Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Russia’s Far East region to attend the 5th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok. This is Modi’s maiden visit to the Russian Far East region. PM Modi today addressed the plenary session of the EEF. He began his speech by thanking the Russian President, Vladimir Putin for extending the invitation to him.
“Honoured to be addressing Eastern Economic Forum. Grateful to President Putin for giving me this opportunity,” said Modi as he began his speech at the 5th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok.
Modi recollected that this invitation was extended to him even before the 2019 general elections. He thanked India and Russia for believing in him and supporting him.
” I Was in St. Petersburg two years ago and here I am today in Vladivostok. From the European frontier to the Pacific gateway, in a way, it’s been a trans-Siberian journey for me as well”, claimed the Prime Minister furthering, “I believe that our brainstorming today at this forum will not only strengthen the efforts for human welfare in the Far East, but also the entire mankind”.
Modi appreciated Russia’ hospitality by saying, In Russia, I have always experienced warm hospitality and friendship. Whenever President Putin and I meet, we do so in a very informal atmosphere. Our discussions are also extensive, said Modi.
In Russia, I have always experienced warm hospitality and friendship.
Whenever President Putin and me meet, we do so in a very informal atmosphere. Our discussions are also extensive. pic.twitter.com/IBNkHJzrPo
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 5, 2019
“India is proud of the achievements of the Indian diaspora. I am sure here in the Russian Far East to the Indian diaspora will make an active contribution towards the region’s progress. This is a step towards a new era of peace and progress in the Indo-Pacific. Let us deepen the bond between India and Russia even further,” said the PM.
While addressing the forum, PM emphasised on the close ties between the two countries. “The relation between India and the Far East is not new but ages old. India is the 1st country which opened its consulate in Vladivostok. Even during Soviet Russia when there were restrictions on other foreigners, Vladivostok was open for Indians”, said PM Modi.
PM Modi asserted that India will walk shoulder-to-shoulder with Russia in its development of the Far East region.
“In India also we are building a New India on the ‘mantra’ of ‘sabka saath sabka vikas’. We are aiming to be a US$ 5 trillion economy by 2024”, said the Prime Minister asserting that President Putin’s vision for all, is like our “sabka saath” aim. Modi said that he believes that Putin’s vision for the Far East will succeed. He said that Putin’s love for the Far East will not only be a source of inspiration for the world but for all Russian economic partners like India. Putin has declared the Far East development project as the ‘National priority for the 21st century’. His holistic approach is an attempt to develop all spheres of life be it economy, education, health, sports, culture, communication, trade or tradition.
Modi went on to launch the “Act Far East” policy to boost India’s engagement with Russia’s the Far East. “For the Far East, India will give a line of credit worth USD 1 billion. My govt has actively engaged in East Asia as a part of its ‘Act East’ policy. This will also give a new dimension to our economic diplomacy”, says PM Modi.
Modi concluded his speech at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok with ‘Da-Svidaniya’ and ‘Aaw-jo’. “In my home state Gujarat, instead of ‘bye-bye’, we say ‘Aaw-jo’. Here we say ‘Da- Svidaniya’. I will say ‘Da-Svidaniya’, ‘Aaw-jo'”, Modi said as he concluded his imposing speech.
#WATCH Russia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi ends his speech at the 5th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok with ‘Dasvidaniya’ and ‘Aavjo’. pic.twitter.com/aBsQA2C7w9
— ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2019
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders of a number of other countries were invited to the 5th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) held here from September 4 to 6, providing a platform for discussing issues aimed at expanding international cooperation in Asia-Pacific region and developing the economy of Russias Far East.
Modi was the Chief Guest at the event being hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin here in Russian Far East. It was also be attended by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, and Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga. This three-day event saw the participation from a number of other countries at ministerial level, including China, South Korea, North Korea, Singapore and Indonesia.
Prior to this event, PM Modi had met Japanese PM Shinzo Abe in the morning today and deliberated on a wide range of subjects on the sidelines of the summit. He also met his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamed and took up the issue of extradition of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who is a fugitive in India and has taken shelter in their country. He is scheduled to return to India today.
PM Modi’s full speech can be watched here.
