New energy of 800 million youth will change India: PM Modi

Describing the Asia-Pacific and South Asian regions as dynamic and as holding the key to the modern world's future; and mentioning Australia is being at its cross-currents, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed Australia's growing role in driving the region's prosperity and shaping its security.

But, at the same time, he said that India too is seeking the same future for this world.

"We also see Australia as a vital partner in India's quest for progress and prosperity. There are few countries in the world where we see so much synergy as we do in Australia. India a nation of more than a billion seeking development; Australia a developed country of a few million people and vast resources, the Prime Minister said during his address to the joint session of the Australian Parliament.

India, he said, has been the second fastest growing economy in the world since the turn of the century, and it was a matter of great achievement and credit that millions of Indians have been able to lift themselves out of poverty into a new life of possibilities.

"Today, we have a government with a clear majority after thirty years. From the remotest village to the biggest cities, there is a new high tide of hope in India; a new energy," Prime Minister Modi said before emplaning for Melbourne.

Making a specific reference to the youth of India, he said, "It is the energy of our youth - the 800 million people below the age of 35 - eager for change, willing to work for it - because, now they believe that it is possible. That they can make it happen. It is this force of transformation that we will unleash."

Prime Minister Modi said that in the six months that his government has been in office, India has moved forward, thinking with ambition, acting with speed; seeking growth not just for growth, but to transform the quality of life of every Indian -

On how he saw bilateral ties between India and Australia going forward, he said he saw 'Australia as a major partner in every area of our national priority."

He said, "In providing skills and education to our youth; a roof over every head and electricity in every household; the most affordable healthcare for the most difficult diseases and the next generation of infrastructure that does not take a toll on our environment.

"Energy that does not cause our glaciers to melt - clean coal and gas, renewable energy or fuel for nuclear power; cities that are smart, sustainable and livable; villages that offer opportunities; agriculture that yields more and farms that are better connected to markets; practices and technology that save water. We have a new mission for turning "Made in India" into a global name just as the computer in India is," he added.

"India and Australia have a great economic synergy. There are huge opportunities for partnership in every area we can think of - agriculture, agro-processing, resources, energy, finance, infrastructure, education, and science and technology. The economic climate in India has changed. I believe it will be a lot easier to convert opportunities into concrete outcomes," the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Modi said that Prime Minister Abbott and he had discussed what both governments could and should impart to give real momentum to the bilateral economic partnership.