# Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares his views on India's role in the region and the world, ahead of the 35th Asean Summit and Related Summits, including tomorrow's 16th Asean-India Summit and Monday's 3rd RCEP Summit, in an exclusive interview with the Bangkok Post.
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In the last few years, we have been actively increasing our contribution in the world, be it in the economic sphere or in the fight against climate change, in the field of space or the fight against terror.
Today, India is one of the largest contributors to global economic growth and development. The people of India have amply demonstrated that they are second to none, if they get the right environment policies that enable them to realise their true potential.
We are running the world's largest campaign to improve the "Ease of Living" for the people of India and to improve their productive potential via better infrastructure, better services and better technology.
This has been made possible because we have electrified every village; brought over 350 million of our citizens into the banking system; reduced leakage of money in social schemes; built 150 million toilets in rural and urban areas; improved governance by digitising services, made rapid strides to become one of the fastest growing markets for fintech products; and have put the Indian economy in a fast-growth trajectory. We have moved up about 80 places in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business index. And we have done this within a democratic framework and while preserving the best of our heritage.
There is a large aspirational middle class emerging in India, which has access to all the basic necessities and is looking to move up the ladder in life.
Our mantra is "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas", which means development for all and with the cooperation and trust of everyone. And by everyone, we mean not only our own citizens, but the whole of mankind.
Hence, we are actively working to promote development partnerships with all our friendly neighbours. And we are seeking to build international partnerships to combat global and trans-boundary challenges. These include the International Solar Alliance and an initiative to build a Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
India remains a strong advocate of strengthening and reforming multilateralism amid contemporary realities. In times of global uncertainties, a rapidly growing, democratic and strong India continues to be a beacon of stability, prosperity and peace.
It is said that the 21st century will be Asia's century. India is prepared to contribute to this transformation in Asia and the world.
This is because the Asean region is not just an important gateway to the Indian Ocean region, and not only because it is civilisationally very close to us. It is also because Asean is one of the most economically and politically dynamic regions of the world today. India wishes to see a strong, unified and prosperous Asean playing a central role in the emerging dynamic of the Indo-Pacific. This is in the best interests of India's prosperity and security as well.
Engagement with Asean has been, and will remain, a critical element of India's Act East policy and strategy. Our close civilisational links provide a strong foundation on which we have built a robust, modern and multifaceted strategic partnership. Strengthening Asean, expanding connectivity and deepening India-Asean economic integration are among key priorities of our Act East Policy.
We are very thankful to Thailand for steering India's close relations with Asean under its leadership of the organisation.
I enunciated the concept of SAGAR in 2015. It stands for Security And Growth for All in the Region. "Sagar" in Hindi means sea. We seek to achieve this vision by enhancing mutual trust and expanding security cooperation. India will work towards evolving common perspectives on the regional security architecture and the principles underlining it, and developing a viable institutional framework for addressing common security challenges, building on the existing frameworks and mechanisms.
Maritime security, connectivity, economic growth and sustainable development are priority areas both in our and Asean's approaches to build a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. We will be glad to work with our partners in Asean to progress partnership in achieving these objectives.
At the same time, we are also cognisant of the distinctive identities and focus of these regional frameworks. In the Indian context, for example, we are working with the Mekong countries in the frameworks of Asean-India Dialogue Relations, Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) and BIMSTEC. Despite seeming overlaps in themes among these frameworks, the instruments, processes and intensity in cooperation vary.
There is ample scope for the multifarious regional groupings in the Mekong sub-region to harmoniously coexist and seek synergy for progress and prosperity of the region and also its external partners.
India attaches great importance to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). It constitutes a unique link between South Asia and Southeast Asia with five members from South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka) and two from Southeast Asia (Myanmar and Thailand).
The 4th BIMSTEC Summit in Kathmandu gave a significant push to regional cooperation, and to the strengthening of institutional mechanisms of BIMSTEC, such as mandating the drafting of the BIMSTEC Charter and exploring the possibility for a BIMSTEC Development Fund. India actively participated in shaping the outcome of the summit. We have announced a number of initiatives to be undertaken by India to advance BIMSTEC cooperation and capacity in diverse areas such as security, disaster management, economy and trade, agriculture, health and digital connectivity, as well as activities to promote cultural and youth linkages. India firmly believes that BIMSTEC is an important part of our Act East Policy.
As readers may be aware, leaders of BIMSTEC countries attended the swearing-in of our new government in its second term at the end of May this year. This great honour for us was also a reminder of the close bonds that our countries and their leaders share.
I would especially like to mention that Thailand has made a significant contribution in strengthening cooperation within BIMSTEC.
India today is one of the most open places in the world to do business. This is reflected in the jumps that we have made in the World Bank's "Ease of Doing Business" index from 142 to 63 in the last four to five years. We believe in the power of global trade to integrate economies and uplift the poor.
India remains committed to a comprehensive and balanced outcome from the ongoing RCEP negotiations. Their successful conclusion is in the interest of everyone involved. Hence, India seeks balance across goods, services and investments, and also within each pillar.
We recognise the high ambitions of our partners on goods. We too would like a win-win outcome. We believe that for this, addressing our concerns over unsustainable trade deficits is important. It needs to be recognised that opening the vast Indian market must be matched by openings in some areas where our businesses can also benefit.
We have put forward reasonable proposals in a clear manner and are engaged in negotiations with sincerity. We would like to see commensurate levels of ambition on services from many of our partners, even as we are ready to address their sensitivities.
Overall, we are clear that a mutually beneficial RCEP, in which all sides gain reasonably, is in interests of India and of all partners in the negotiation.
Source: Bangkok Post.
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#Image 1 of 2 : The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi chairing the 31st interaction through PRAGATI - the ICT-based, multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, in New Delhi on November 06, 2019.
Deploy young officers in Aspirational Districts; set timelines to bring aspirational districts up to national average: PM Transport and Agriculture Ministries should come together to develop an e-model of logistics support for agricultural products: PM To tackle stubble burning, Agriculture Ministry to distribute equipment to farmers of Punjab, Haryana and UP on a priority basis: PM
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today chaired the 31st interaction through PRAGATI — the ICT based multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.
In the previous PRAGATI meetings, a total of 265 projects with a total investment of Rs. 12.15 lakh crore, 47 programmes/ schemes and grievances related to 17 sectors (22 subjects) had been reviewed.
The PRAGATI meeting today witnessed review of 9 projects worth over Rs. 61,000 crore related to 16 states and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. Grievances of Indian citizens working abroad along with subjects like National Agriculture Market and Aspirational District Programme were also discussed.
Calling it an act of national service, Prime Minister laid stress on the importance of focussing on education and healthcare of tribal children. He emphasized on the need to decide on timelines to bring the backward districts up to the national average. He also stressed that young officers must be deployed in Aspirational Districts.
Prime Minister directed that based on e-models of demand aggregation, Ministry of Road, Transport & Highways and Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare should work together on a new start-up model of logistics support, particularly with regard to transfer of agricultural products from one state to another. He said that all the states must come together and use a common, integrated platform for smooth operation.
On the issue of stubble burning, Prime Minister directed Agriculture Ministry to give priority to the farmers of the states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana in distribution of equipment to prevent such occurrences.
Several projects in the north-east like the widening and upgradation of Aizawl-Tuipang highway project was also discussed. To provide faster and safer connectivity between Delhi and Meerut, Prime Minister said that Delhi-Meerut Expressway should be completed by the revised time-line of May 2020.
Prime Minister desired that long delayed projects should be expedited by the respective state governments. He directed that regular reports on the progress of such projects be sent to his office.
Prime Minister congratulated the state governments of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh for progress made in timely completion of the project related to strengthening of transmission system beyond Vemagiri.
#Image 2 of 2 : The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi chairing the 31st interaction through PRAGATI - the ICT-based, multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, in New Delhi on November 06, 2019.
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JAY HIND
JAY BHARATHAM
VANDHE MATHARAM
BHARAT MATHA KI JAY.
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#OPINION : 07/11/2019 : 1946.
Building on ancient ties for new prosperity : November 02, 2019 : PM INDIA SRI NARENDRA MODI.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares his views on India's role in the region and the world, ahead of the 35th Asean Summit and Related Summits, including tomorrow's 16th Asean-India Summit and Monday's 3rd RCEP Summit, in an exclusive interview with the Bangkok Post.
======================================================================#Do you think India has become a global power under your leadership?
It is well-known that India's is an ancient civilisation with enormous richness and diversity. Till a few hundred years ago, India contributed a major chunk of global growth. It has contributed to the development of science, literature, philosophy, art and architecture. In doing all this, it did not seek to dominate others but built lasting ties across seas and oceans.In the last few years, we have been actively increasing our contribution in the world, be it in the economic sphere or in the fight against climate change, in the field of space or the fight against terror.
Today, India is one of the largest contributors to global economic growth and development. The people of India have amply demonstrated that they are second to none, if they get the right environment policies that enable them to realise their true potential.
We are running the world's largest campaign to improve the "Ease of Living" for the people of India and to improve their productive potential via better infrastructure, better services and better technology.
This has been made possible because we have electrified every village; brought over 350 million of our citizens into the banking system; reduced leakage of money in social schemes; built 150 million toilets in rural and urban areas; improved governance by digitising services, made rapid strides to become one of the fastest growing markets for fintech products; and have put the Indian economy in a fast-growth trajectory. We have moved up about 80 places in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business index. And we have done this within a democratic framework and while preserving the best of our heritage.
There is a large aspirational middle class emerging in India, which has access to all the basic necessities and is looking to move up the ladder in life.
Our mantra is "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas", which means development for all and with the cooperation and trust of everyone. And by everyone, we mean not only our own citizens, but the whole of mankind.
Hence, we are actively working to promote development partnerships with all our friendly neighbours. And we are seeking to build international partnerships to combat global and trans-boundary challenges. These include the International Solar Alliance and an initiative to build a Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
India remains a strong advocate of strengthening and reforming multilateralism amid contemporary realities. In times of global uncertainties, a rapidly growing, democratic and strong India continues to be a beacon of stability, prosperity and peace.
It is said that the 21st century will be Asia's century. India is prepared to contribute to this transformation in Asia and the world.
#What is the importance of Asean to India's Act East Policy?
Asean is at the core of our Act East policy. It is the only cooperative mechanism by which we have had uninterrupted summit-level dialogues for 16 years so far.This is because the Asean region is not just an important gateway to the Indian Ocean region, and not only because it is civilisationally very close to us. It is also because Asean is one of the most economically and politically dynamic regions of the world today. India wishes to see a strong, unified and prosperous Asean playing a central role in the emerging dynamic of the Indo-Pacific. This is in the best interests of India's prosperity and security as well.
Engagement with Asean has been, and will remain, a critical element of India's Act East policy and strategy. Our close civilisational links provide a strong foundation on which we have built a robust, modern and multifaceted strategic partnership. Strengthening Asean, expanding connectivity and deepening India-Asean economic integration are among key priorities of our Act East Policy.
We are very thankful to Thailand for steering India's close relations with Asean under its leadership of the organisation.
#What kind of role India would like to play in the regional security architecture?
India has outlined its vision for Indo-Pacific, which is shared by countries of the region as well. This recognises the primacy and the interconnected nature of the oceanic domain. Our views in this regard were articulated by me very clearly at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore last year. We believe that the regional security architecture for Indo-Pacific should be open, transparent, inclusive and rules-based, anchored in respect for international law. A stable maritime security environment in the region, including freedom of navigation and over-flight and unimpeded commerce, in accordance with international law including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, is essential to any regional security architecture.I enunciated the concept of SAGAR in 2015. It stands for Security And Growth for All in the Region. "Sagar" in Hindi means sea. We seek to achieve this vision by enhancing mutual trust and expanding security cooperation. India will work towards evolving common perspectives on the regional security architecture and the principles underlining it, and developing a viable institutional framework for addressing common security challenges, building on the existing frameworks and mechanisms.
#How can India's Indo-Pacific synergise with the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific?
We compliment Asean for its own Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, which has significant convergence with our own Indo-Pacific Vision, especially from the standpoint of principles and approach. We believe that unity and centrality of Asean must be a key element in developing an Indo-Pacific vision. This is not only in recognition of the geographic centrality of Asean in this region, but also because Asean-led regional mechanisms -- especially the East Asia Summit, as the only leaders-led forum -- are the most inclusive fora currently available for discussions on issues of importance to the region.Maritime security, connectivity, economic growth and sustainable development are priority areas both in our and Asean's approaches to build a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. We will be glad to work with our partners in Asean to progress partnership in achieving these objectives.
#Are you concerned about development in the Mekong subregion, where many regional powers are competing?
India has a long history of maritime, trade, cultural and civilisational links with the countries of the region. In today's world, we have renewed these links and forged new regional partnerships. The establishment of the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation initiative 19 years ago is one such step. India recently joined the Thailand-led Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS). Here, we bring all the major external partners of the Mekong countries together to build synergies and avoid duplication of cooperation efforts.At the same time, we are also cognisant of the distinctive identities and focus of these regional frameworks. In the Indian context, for example, we are working with the Mekong countries in the frameworks of Asean-India Dialogue Relations, Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) and BIMSTEC. Despite seeming overlaps in themes among these frameworks, the instruments, processes and intensity in cooperation vary.
There is ample scope for the multifarious regional groupings in the Mekong sub-region to harmoniously coexist and seek synergy for progress and prosperity of the region and also its external partners.
#How does BIMSTEC fit into the broader Act East Policy?
The 4th BIMSTEC Summit in Kathmandu gave a significant push to regional cooperation, and to the strengthening of institutional mechanisms of BIMSTEC, such as mandating the drafting of the BIMSTEC Charter and exploring the possibility for a BIMSTEC Development Fund. India actively participated in shaping the outcome of the summit. We have announced a number of initiatives to be undertaken by India to advance BIMSTEC cooperation and capacity in diverse areas such as security, disaster management, economy and trade, agriculture, health and digital connectivity, as well as activities to promote cultural and youth linkages. India firmly believes that BIMSTEC is an important part of our Act East Policy.
As readers may be aware, leaders of BIMSTEC countries attended the swearing-in of our new government in its second term at the end of May this year. This great honour for us was also a reminder of the close bonds that our countries and their leaders share.
I would especially like to mention that Thailand has made a significant contribution in strengthening cooperation within BIMSTEC.
#India is perceived as reluctant to join the RCEP trade deal. Do you think RCEP negotiations can be concluded this year, and what has to be done to achieve that goal?
India remains committed to a comprehensive and balanced outcome from the ongoing RCEP negotiations. Their successful conclusion is in the interest of everyone involved. Hence, India seeks balance across goods, services and investments, and also within each pillar.
We recognise the high ambitions of our partners on goods. We too would like a win-win outcome. We believe that for this, addressing our concerns over unsustainable trade deficits is important. It needs to be recognised that opening the vast Indian market must be matched by openings in some areas where our businesses can also benefit.
We have put forward reasonable proposals in a clear manner and are engaged in negotiations with sincerity. We would like to see commensurate levels of ambition on services from many of our partners, even as we are ready to address their sensitivities.
Overall, we are clear that a mutually beneficial RCEP, in which all sides gain reasonably, is in interests of India and of all partners in the negotiation.
Source: Bangkok Post.
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NOTE : 1. PM interacts through PRAGATI : 06 Nov, 2019 : News Updates : PMINDIA
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Deploy young officers in Aspirational Districts; set timelines to bring aspirational districts up to national average: PM Transport and Agriculture Ministries should come together to develop an e-model of logistics support for agricultural products: PM To tackle stubble burning, Agriculture Ministry to distribute equipment to farmers of Punjab, Haryana and UP on a priority basis: PM
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today chaired the 31st interaction through PRAGATI — the ICT based multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.
In the previous PRAGATI meetings, a total of 265 projects with a total investment of Rs. 12.15 lakh crore, 47 programmes/ schemes and grievances related to 17 sectors (22 subjects) had been reviewed.
The PRAGATI meeting today witnessed review of 9 projects worth over Rs. 61,000 crore related to 16 states and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. Grievances of Indian citizens working abroad along with subjects like National Agriculture Market and Aspirational District Programme were also discussed.
#1. Fulfilling Aspirations :
Reviewing the progress of Aspirational District Programme, Prime Minister was informed about dashboard based on 49 performance indicators. Even slow moving indicators like status of nutrition have shown tremendous progress. It was also noted that some districts of Uttar Pradesh have shown impressive growth.Calling it an act of national service, Prime Minister laid stress on the importance of focussing on education and healthcare of tribal children. He emphasized on the need to decide on timelines to bring the backward districts up to the national average. He also stressed that young officers must be deployed in Aspirational Districts.
#2. Agriculture & Allied Activities :
Prime Minister was informed about the progress in National Agriculture Market platform which has helped in better price discovery. E-payments are now being made directly into the account of farmers. Progress in development of two integrated e-Mandis in Jammu & Kashmir was also reviewed.Prime Minister directed that based on e-models of demand aggregation, Ministry of Road, Transport & Highways and Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare should work together on a new start-up model of logistics support, particularly with regard to transfer of agricultural products from one state to another. He said that all the states must come together and use a common, integrated platform for smooth operation.
On the issue of stubble burning, Prime Minister directed Agriculture Ministry to give priority to the farmers of the states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana in distribution of equipment to prevent such occurrences.
#3. Developing Infrastructure Connectivity :
Prime Minister reviewed the progress of infrastructure connectivity projects including Katra-Banihal Railway Line. He gave explicit instructions on speedy completion of the project by next year.Several projects in the north-east like the widening and upgradation of Aizawl-Tuipang highway project was also discussed. To provide faster and safer connectivity between Delhi and Meerut, Prime Minister said that Delhi-Meerut Expressway should be completed by the revised time-line of May 2020.
Prime Minister desired that long delayed projects should be expedited by the respective state governments. He directed that regular reports on the progress of such projects be sent to his office.
#4. Meeting Energy Demand :
On the renewable energy front, Prime Minister chaired discussions about the creation of an intra-state transmission system in 8 renewable energy rich states viz. Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. He enquired about difficulties being faced by solar and wind power companies in starting new projects, including in the land acquisition process.Prime Minister congratulated the state governments of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh for progress made in timely completion of the project related to strengthening of transmission system beyond Vemagiri.
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JAY HIND
JAY BHARATHAM
VANDHE MATHARAM
BHARAT MATHA KI JAY.
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