It’s an inter-dependent world, says Modi at Shangri-La Dialogue

Singapore, June 1 :Making a fervent appeal to global leaders and communities to rise above divisions and work together for a secure world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that no nation can shape and secure the world on its own.
“This is a world of inter-dependent fortunes and failures and no nation can shape and secure it on its own. It is a world that summons us to rise above divisions and competition to work together. Is that possible? Yes. It is possible. I see ASEAN as an example and inspiration,’’ Mr. Modi said.
Delivering the key-note address at the prestigious Shangri-La Dialogue during his visit to Singapore, Mr. Modi said the principal mission of his government is transforming India to a New India by 2022, when independent India will be 75 years young.
He is the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Shangri-La Dialogue and spelt out India’s security and foreign policy initiatives and philosophy.
“Three years ago, in Mauritius, I described our vision in one word – SAGAR, which means ocean in Hindi. And, S.A.G.A.R. stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region,’’ he said.
Mr. Modi said the Indian Ocean has shaped much of India’s history and it now holds the key to the future as well.
“Oceans had an important place in Indian consciousness since pre-Vedic times. Thousands of years ago, Indus Valley Civilisation as well as Indian peninsula had maritime trade,’’ he said.
Describing Singapore as India’s springboard to the ASEAN, the Prime Minister said that tt has been, for centuries, a gateway for India to the broader East.
“For thousands of years Indians have turned to the east not just to see the sun rise but also to pray for its light to spread over the world,’’ Mr. Modi told the distinguished gathering.
Dwelling upon India’s ties with ASEAN countries, he said that with each Southeast Asian country India has growing political, economic and defence relations.
“It is a measure of our strategic autonomy that India’s first Strategic Partnership, with Russia, has matured to be special and privileged,’’ he said.
On India’s global strategic partnership with the United States, he said it continues to deepen across the extraordinary breadth of the bilateral relationship.
Referring to India-China cooperation which is expanding, Mr. Modi said trade is growing and both the countries have displayed maturity and wisdom in managing issues and ensuring a peaceful border. “There is growing intersection in our international presence,’’ he said. (UNI)