Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Seoul that the time has come for the global community to "come together" and "go beyond words" to act against terrorism, as he expressed his gratitude for South Korea's support in the wake of the Pulwama attack. Addressing the media on the second day of his two-day visit after his talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Modi said: "I express my gratitude to President Moon for his condolences on Pulwama attack and his support against terror." He said the MoU signed between India's Home Ministry and South Korea's National Police Agency will enhance the counter-terrorism agenda.
Modi said both New Delhi and Seoul are committed to strengthen their mutual and global cooperation to combat terrorism. He said the defence sector is an important part of the country's growing partnership with South Korea. "And induction of K-9 Vajra artillery gun in Indian Army is an example of this friendship. "To increase cooperation with South Korea in the defence sector, we have agreed to make a roadmap for defence technology and co-production," he said.
He also welcomed the partnership of South Korean companies in the defence industrial corridors being built. The bilateral relations between the two nations have reached new heights, he said, adding that the special strategic partnership that New Delhi-Seoul shares is "very significant" even for the world.
India aims to be among world's top 3 economies in next 15 years
Addressing the Indian diaspora in Seoul, PM Modi said India is on the way to becoming a $5 trillion economy soon and hoped that the country would be among the world's top three economies in the next 15 years. He recalled several steps taken by his government in recent years, including several new initiatives like the Goods and Services Tax (GST), MUDRA initiative, to take India on a forward trajectory. He said that India is the world's fastest-growing major economy. "Today, India's economy is on the 6th position and it will not take time to reach the 5th spot," PM Modi said. "It is our endeavour that India finds a place in the top three economies of the world in one-and-a-half decade," the prime minister said.
"In Korea, you people not only celebrate all Indian festivals like Holi, Diwali, Baisakhi but you also involve your Korean friends in celebrations. "Now Indian restaurants have started finding place in Korean cities. Indian dishes are also being included in the menu here. Even Korean people have started knowing what is the meaning of a particular Indian dish," he said. PM Modi said that Indian movies are becoming increasingly popular in Korea. "Now we can also hear the voice of Kabaddi-Kabaddi among the Korean children. In 2018, Korean team won Kabaddi's silver medal in the Asian Games. I congratulate all the Korean people for this feat," he said.
"I have already said that only one person can be the ambassador (Raajdoot) but every Indian, regardless of the place he lives in, is the country's representative (Raashtradoot). You are all India's ambassador," the prime minister said.
India's pride has increased due to the hard work and discipline of 30 million overseas Indians, he said, adding that overseas Indians are recognised as law-abiding citizens. This year is very important for India due to the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, he said. "Unfortunately at that time, Gandhi was not given the kind of importance and recognition which a towering person like him deserved. The world knows Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr, John F Kennedy... It is our dream that every children in the world knows about Mahatma Gandhi," PM Modi said.
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Modi receives Seoul Peace Prize for 2018
Prime Minister Modi received the prestigious Seoul Peace Prize for 2018 for his contribution to international cooperation and fostering global economic growth. The award was presented to him by the Seoul Peace Prize Foundation at a grand ceremony in Seoul. A short film on the life and achievements of Modi was screened at the event. While conferring the award on Modi, the award committee recognised his contribution to the growth of Indian and global economies, crediting ‘Modinomics’ for reducing social and economic disparity between the rich and the poor.
