation to have a pleasant stay in India.

Thanks a lot.

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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated various development works worth more than Rs.18,000 crore in Kolkata, West Bengal, today. Addressing the gathering the Prime Minister remarked, "Today, from the land of Kolkata, a new chapter of development is being written for West Bengal and Eastern India."

The Prime Minister highlighted that the foundation stones and dedications of projects worth more than ₹18,000 crore related to roads, railways, and port infrastructure have been carried out at this event. He emphasized that these projects will give new momentum to West Bengal and Eastern India, boost trade and industry, and make life easier for lakhs of people by providing them new opportunities. Referring to some of the key projects, the Prime Minister noted that the completion of the Kharagpur–Moregram Expressway will accelerate economic activities across many parts of West Bengal. He also mentioned the Dubrajpur Bypass and the major bridges being constructed over the Kangsabati and Shilabati rivers, which will further improve connectivity. "I congratulate the people of West Bengal and the entire Eastern India for these transformative projects," remarked Shri Modi.

The Prime Minister stated that a vigorous campaign is underway across the country to modernize the Indian Railways, and it is the firm resolve of the government that West Bengal does not lag behind in this mission. He pointed out that the Central Government is rapidly expanding the railway infrastructure in West Bengal. On this occasion, the Automatic Block Signalling System on the Kalaikunda–Kanimahuli section has been dedicated to the nation. "These initiatives will enhance the capacity of busy rail routes, make journeys safer, and also increase speed and convenience for passengers", asserted Shri Modi.

The Prime Minister announced the inauguration of six stations, Kamakhyaguri, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum, and Siuri,as Amrit Bharat Stations. He noted that the great culture of Bengal is now shining even more brightly at these stations, and several more stations are undergoing redevelopment. A new express train service between Purulia and Anand Vihar Terminal has also been flagged off. "This train service will benefit not only the people of West Bengal but also those in Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi" , affirmed Shri Modi.

The Prime Minister emphasized that ports and water transport play an equally important role as road and rail connectivity in driving economic progress. He observed that for decades, this immense potential of Eastern India was largely neglected, but today, waterways are opening new avenues for trade and industrial advancement. In this direction, foundation stones and dedications of key port infrastructure projects have been carried out. The Prime Minister highlighted that Kolkata and Haldia ports have long been major centres of trade in Eastern India, and the mechanization of the Haldia Dock Complex will accelerate cargo operations, enhance port capacity, and provide new facilities for trade. Additionally, the renovation of the Bascule Bridge in the Kolkata Dock System and the augmentation of cargo handling capacity at Kidderpore Dock are also being undertaken. "All these projects will further strengthen the logistics system of Eastern India", asserted Shri Modi.

In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister underscored that the new projects related to roads, railways, and ports are paving the way for a modern future for West Bengal. He noted that the benefits of these projects will reach farmers, traders, entrepreneurs, students, and every section of society. New opportunities will emerge in sectors like tourism, and local industries and services will gain fresh momentum. The Prime Minister recalled Bengal's historic role in showing the way to India and expressed his conviction that strong connectivity and modern infrastructure will form the foundation of a developed Bengal. "It is our resolve that Bengal, which has always shown the way to India, should once again achieve that glory by becoming a 'Viksit Bengal' ", emphasized Shri Modi.