A delegation under the leadership of the Speaker of Rajasthan Assembly Shri Dipendrasinh Shekhawat is touring Gujarat. State's water harvesting initiatives, people of Gujarat by associating itself with various watershed development plans of State Government and being partner of the progress of the State. The delegation was highly impressed to witness the water management and water distribution initiatives taken by Gujarat. Water Supply Secretary, Shri H.K.Das made a presentation before the delegation, which covered schemes and the path breaking initiatives taken by the State.
Previously, there were around 4000 villages, which were getting drinking water supply through tankers. But, with effective implementation of various schemes, now there are very few villages across the State who is getting drinking water through tankers. Most of the towns and villages in Saurashtra region get drinking water supply through Narmada pipe-lines. By involving all sections of people and build a social movement to take on the daunting challenge of water crisis, State has constructed around 1.35 lakh check-dams, 2 Lakh Farm-Ponds, 1 lakh Bori-Bandhs and around 19000 village ponds have been deepened. It has not only tackled the water crisis of the State but yielded desired results; aquifer management has posted hefty dividends.
The delegation comprises of around 15 MLAs, Water Management Experts, Senior Secretary, and Representative of UNICEF-Rajasthan Unit. They would visit villages, which fall in the command area of Sujalam Sufalam Scheme. They would also observe the functioning of Village Water Committees, it is to be noted that there are around 16000 such committees functional across the State. Besides visiting Gandhinagar Civil Hospital and Ahmedabad's Civil and Kidney Hospitals, they would pay a courtesy call to the speaker of Gujarat Assembly Shri Ashok Bhatt on 27th July.
We shall work together to shape Cyprus’s “Vision 2035” and our vision of a “Viksit Bharat 2047": PM Modi
June 18, 2025
Share
Your Excellency, Honourable President, Distinguished delegates from both nations, Friends from the media,
Namaskar! Kalimera!
At the very outset, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Honourable President for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality. Since the moment I set foot on the soil of Cyprus yesterday, the warmth and affection shown by the President and the people of this country have truly touched my heart.
A short while ago, I was conferred with a prestigious honour by Cyprus. This accolade is not mine alone — it is a tribute to the 140 crore Indians. It symbolises the enduring friendship between India and Cyprus. I express my sincere thanks, once again, for this honour.
Friends,
We attach great importance to our relations with Cyprus. Our shared commitment to values such as democracy and the rule of law forms the strong foundation of our partnership. The friendship between India and Cyprus is not one that has emerged out of circumstances, nor is it confined by borders.
It has withstood the test of time, again and again. In every era, we have upheld the spirit of cooperation, respect and mutual support. We honour each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Friends,
This visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades. It presents a golden opportunity to script a new chapter in our bilateral relations. Today, the Honourable President and I held extensive discussions on all aspects of our partnership.
There are many similarities between Cyprus’s “Vision 2035” and our vision of a “Viksit Bharat 2047”. Therefore, we shall work together to shape our shared future. To provide strategic direction to our partnership, we will develop a concrete roadmap for the next five years.
To further strengthen our defence and security cooperation, the bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme will focus on defence industry collaboration. Separate dialogues will be initiated on cyber and maritime security.
We are deeply grateful to Cyprus for its consistent support of Bharat's fight against cross-border terrorism. To combat terrorism, drug trafficking and arms smuggling, a mechanism will be established for real-time information exchange between our respective agencies. We both agree that there is immense potential in enhancing bilateral trade and investment.
Yesterday, during my interaction with the Honourable President, I sensed great enthusiasm and synergy within the business community regarding our economic ties. We are working towards concluding a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year.
This year, the “India-Cyprus-Greece Business and Investment Council” has also been launched. Such initiatives will boost bilateral trade and investment between our countries.
We also held detailed discussions on expanding cooperation in areas such as technology, innovation, health, agriculture, renewable energy, and climate justice. We are encouraged by the growing popularity of yoga and Ayurveda in Cyprus.
Cyprus is a preferred destination for Indian tourists as well. We shall work towards establishing direct air connectivity to facilitate their travel. We have resolved to expedite the finalisation of a Mobility Agreement.
Friends,
Within the European Union, Cyprus is our trusted partner. We extend our best wishes for Cyprus’s upcoming Presidency of the European Union next year. We are confident that, under your leadership, India-EU relations will reach new heights.
Both nations share common views on the need to reform the United Nations to make it more representative. We are grateful to Cyprus for its support of Bharat's bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council.
We have expressed concern over ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe. The adverse impact of these conflicts is not limited to their respective regions alone. We both agree that this is not an era of war.
Dialogue and the restoration of stability are the calls of humanity. We also discussed enhancing connectivity with the Mediterranean region. We concur that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor will pave the way for peace and prosperity in the region.
Honourable President,
I extend a cordial invitation to you to visit Bharat. I look forward to the opportunity of welcoming you to Bharat at the earliest.
Once again, I sincerely thank you for the exceptional hospitality and honour.
