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Strong relations between Gujarat and Europe

Published By : Admin | November 27, 2013 | 14:19 IST
"Top European economies have met Shri Narendra Modi to discuss stronger ties "
"British HC, German, French, Italian @Swiss Ambassador have met Narendra Modi "
"Demark and Sweden upbeat on strong relations with Gujarat"

Strong relations between Gujarat and Europe

Shri Narendra Modi firmly believes that no progress is complete without engaging and learning from the outside world. Growth is not possible by remaining in a close shell, oblivious to the rapidly changing world around us. Over the last many years, especially in the recent past, numerous European nations have increased their engagement with Gujarat. Being one of India’s most economically vibrant state with a people and investor friendly government, European nations are looking at Gujarat as an attractive destination for opportunities in every sector, be it economic, social or even cultural. In Shri Narendra Modi, they have found a visionary leader who is determined to fulfill the aspirations of the people. Shri Modi’s leadership and his vision for Gujarat’s development have been appreciated as well.

All the leading European economies have active engagement with Gujarat. A historic chapter was written in October 2012 when the British High Commissioner Sir James Bevan called on Shri Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar. In a 50 minute long meeting with Shri Modi, the two of them discussed how to strengthen cooperation between the United Kingdom and Gujarat. Britain is home to a large number of people of Gujarati origin, who migrated there. Sir James Bevan was also present during the 2013 Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, where he stressed on Britain and Gujarat being natural partners.

British HC Sir James Bevan with Shri Narendra Modi


(British HC Sir James Bevan with Shri Narendra Modi)

Britain’s Minister of State in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Mr. Hugo Swire came to Gujarat and held deliberations with Shri Narendra Modi. Minister Swire was present at the signing of the Long Term LNG Contract between GSPC and British Gas, which is a landmark step in Gujarat’s warm relations with the United Kingdom.

Britain’s Minister Hugo Swire meeting Chief Minister Narendra Modi


(Britain’s Minister Hugo Swire meeting Chief Minister Narendra Modi)

In November 2013 the Italian Ambassador to India Mr. Daniele Mancini led a high-powered business delegation to Gujarat and met Shri Modi. Ambassador Mancini expressed his keenness to strengthen the bond between Italy and Gujarat in the coming years.

Narendra Modi with Ambassador Daniele Mancini


(Narendra Modi with Ambassador Daniele Mancini)

The German Ambassador to India Mr. Michael Steiner called on Shri Modi on 16th November 2013. He discussed an array of issues with Shri Modi.

The German Ambassador Mr. Michael Steiner with Shri Modi in Gandhinagar


(The German Ambassador Mr. Michael Steiner with Shri Modi in Gandhinagar)

Mr. Francois Richier, France’s Ambassador to India met Shri Modi in Gujarat. The Ambassador led a delegation of 14 French companies and discussed strengthening partnership in the fields of urban infrastructure facilities, waste management and energy. The French delegation spent a long time with various authorities of the Gujarat Government during their visit to Gujarat.

Shri Modi meeting France’s Ambassador Mr. Francois Richier


(Shri Modi meeting France’s Ambassador Mr. Francois Richier)

In April 2013 Shri Modi met Switzerland’s Ambassador to India, Mr. Linus Von Castelmur in Gandhinagar. The Ambassador showed great keenness in understand the rapid development in Gujarat over the last decade and Shri Modi spoke about making ties stronger in fields such as skill development, tourism, agro processing, jewelry and watchmaking.

Shri Narendra Modi with Switzerland’s Ambassador to India Mr. Linus Von Castelmur


(Shri Narendra Modi with Switzerland’s Ambassador to India Mr. Linus Von Castelmur)

Among the Scandinavian countries, Denmark’s Ambassador to India Mr. Freddy Svane metShri Modi in June 2013. Mr. Svane also joined the National Seminar on Livestock and Dairy Development at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. Ambassador Svane expressed keenness for stronger ties with Gujarat in fields such as energy.

Mr. Lars-Olof Lindgren, Ambassador of Sweden to India came to Gujarat with a power packed delegation and during the visit the Swedish Chamber of Commerce and Industry inked a MoU with Gujarat for mutual development.

Sweden’s Ambassador to India meets Shri Modi


(Sweden’s Ambassador to India meets Shri Modi)

Shri Narendra Modi interacted with top lawmakers of Europe via a videoconference on 9th February 2013. The political figures who interacted with Shri Modi are Mr. Joe Leinen (German politician from the SPD and member of the European Parliament who heads the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety in the Parliament), Mr. Nirj Deva (Member of the European Parliament and politician of Britain’s Conservative Party), Ms. Anne Marie Lizin (the Honorary President of the Belgian Senate) and Mr. Vladislav Yurchik (leader of “Communist of Russia and Deputy of the Russian Parliament, ‘Duma’), Mr. Valery Sargienko (Member of Siberia’s Legislative Assembly and leader of Communist Party).The lawmakers lauded the development journey in Gujarat and congratulated Shri Modi for making the state Vibrant without a trace of corruption.

Besides this, delegations from several European nations are visiting Gujarat and being a part of the state’s journey towards all round development.

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PM Modi addressed a public rally in Nadia, West Bengal through video conferencing after being unable to attend the programme physically due to adverse weather conditions. He sought forgiveness from the people, stating that dense fog made it impossible for the helicopter to land safely. Earlier today, the PM also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development works in Ranaghat, a major way forward towards West Bengal’s growth story.

The PM expressed deep grief over a mishap involving BJP karyakartas travelling to attend the rally. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

PM Modi said that Nadia is the sacred land where Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the embodiment of love, compassion and devotion, manifested himself. He noted that the chants of Harinaam Sankirtan that once echoed across villages and along the banks of the Ganga were not merely expressions of devotion, but a powerful call for social unity.

He highlighted the immense contribution of the Matua community in strengthening social harmony, recalling the teachings of Shri Harichand Thakur, the social reform efforts of Shri Guruchand Thakur, and the motherly compassion of Boro Maa. He bowed to all these revered figures for their lasting impact on society.

The PM said that Bengal and the Bengali language have made invaluable contributions to India’s history and culture, with Vande Mataram being one of the nation’s most powerful gifts. He noted that the country is marking 150 years of Vande Mataram and that Parliament has recently paid tribute to this iconic song. He said West Bengal is the land of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, whose creation of Vande Mataram awakened national consciousness during the freedom struggle.

He stressed that Vande Mataram should inspire a Viksit Bharat and awaken the spirit of a Viksit West Bengal, adding that this sacred idea forms the BJP’s roadmap for the state.

PM Modi said BJP-led governments are focused on policies that enhance the strength and capabilities of every citizen. He cited the GST Savings Festival as an example, noting that essential goods were made affordable, enabling families in West Bengal to celebrate Durga Puja and other festivals with joy.

He also highlighted major investments in infrastructure, mentioning the approval of two important highway projects that will improve connectivity between Kolkata and Siliguri and strengthen regional development.

The PM said the nation wants fast-paced development and referred to Bihar’s recent strong mandate in favour of the BJP-NDA. He recalled stating that the Ganga flows from Bihar to Bengal and that Bihar has shown the path for BJP’s victory in West Bengal as well.

He said that while Bihar has decisively rejected jungle raj, West Bengal must now free itself from what he described as Maha Jungle Raj. Referring to the popular slogan, he said the state is calling out, “Bachte Chai, BJP Tai.”

The PM emphasised that there is no shortage of funds, intent or schemes for West Bengal’s development, but alleged that projects worth thousands of crores are stalled due to corruption and commissions. He appealed to the people to give BJP a chance and form a double-engine government to witness rapid development.

He cautioned people to remain alert against what he described as TMC’s conspiracies, alleging that the party is focused on protecting infiltrators. He said that whenever BJP raises concerns over infiltration, TMC leaders respond with abuse, which also explains their opposition to SIR in West Bengal.

Concluding his address, PM Modi said West Bengal needs a BJP government that works at double speed to restore the state’s pride. He assured that he would speak in greater detail about BJP’s vision when he visits the state in person.