PM witnesses signing of the historic agreement between Government of India and NSCN
Naga courage and commitment are legendary. Equally, they represent highest levels of humanism: PM
Peace, security, economic transformation of North East is amongst my highest priorities: PM Modi
Shri Rajnath Singhji, Home Minister
Shri Muivah and all senior leaders of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland.
My warm greetings to all those present here today on this historic occasion!
I wish that Shri Isak Swu, who played a leading role in reaching this agreement, was present today. He could not be here because of poor health. I wish him speedy recovery. Just as his contribution to this agreement has been huge, his guidance will remain crucial in the times ahead.
The Naga political issue had lingered for six decades, taking a huge toll on generations of our people.
I sincerely thank Shri Isak Swu, Shri Muivah and other Naga leaders for their wisdom and courage, for their efforts and cooperation, which has resulted in this historic agreement.
I have the deepest admiration for the great Naga people for their extraordinary support to the peace efforts. I compliment the National Socialist Council of Nagaland for maintaining the ceasefire agreement for nearly two decades, with a sense of honour that defines the great Naga people.
My relationship with the North East has been deep. I have travelled to Nagaland on many occasions. I have been deeply impressed by the rich and diverse culture and the unique way of life of the Naga people. It makes not only our nation, but also the world a more beautiful place.
The Naga courage and commitment are legendary. Equally, they represent the highest levels of humanism. Their system of village administration and grass-root democracy should be an inspiration for the rest of the country.
The respect for the infirm and elders, the status of women in society, sensitivity to Mother Nature, and the emphasis on social equality is a natural way of Naga life. These are values that should constitute the foundation of the society that we all seek.
Unfortunately, the Naga problem has taken so long to resolve because we did not understand each other. It is a legacy of the British Rule. The colonial rulers had, by design, kept the Nagas isolated and insulated. They propagated terrible myths about Nagas in the rest of the country. They deliberately suppressed the reality that the Nagas were an extremely evolved society. They also spread negative ideas about the rest of India amongst Naga people. This was part of the well known policy of divide and rule of the colonial rulers.
It is one of the tragedies of Independent India that we have lived with this legacy. There were not many like Mahatma Gandhi, who loved the Naga people and was sensitive to their sentiments. We have continued to look at each other through the prism of false perceptions and old prejudices.
The result was that connectivity between Nagaland and the rest of India remained weak across this divide. Economic development and progress in Nagaland remained modest; and, durable peace was elusive.
Since becoming Prime Minister last year, peace, security and economic transformation of North East has been amongst my highest priorities. It is also at the heart of my foreign policy, especially the ‘Act East’ Policy.
I have been deeply concerned about resolving the Naga issue. Soon after entering office, I appointed an interlocutor for talks with the Naga leaders, who not only understood the Naga people as also their aspirations and expectations, but has great affection and respect for them.
Given the importance of this initiative, I asked my office to supervise these talks; and I personally kept in touch with the progress. I want to especially thank my senior colleague, Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singhji, whose support and advice was invaluable in bringing us here today.
Today’s agreement is a shining example of what we can achieve when we deal with each other in a spirit of equality and respect, trust and confidence; when we seek to understand concerns and try to address aspirations; when we leave the path of dispute and take the high road of dialogue. It is a lesson and an inspiration in our troubled world.
Today, we mark not merely the end of a problem, but the beginning of a new future. We will not only try to heal wounds and resolve problems, but also be your partner as you restore your pride and prestige.
Today, to the leaders and the people of Nagaland, I say this: You will not only build a bright future for Nagaland, but your talents, traditions and efforts will also contribute to making the nation stronger, more secure, more inclusive and more prosperous. You are also the guardians of our eastern frontiers and our gateway to the world beyond.
Equally, the rest of the nation will join you in shaping a future of dignity, opportunity and prosperity for the Naga people.
Today, as you begin a new glorious chapter with a sense of pride, self-confidence and self-respect, I join the nation in saluting you and conveying our good wishes to the Naga people.
Daman has become a living example of Mini India: PM Modi
June 05, 2026
Share
The launch of projects across healthcare, aviation, tourism and infrastructure marks a new development push for Daman that will transform lives across the UT: PM
The data released today reflects the strength of India's economy, with growth of 7.7% in FY 2025–26 and 7.8% in the quarter ending March 31: PM
Even amid severe global challenges, the collective efforts of 1.4 billion Indians have ensured that India is not only sustaining itself but also staying ahead of the curve: PM
The National Family Health Survey clearly reflects the government's focus on healthcare. While most deliveries in India earlier took place outside hospitals, today over 90% of all deliveries occur in hospitals: PM
Thanks to Mission Indradhanush, child immunization coverage in India has risen from 60% before 2014 to nearly 90% today: PM
Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Bharat Mata Ki Jai!
Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Praful Bhai Patel, my colleague in Parliament Kalaben Delkar, President of Daman Municipal Council Deepika Tandel Ji, Chairman of Daman District Panchayat Dharm Babu Patel, Chairman of Silvassa Municipal Council Somnath Devre Ji, Chairperson of Dadra Nagar Haveli District Panchayat Nisha Bhavsar Ji, Chairman of Diu Municipal Council Harish Kapadia Ji, Chairperson of Diu District Panchayat Kotia Ranjitaben, and my dear brothers and sisters who have gathered here in such a large number,
Just as you have gathered here, in Lakshadweep too a large number of people are connected with us through video, because today a new beginning of development in Lakshadweep, a new project that will bring revolutionary change in the lives of the people of Lakshadweep, has also been inaugurated and foundation stones have been laid for some schemes.
Friends, A few years ago, when I came among you, I had said that our Daman is rapidly becoming Mini India, and today I see, on the left side is entire Bengal and on the right side is entire Assam. Daman has become a living example of Mini India. The diversity here, people from different regions residing here, gives a beautiful glimpse of the whole of India among you. You all have come in such large numbers to bless us, for this I thank you all very much.
Brothers and sisters, I have had the opportunity to come to Daman and Diu many times. I also keep visiting Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and when I was not Chief Minister or Prime Minister, I used to come here many times. But now when I come here and see the good governance, the governance model, it feels very good. Every time I feel that compared to the last time, this region has moved miles ahead on the path of development.
Friends,
Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu had dreamt of development for decades. The generations who dreamt earlier have passed away. But today the present generation is seeing with their own eyes that the dreams their parents and grandparents used to see are now being fulfilled before their eyes. Even today, many projects related to connectivity, health, education, tourism, and urban infrastructure have been inaugurated and foundation stones laid here. These development works will make life easier for the people of Daman and the entire Union Territory. They will create new opportunities for the youth. Behind these works, the vision of Praful Bhai Patel, his and his team’s hard work is clearly visible. For this, I also appreciate Praful Bhai and his entire team. I extend many congratulations and best wishes to the people of Lakshadweep and Dadra-Nagar Haveli.
Friends,
Today as I have come among you, a pleasant news has arrived. I had already left Delhi this morning, but the figures that have just come, the news that has arrived, is truly delightful, and I also want to share this happiness with you. The figures that have come today clearly show how strong the foundation of India’s economy is. In the year 2025-26, that is, the financial year that has just ended, India has achieved a growth rate of 7.7 percent, 7.7, and the last quarter that ended on 31st March also recorded India’s growth at 7.8 percent, 7.8. And this is the fastest-growing large economy in the world. Every Indian should feel proud, this is its pace. Today the country is running on the Reform Express, today the country is witnessing such massive infrastructure development, such large-scale work is being done for the welfare of the poor, and the result of all these efforts is that today the country is moving ahead as the fastest-growing large economy. And we all know, the world is engulfed in crises, the economies of the whole world are buried under question marks, but even in this worst period of global crisis, with the collective efforts of 1.4 billion countrymen, India is not only able to sustain itself but also succeeding in staying ahead. I extend many congratulations to the countrymen for achieving this new height in the economic field, and I once again assure the nation that while facing these crises prevailing across the world, the country will continue to move forward with firm resolve, on the path of Reform, Perform, and Transform, at a rapid pace. This is my guarantee to the countrymen.
Friends,
Today development is as important for us as ensuring that our development model is sustainable. Today, on World Environment Day, our Union Territory State is realizing this resolution. Today, on one hand, development projects worth thousands of crores have been inaugurated and foundation stones laid here. At the same time, about one lakh one trees in the name of mother, one lakh saplings are also being planted here. I am proud that this is such a Union Territory which has achieved the feat of 100 percent use of solar energy in government buildings. Today, in Diu, the entire daytime electricity demand is being met only by solar power, and we have to take this further. Electricity should also be available in homes through solar energy, and not only that, families should also earn income from surplus electricity. For this, the initiative of installing rooftop solar plants has begun. I also appreciate you all for these achievements.
Friends,
Along with this, I have also been informed that the people of Daman are running a cleanliness campaign these days. This shows how cleanliness has become a part of the culture of Daman’s public life, and this culture is visible in the cleanliness efforts. I congratulate the people of Daman for these participatory efforts.
Friends,
Dadra Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, being a Union Territory, are also the identity and heritage of India. Therefore, our goals for its development are not ordinary. I remember, when I came to Silvassa last year, I gave you the example of Singapore. I had said that once Singapore was a small fishing village. But the people of Singapore dreamt, they set big goals, and today that same Singapore has become the world’s biggest business hub. Today Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu are also dreaming the same dream. These projects like Namo Airport, the iconic bridge to be built on the Damanganga river, the convention center to be built on the ‘Beach Front’, through such infrastructure we are laying the foundation of big resolutions for the future. Through these projects, your movement will become easier. New possibilities for business will be created here. The pace of development on both sides of Daman will become faster.
Friends,
Here opportunities related to the hospitality economy will increase, and along with that, facilities like Transport Nagar will also give new momentum to trade and logistics.
Friends, The vision we have prepared for the Blue Economy in this region will also be realized only through the strength of hi-tech infrastructure. That is why, today itself, the foundation stone of modern ports is being laid in Kalpeni and Kadmat islands of Lakshadweep. All these efforts will increase the country’s strength in the Blue Economy, and as I said, these are initiatives that will change the destiny of Lakshadweep.
Friends, In the BJP government, in our NDA government, the first criterion of development for us is-change in the lives of the poor, the deprived, the tribal, and the middle class! For this, the health sector is our very big priority. In the past years, the country has moved forward with a holistic vision for healthcare. We have solved every concern related to treatment. Today even the poorest have the facility of Ayushman Card. They have the assurance of free treatment up to 5 lakh rupees. To ensure timely diagnosis of diseases, there is the arrangement of Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Affordable medicines are also available through Jan Aushadhi Kendras. To make these facilities even better and more modern, today health services are being connected with technology through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
Friends, Due to Ayushman Cards and Jan Aushadhi Kendras alone, the poor and middle class have saved nearly 2.25 lakh crore rupees from being spent.
Brothers and sisters, The policies of the central government have greatly benefited the people of this region too. At one time, there was a lack of good treatment facilities here. There was not even a medical college here. But now there is a medical college, and post-graduation studies have also started in it. Silvassa’s Namo Hospital has been serving thousands of people since last year. Today, Namo Hospital has also been inaugurated in Daman. The people of this region will now get the benefit of even better healthcare.
Friends, How our government is prioritizing health is also evident in the results of the National Family Health Survey. At one time, most deliveries in India did not take place in hospitals. Today, more than 90 percent of deliveries in the country are happening in hospitals, which has greatly reduced maternal mortality and infant mortality. Due to Mission Indradhanush, India has also made good progress in the field of child vaccination. Before 2014, only 60 percent of children were fully vaccinated. Today this figure has increased to about 90 percent. There has also been a big change in the field of health security. Before 2014, less than 30 percent of families were connected with health insurance schemes. Today Ayushman Bharat has changed those figures too. Now more than 60 percent of families are getting this protection.
Friends, If anyone has benefited the most from these efforts of the government in the field of health, it is the women power of my country.
Friends, Earlier the youth of this region also had to go outside for higher education. But today, not one but many national-level institutes have been established here. In recent years, new school buildings have been built here, smart classrooms have also been built in schools. More than 40 thousand students are benefiting from them. I am happy that the Union Territory is gradually moving forward in the field of education. Many constructions like Swami Vivekananda Education Hub are happening here.
Brothers and sisters, It is also our resolve that our daughters should not lag behind in this education revolution. For this, many big efforts are being made. Schemes like Saraswati Cycle Scheme and Saraswati Vidya Yojana are helping the daughters here a lot.
Friends, Today India is trying that the youth of the country should get the right direction along with the degree. They should get such exposure that connects local talent with global opportunities. In fields like design, law, engineering, medical education, IT, drone, and renewable energy, our present preparation will strengthen India’s workforce. Therefore, the expansion of professional institutions is very important.
Friends, Today the foundation stone of the eighteenth campus of NIFT has been laid. This institution will connect the youth here with global exposure. New courses like Drone Technician have also started in ITI Daman. Training programs related to PM Vishwakarma and PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme are also benefiting the youth.
Friends, Sports in the country have also been advanced with new thinking. Our sports are no longer limited to big cities or big stadiums. Efforts like Khelo India have given youth a new platform to showcase their talent. Because of this, children from small regions are coming forward at the national level in the field of sports, and this region has also benefited from it. Diu has emerged as a big center of beach sports today. The Beach Games held at Ghoghla Beach have also drawn the country’s attention to this region. Today modern sports infrastructure is continuously being developed here. The Football Center in Khanvel and the Volleyball Training Center in Daman are strengthening the sports culture here.
Friends, Today the country’s big focus is also on tourism. Our effort is that tourism should promote local art and culture. Small places should also be connected with big opportunities. Efforts like ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ have inspired people to know about the diversity of the country. Today heritage tourism, beach tourism, eco-tourism, adventure tourism in India are getting new energy.
Friends, In Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, tourism is also a sector with immense possibilities. This region has been blessed with natural beauty. That is why the policies the country has worked on regarding tourism have greatly benefited Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu. In 2021, about 6 lakh tourists came here. In 2025, this number increased to about 50 lakh. That means in just a few years, tourism footfall has increased nearly tenfold. This has been possible due to better infrastructure, better facilities, and clean beaches. Daman Night Market, Ramsetu Sea-Front, Namopath Sea-Front, Nani Daman Fort, Gangeshwar Temple Complex, such numerous places are today becoming the new identity of this entire region.
Friends, To fulfill the dreams of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, we also have to increase the industrial strength here. It is also a matter of pride that this Union Territory has made its distinct identity in the field of man-made fiber. Dadra and Nagar Haveli are recognized as the National Man-Made Fibre Capital. This region is also continuously progressing in plastic export. The government has also made continuous efforts to support industries and MSMEs here. MSMEs and other industries here have been provided financial assistance of more than crores of rupees. New opportunities are opening up for small and cottage industries of the Union Territory. I am confident that in the coming time this region will become a big hub of manufacturing.
Friends, When sensitive governance is combined with the vision of development, transformation rapidly takes shape on the ground. Seeing the impact of our efforts in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu gives satisfaction. I have full faith in the people of this land. The youth here, the mothers and sisters here, the farmers, artisans, laborers, and entrepreneurs here will take this development journey further in the coming years. I assure you, the central government will stand shoulder to shoulder with you to fulfill your dreams. With this belief, I once again extend many congratulations to you for the development projects. Say with me, Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Bharat Mata Ki Jai!
