PM Modi: Differences stopping SAARC countries from moving ahead

“The future I dream for India is a future what I wish for the region… Past differences are stopping SAARC countries from moving ahead… If we join our hands, the path will be easier,” PM Mosi said.

Addressing the SAARC summit, he said that there is much to learn from each other and do together.

“This is my first SAARC Summit but it is second time I am meeting most of you together.I see a rising tide of integration and negotiations on major trade agreements such as regional comprehensive economic partnership and transpacific partnership. SAARC is a region of thriving for democracy,” the Modi said.

He said that nowhere in the world are collective efforts more urgent than in South Asia.

“A good neighbourhood is a universal aspiration. Where does our region stand? South Asia is slowly coming together…SAARC has failed to move with the pace that people want…Is it because we are stuck behind the walls of our differences and hesitant to move out of shadows of our past?” the PM said.

SAARC is a grouping that comprises South Asian nations like Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.

Modi said that India and Bangladesh are doing more on roads and power. Similarly, India and Nepal are doing energy cooperation. “With Sri Lanka we have a free trade agreement and we will soon launch a new agreement to meet needs of Maldives,” he said, focusing on the need for a sustained people to people contact between India and Afghanistan.

The Indian PM pointed out the issue of reducing distance between producers and consumers and the need to use the most direct trade routes.

“Indian companies are investing billions abroad but less than one percent in our region. It's still harder to travel within our region than Bangkok and Singapore and more expensive to talk to each other,” he said.

He said that the SAARC countries need Cross border industrial corridors.

“Infrastructure is our region’s greatest weakness. It is my greatest priority in India. I promise to ensure that our facilities at the border will speed up and not slow down trade. Let us all make our procedures simpler, facilities better, our standards common and paperwork less burdensome,” Modi said, announcing that India will give business visas for 3-5 years for SAARC countries.

During his speech, Modi emphasized on the issue of connectivity among all SAARC countries. “If we can light up each others’ towns and villages we can build a brighter tomorrow. Let us think of electricity as a commodity. Better connectivity through rail, road and air is important,” he said, dubbing the time as an age of social media where boundaries matter little.

Modi said India would also provide immediate medical visa for patient and one attendant.

He also remembered the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack that shook the entire nation in2008. “We feel endless pain of loss of lives. Let us work together to fulfill pledge to combat terrorism and transnational crimes,” he said.