President Mukherjee addresses Indian diaspora in Jerusalem

President Pranab Mukherjee commended the Indian community here of their contribution to the society and highlighted the unique transformation and a new era of rapid economic development taking place in India.

"India is very proud of its large diaspora. Indians all over the world are successful not only as dedicated professionals and hard working businessmen, but also as model citizens. They are proud of their contribution to the society in which they choose to live and work, yet they nurture in themselves and their younger generations an enduring 'Indian-ness' and an undying love for their motherland. I commend you all," President Mukherjee said addressing the Indian diaspora here.

"This is a time of great opportunities in India. A unique transformation is taking place. The country is at the threshold of a new era of rapid economic development. Several recent initiatives of Government have already shown results and a positive impact has been created in key sectors," he added.

"The 'Make in India' campaign to make India an investment and manufacturing destination, the 'Digital India programme' to transform India into a digitally empowered society, 'Smart Cities', 'Model Villages', 'Swachh Bharat' and the 'Clean Ganga mission' are some of the flagship schemes. In the last year alone, Government of India has succeeded in encouraging our people to open almost 140 million bank accounts under 'Jan Dhan Yojna'," President Mukherjee said.

"I would like to take this opportunity to emphasise the potential of India-Israel collaboration in Science and Technology. Our future partnership must prioritise co-operation in innovation and research. Eminent Vice Chancellors of premier Indian Universities have accompanied me on this visit. Their Universities look forward to close exchanges with Israeli Universities. I am confident that our hard working students will do India proud in Israel," the President added.

President Mukherjee also said that India's engagement with her neighbours and all friendly countries across the globe have been intensified.

"In the realm of external relations, I am happy to say that Government has intensified India's engagement with her neighbours and all friendly countries across the globe. In August, the Forum for India-Pacific Island Co-operation was hosted in Jaipur ; later this month, New Delhi shall host the largest ever gathering, in India, of Heads of State and Government of the African Continent in the 3rd Summit of the India Africa Forum," he added.

"India is working with like-minded countries in multilateral organisations including the United Nations to play an enhanced role in diverse fora - from the Arctic Council and the Pacific Alliance to the UN Security Council where India has made a legitimate claim to permanent membership. The potential of India now has a stronger resonance. Our circle of friends has expanded. India's efforts for inclusive economic growth and social advancement have shown the way to many developing countries," he said.

President Mukherjee also thanked the friendly people of Israel for making the Indian community here feel welcome and valued and also thanked Ambassador of India to Israel for hosting his reception.

The President who is on a five-day state visit to Jordan, Palestine and Israel landed in Tel Aviv on a 3-day state visit, the first by an Indian Head of State.