Modi calls for Asian unity for prosperity of Asian nations

"If Asia must rise as one, Asia should no longer think of itself in regional fragments," Modi said while addressing the sixth Asian leaders' conference in Seoul on the last lap of his three-nation tour.

Observing that rivalries among Asian nations  will hold the continent back, the PM said they must work on their shared heritage to pursue a common purpose.  "Asia of unity will shape the world," he said.

Modi observed that a shared prosperity of Asia will  create a situation in which success of one nation will become the strength of the other.

"We must work as Asians to reform the global institutions of governance, including the United Nations and its Security Council," he said.

"My Asian dream is one in which all of Asia rises together...The future I dream for India is the future I seek for our neighbours. Our growth must be more inclusive within and across nations," he said.

Modi said since  India is located at Asia's crossroads,  "We will assume our responsibility to build inter-connected Asia."

The PM  lauded Korea as a "pillar of democracy" and said the country's astounding economic success and global leadership in technology has made the promise of the Asian Century more real.

"It is now India's turn to sustain Asia's success... India's potential has never been in doubt. And, in the course of the past year, we are translating promise into a reality; hope into confidence," he said adding India's  growth has rebounded to 7.5 per cent per year and the prospects of further increase are strong.

"The world speaks in one voice that India is the new bright spot of hope for our region and the world. The progress of one-sixth of humanity will also be an opportunity for the world. It will also give India the capacity to do more for our world," he said.

"Over the next 40 years, three billion Asians will lift themselves into a higher level of prosperity. Asia's prosperity and rising population will place a huge demand on our limited resources," he said.

"We must connect our regions through infrastructure and integrate them through trade and investments. We must also do everything possible to secure lasting peace and stability for Asia. We must build institutions that promote cooperation on the principles of equality, co-existence and international rules and norms," the PM said.