Modi: There is no one big or small, strong or weak among friends

I thank you once again for the privilege you accorded to me to be amongst you and the honor that you bestowed on me. I thank you for your friendship. Thank you very much.

PM Modi

India is firmly resolved to cooperate fully in these efforts, and also to deepen its invaluable friendship with Maldives. I reiterate to you this solemn pledge today.

PM Modi

This is a time of complex transitions, full of challenges. However, challenges also bring opportunities. Today, Maldives and India have the opportunity: to set an ideal for the world of being good neighbors and friends; to usher prosperity through our cooperation so that the economic, social and political aspirations of our people are fulfilled; to work together for ensuring stability, peace and security in our region; to ensure the security of the world’s most important sea lane; to defeat terrorism; to keep the forces that nurture terrorism and extremism away from our shores; to bring about necessary changes for a healthy and clean environment. History and our people would expect us to make full use of these opportunities and not to let go of them.

PM Modi

Therefore, our development partnerships are to empower people, and not to weaken them. Nor to enhance their dependence on us. Nor indeed to impose the impossible burden of debt on the shoulders of generations yet to come.

PM Modi

The greatest man of our age, Mahatma Gandhi had said “There is no limit to extending our services to our neighbors”. India has always shared her achievements with the world and especially with her neighbors.

PM Modi

It is possible only when our mutual trust and confidence are strong not only in good times, but also during difficulties. Hon’ble Speaker, “Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam” is both our philosophy and policy. It means that the whole world is but one family.

PM Modi

And this trust emanates from the faith that we would be sensitive to each other’s concerns and interests. So that both of us can enjoy more prosperity and more security.

PM Modi

The foundation of a peaceful and prosperous neighbourhood rests on trust, goodwill and cooperation.

PM Modi

We cannot have a more suitable partner than the Maldives in realizing this vision and for cooperating to benefit from the Blue Economy. Because we are maritime neighbors. Because we are friends. And there is no one big or small, strong or weak among friends.

PM Modi

A capable, strong and prosperous India will be a robust pillar of peace, development and security not only in South Asia and Indo-Pacific, but in the entire world.

PM Modi

We will also endeavor to develop the capacity of other countries in the region, to reach out to them in the times of disasters with humanitarian assistance, and work for shared security, prosperity and a bright future for all.

PM Modi

I would also like to reiterate that India will use its capabilities and strengths not only for her own prosperity and security.

PM Modi

This acronym stands for Security And Growth for All in the Region, which is a blueprint for us for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Today, I would like to once again stress on this principle of inclusiveness.

PM Modi

Only this will ensure continuation of rule-based order and multilateralism. Hon’ble Speaker, 4 years ago, I articulated India’s vision and commitment for the Indian Ocean region in the form S.A.G.A.R, which is a word in Hindi meaning ‘sea’.

PM Modi

In every sense, it is the key to our shared future. Therefore, I had said in June 2018 in Singapore that everyone will have to work together for ensuring openness, integration and balance in the Indo-Pacific. Only this will ensure trust among nations.

PM Modi

But it is also a region with many unanswered questions and unresolved disputes. Indo-Pacific region is an inalienable part of our existence. It has been our lifeline, and also the highway for trade and prosperity.

PM Modi

The third subject is the Indo-Pacific, which is our shared region. It is a region with 50% of the world’s population, and enormous diversity of religions, culture, languages, history and political and economic systems.

PM Modi

If we regard this planet as our mother, we can only respect and conserve it, and cannot harm it. We should also remember that this home, our earth, is the legacy we hold for our future generations in trust, and it is not a property we own.

PM Modi

It will not be possible to adequately mitigate adverse effects of climate change without bringing in changes in our values, approach, life-style and societies. The ancient Indian belief regards the Earth as our mother and all of us as her children.

PM Modi

However, everyone needs to join in so that we can reach the requisite level of collective efforts. But we will be wrong to assume that merely technological solutions can help us fight the challenge of climate change.

PM Modi

She has not only herself come forward to address many of their specific difficulties but also raised her voice at various global fora, highlighting those difficulties and calling for their redressal.

PM Modi

And over two hundred thousand LED bulbs have reached homes and shops in Maldives. They will help save precious electricity and environment, and also cut electricity bill. India has paid special attention to the needs and concerns of small islands.

PM Modi

Renewable energy is a potent alternative for mitigating many adverse effects of climate change. This distinguished gathering is familiar with India’s ambitious target of 175 GW of renewable energy by the year 2022, and the progress achieved in attaining it surpassing all expectations. And recently, India’s cooperation has lit up streets of Male with 2,500 energy-efficient and environment-friendly LED street lights.

PM Modi

I am happy that it has joined the International Solar Alliance. The initiative to launch this Alliance, taken jointly by India, has provided a platform to several countries of the world for taking practical steps to save our Earth.

PM Modi

Who can forget your radical and courageous step to hold the world’s first Cabinet Meeting in the depths of ocean for attracting the world’s attention to these dangers? Maldives has taken several other exemplary initiatives also to promote sustainable development.

PM Modi

But, even more than that, melting glaciers and rising sea-levels have become an existential threat for countries like the Maldives. Marine pollution has wreaked havoc on livelihood dependent on coral islands and the Ocean.

PM Modi

I mentioned climate change. There is no doubt that it is a reality of our times. Drying rivers and uncertainty of weather adversely affect our agriculture and farmers.

PM Modi

If we delay action any further, our current and future generations will never forgive us.

PM Modi

I call upon all global institutions and all leading nations to organised a global conference on terrorism within a stipulated time frame, so that there can be meaningful and result-oriented discussions for plugging the loopholes that terrorists and their supporters exploit.

PM Modi

We have lost enough time debating these artificial differences. Water has risen over our heads now. ​All forces supporting humanity must come together to effectively fight terrorism. ​Dealing with the dark forces of extremism and radicalisation is the litmus test for radicalization is the litmus test for today’s leadership.​The international community has actively arranged for global Convention and many conferences on the threat of climate change. Why not on the issue of terrorism?

PM Modi

Who provides them the facilities they need? ​State sponsorship of terrorism is the biggest danger. ​It is a grave misfortune that even now some people resort to the fallacy of distinguishing between the so-called ‘good’ and ‘bad’ terrorists.

PM Modi

No days goes by when this scourge doesn’t claim an innocent life somewhere. ​Terrorists do not own banks. They don’t have their own mints, nor armament factories. But neither money nor weapons are ever in short supply for them. ​Where do they get them from?

PM Modi

But I would like to dwell upon three of them that are the most important for both our countries. Hon'ble Speaker, terrorism is a very big challenge of our times. ​This is a challenge not for one nation or region, but for the whole humankind.

PM Modi

There are many such topics pertaining to the disruptions caused by technological advancement, shifts in the axis of economic and strategic power in a multi-polar world, competition and adversity, and cyber space.

PM Modi

While taking our mutual cooperation forward, we have also to be mindful of the vast uncertainties and serious challenges in our world today.

PM Modi

Hence, I am especially happy that we have agreed today to start a new ferry service between our countries. I am also very happy that the visa facilitation agreement concluded last year has made it easier for thousands of Maldivians coming to India for business, health and education.

PM Modi

Relations between two countries are not confined to their governments. The ties between people are their life-blood of these relations. Therefore, I attach special emphasis to all those efforts which promote people-to-people exchanges.

PM Modi

India will continue to be a reliable, strong and leading partner for democracy and prosperity in Maldives. And this cooperation will strengthen your hands as representatives of the Maldivian people.

PM Modi

Dozens of our Social Impact and other cooperation projects touch the lives of the common people in this country and contribute to your efforts for the betterment of their lives.

PM Modi

Water and sanitation in islands, expansion of infrastructure and developing health and educational facilities: India's cooperation will always be for the development of Maldives and according to the requirements and priority of Maldives.

PM Modi

The unalterable focus of India's developmental cooperation with your great country is the social and economic development of the people of Maldives.

PM Modi

There has been encouraging progress in implementing the economic package of 1.4 billion US dollars, which was agreed during the visit of President Solih to India.

PM Modi

India has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Maldives to ensure its freedom and support here democracy, prosperity and peace. Be it the incident of 1988 or the more recent water shortage or fighting natural calamities such as the Tsunami of 2004. We are proud to have stood with you through thick and thin. And now, the strong mandate in both our countries for development, prosperity and stability has opened new avenues for our cooperation.

PM Modi

This gives a glimpse of their respect for and harmony with nature. Regretfully, the same marine wealth today faces the threat of pollution. Conservation of this mosque will also send a message to the entire world for conservation of our environment.

PM Modi

And it is also for this reason that I was very happy to announce India's cooperation for conservation of the historical Friday Mosque. A coral mosque like this exists no where else outside Maldives.

PM Modi

And therefore, cooperation with you in preserving the cultural heritage of Maldives, preserving its manuscripts and developing dictionary of Divehi hold great significance for us.

PM Modi

Such a list can be very long and if I continue, we will have a full dictionary. Suffice to say that at every step we realise that we have blossomed in the same garden.

PM Modi

And ‘Duniya’ is also a famous Maldivian name. Not merely this world, but even for other worldly nouns like heaven or hell, Divehi words 'suvaruge' and naraka are smilar to ‘swarag’ and ‘narak’ of Hindi.

PM Modi

Let’s look at the names of weekdays. ‘Sunday’ in Divehi is Aadittha, which is related to Aaditya or Sun. Monday is called Homa which bears similarity with ‘Soma’ or Moon. ‘Dhuniye’ in Divehi is the same as ‘Duniya’ in India, which stands for the world.

PM Modi

Every child in India is familiar with coveted treasures of cowries. Music, musical instruments, customs and traditions and are examples of our shared heritage. ​Take for example Dhivehi language. ​‘Week’ is called ‘hafta’ in India, and also in Dhivehi.

PM Modi

Our relationship has been blessed with the depth and expanse of oceans. More than 2,500 year ago, trade flourished between Maldives and Lothal in my home state Gujarat, which is among the oldest ports of the world. Thereafter, the Maldivians traded with cities like Surat.

PM Modi

Relations between India and Maldives are older than history. From time immemorial, blue waters have washed our shores. These waves have been the messengers of friendship between our peoples. They have also nourished our cultures and civilizations.

PM Modi

I am at a loss for words to convey my gratitude.

PM Modi

And now, the affectionate invitation from Maldives has brought me here, making it the first overseas destination in my current term. And a short while ago I was also fortunate and privileged that President Solih conferred on me Maldives’ highest civilian honour for foreigners.

PM Modi

And therefore, it is no coincidence that I am here with you today. In December last year, India was the first country President Solih visited.

PM Modi

It is also the cornerstone of my government's foreign policy and approach in the larger world, especially in our neighbourhood. ‘Neighbourhood First’ is our priority. And in the neighbourbood, Maldives is priority.

PM Modi

The fundamental Mantra of my government sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas (together with all, for the development all and with the trust of all) is not merely for India.

PM Modi

Over two-thirds of voters, that is more than 600 million people turned up to vote. They gave an overwhelming mandate for development and stability.

PM Modi

In India too, we have completed last month the largest democratic exercise in the history of mankind. For 1.3 billion Indians, it was no ordinary election, but a celebration, a mega festival of democracy.

PM Modi

Today, in this auspicious gathering, I would like to stress that India and all Indians have always been, are and will always be with you for the cause of strengthening democracy in this beautiful paradise.

PM Modi

And who would be the most happy and the most proud of this achievement of the Maldives? The answer is not difficult to guess. It is of course your closest neighbour, your longest-standing friend and the largest democracy in the world, India.

PM Modi

But the Maldives showed, you all showed, that it is the people who ultimately win. It is no ordinary success. This achievement of yours is a great source of strength for democracy all over the world.

PM Modi

They do this in the same manner in which the Maldivian people collectively presented a glowing example of democracy to the whole world a few months ago. That journey of yours was full of challenges.

PM Modi

It is the place where Members belonging to various ideologies and parties converge to convert their collective will into lasting achievements for the sake of democracy, development and peace in the country.

PM Modi

It is that energy centre where the pulse of the nation and its heart beat resonate in the thoughts and voice of each and every Member of this House. It is the place where the common person’s dreams and aspirations come true through you all.

PM Modi

Hon’ble Speaker, This House, this Majlis is not just a building constructed of bricks and mortar. It is no ordinary gathering of assorted people.

PM Modi

And today I salute all of you, the flag bearers of democracy in Maldives.

PM Modi

That ceremony was an overwhelming experience. I felt first-hand the energy of true democracy in the Maldives.That day, I witnessed the dedication and commitment of the common citizen of the Maldives for democracy and also their love and regard for leaders like you, Mr. Speaker.

PM Modi

That festival of democracy celebrated a famous and historical victory democracy in an open stadium amidst thousands, whose faith, courage and resolve were the energy underlying that victory.

PM Modi

This is my second visit to the Maldives. And in a sense, it is also for the second time that I witness historical proceedings of the Majlis. I was very happy and greatly privileged to be present at the Inauguration Ceremony of President Solih last November.

PM Modi

This gesture of yours has touched the heart of every Indian and has enhanced their pride and honour. And for this, Hon’ble Speaker, I sincerely thank you and all the Hon’ble Members of this august House on my behalf and also on behalf of the whole of India.

PM Modi

It is a matter of great happiness and honour for me to be with all of you today in the Maldives and in this august Majlis. I am privileged that the Majlis resolved unanimously to invite me in its very first meeting after the election of Hon’ble Mr. Nasheed as the Speaker.

PM Modi

And Male', this beautiful capital, is not merely a gateway for tourists to the blue oceans. It is the key for the entire world to a stable, peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean region.

PM Modi

Its boundless beauty and natural treasure have attracted the whole world. In the face of nature’s forces, this country is a glowing example of the indomitable courage of man. Maldives is witness to the constant flow of trade and commerce, people and culture.

PM Modi

I convey to you and all the people of the Maldives sincere greetings on this occasion also. Hon’ble Speaker, The Maldives is a garland of over 1000 islands. It is a rare gem of not only the Indian Ocean region but the world.

PM Modi

I convey to you the greetings and best wishes on behalf of 1.3 billion Indians, and on my own behalf. The joy and enthusiasm of the holy festival of Eid-ul-Fitr still pervade the atmosphere.

PM Modi

Honorable Speaker of the People’s Majlis, former President of the Maldives and my dear friend Your Excellency, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed, Honorable Members of the People‘s Majlis, Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Namaskaar.

PM Modi

Now, I would like to invite His Excellency Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India to address the People’s Majlis.

Speaker Nasheed

Mr. Prime Minister, the Parliament of India and the People’s Majlis had always enjoyed friendly and fraternal relations. I am confident that the India-Maldives relations would further continue to grow and strengthen in the coming years under your able leadership.

Speaker Nasheed

India has never infringed on our rights for self-determination, but has always got us out of troubled waters. We always thank the Indian people and governments for this.

Speaker Nasheed

Mr. Prime Minister. We live in turbulent times. When Vascoda Gama rounded the cape of the Good Hope. Like all of South Asia we then fell to colonial rule. Mr. Prime Minister not Indian Rule and never was that the case.

Speaker Nasheed

It is in this spirit and recognition that the President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has made ‘India First’ policy. Mr. Prime Minister, I reaffirm our commitment to this policy.

Speaker Nasheed

Mr. Prime Minister, they came from Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujrat and Maharashtra. We should also note the trade/commercial and travelling ties between the coastal states of India - Calicut, Kolkata, Cochin, Goa and Mumbai - and the Maldives.

Speaker Nasheed

Most Historians and Anthropologists places a substantial wave of human migration to the Maldives as far back as 2500 years ago. And that migration Mr. Prime Minister, according to the Mahavamsa, and our mythology they came from West India.

Speaker Nasheed

Mr. Prime Minister, India is one of the Maldives oldest and most valued regional partners. Our relationship is as old as history. We watch the same films, read the same books, eat the same food and laugh and cry over the same things.

Speaker Nasheed

That truly demonstrates the faith and confidence the people of India have on you. Mr. Prime Minister, India is one of the Maldives oldest and most valued regional partners. Our relationship is as old as history.

Speaker Nasheed

Mr. Prime Minister, let me also congratulate you and the BJP. You have yet again received an overwhelming democratic mandate to govern over a billion people.

Speaker Nasheed

It’s with deep pleasure and honor we warmly welcome you to Maldives.

President Solih