Asserting that terrorism and extremism are a global force that are larger than their changing names, groups, territories and targets, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the world must speak in one voice and act in unison to combat this challenge.
“We must adopt a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN without delay. There should be no distinction between terrorist groups or discrimination between nations. There should be a resolve to isolate those who harbour terrorists and willingness to stand with nations that will fight them honestly. And, we need a social movement against extremism in countries where it is most prevalent and, every effort to delink religion and terrorism,” Prime Minister Modi said in his address at the British Parliament.
“Oceans remain vital for our prosperity. Now, we have to also secure our cyber and outer space. Our interests are aligned across many regions. We have a shared interest in stable, prosperous and integrated South Asia, drawn together in a shared march to prosperity. We want an Afghanistan that is shaped by the dreams of the great Afghan people, not by irrational fears and overreaching ambitions of others,” he added.
Prime Minister Modi said a peaceful, stable Indian Ocean Region is vital for global commerce and prosperity.
“And, the future of Asia Pacific region will have profound impact on all of us. We both have huge stakes in West Asia and the Gulf. And, in Africa, where, amidst many challenges, we see so many promising signs of courage, wisdom, leadership and enterprise. India has just held an Africa Summit, in which all 55 countries, and 42 leaders participated,” said Prime Minister Modi.
“We must also cooperate to launch a low carbon age for a sustainable future for our planet. This is a global responsibility that we must assume in Paris later this month,” he added.
Prime Minister Modi said the world has crafted a beautiful balance of collective action – common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities.
“Those who have the means and the know-how must help meet the universal aspiration of humanity for clean energy and a healthy environment. And, when we speak of restraint, we must not only think of curbing fossil fuels, but also moderating our lifestyles. We must all do our part. For India, a target of 175 GW of additional capacity in renewable energy by 2022 and reduction in emission intensity of 33-35 percent by 2030 are just two of the steps of a comprehensive strategy,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi further said that he has proposed to launch during the COP 21 meeting an International Solar Alliance to make solar energy an integral part of the lives of Indians, even in the most unconnected villages.
“In Britain, you are more likely to use an umbrella against rain than the sun. But, my team defined the membership of the Solar Alliance in more precise terms: you have to be located within the Tropics. And, we are pleased that the United Kingdom qualifies! So, we look forward to an innovative Britain as a valuable partner in this endeavour. Prime Minister Cameron and I are, indeed, very pleased that cooperation on affordable and accessible clean energy is an important pillar of our relations,” Prime Minister Modi said.
Prime Minister Modi also said that this was a huge moment for the two nations.
“We must seize our opportunities, remove the obstacles to cooperation, instil full confidence in our relations and remain sensitive to each other’s interests. In doing so, we will transform our strategic partnership, and we will make this relationship count as one of the leading global partnerships. Ever so often, in the call of Britain’s most famous Bard that we must seize the tide in the affairs of men, the world has sought the inspiration to act. And, so must we,” the Prime Minister said.
“But, in defining the purpose of our partnership, we must turn to a great son of India, whose house in London I shall dedicate to the cause of social justice on Saturday. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, whose 125th birth anniversary we are celebrating now, was not just an architect of India’s Constitution and our parliamentary democracy. He also stood for the upliftment of the weak, the oppressed and the excluded. And, he lifted us all to a higher cause in the service of humanity; to build a future of justice, equality, opportunity and dignity for all humans; and, peace among people. That is the cause to which India and the United Kingdom have dedicated themselves today,” he added.