PM Modi stresses on collective effort among SAARC nations to deal with common challenges

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday sought to draw the attention of SAARC member nations, asking them to introspect as to where the region stands in this world, and said that collective effort was more urgent in the case of South Asia to face common challenges.

"Ours is a region of thriving democracy of rich inheritance, the unmatched strength of youth and a strong thrust of change and progress. In the last few months I have travelled around the world, from the middle of the Pacific to the southern coast of Atlantic Ocean, I see a rising tide of integration and negotiations on major trade agreements such as Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the Trans-Pacific partnership, and the Trans- Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, because the barriers of the boundaries inhibit progress, international partnership add speed to it. Because in the life of an individual or a nation a good neighbourhood is a universal aspiration," Prime Minister Modi said here at the 18th SAARC Summit.

"Where does South Asia wish to stand in this world? We all have to ask this question to ourselves," he asked to the gathering.

Pointing towards the collective efforts needed in the case of South Asia to deal with common challenges, Prime Minister Modi said, "Nowhere in the world are collective efforts more urgent than in South Asia and nowhere is it so modest. Big and small we face the same challenges-a long climb to the summit of development. But, I have great belief in our boundless potential, and confidence that comes from the many inspiring stories of innovation and initiative in each of our countries. "

"There is much to learn from each other, even more -to do.. together that was the vision and aspiration that brought us together as SAARC 30 years ago. We have travelled a long distance together since then. We have an agreement an institution or a framework of the co-operation in very field. We also have many successes, when we speak of SAARC, we usually hear two reactions -cynicism and skepticism. This sadly in a region with the optimism of our youth," he added.

Reminiscing upon his swearing-in ceremony which saw the attendance of a host of South Asian leaders in May this year, Prime Minister Modi said, "This is the second time I am meeting most of you together. I stepped in the office with greetings of the entire world, but what moved me, dear colleagues, was your personal presence with good wishes of one fourth of the humanity. Because the future I dream for India is the future I wish for our entire region.