'A nation's fortunes are linked to its neighbourhood'

Thank you for coming here in such large numbers. It is a real honour to visit Sri Lanka. Over the course of these two days, I will meet people from all walks of life. For me, this is one of the most important meetings in Sri Lanka.This is because no matter how old and strong the relationship is, economic cooperation is often the locomotive that gives it momentum. It is also important because for all of us in our region, the most important priority is transforming the lives of our people. Our path will be determined by our economic choices and the quality of governance. But business enterprises will remain critical for our success.

I often say that a nation's fortunes are linked to its neighbourhood. There are many in India who would argue that India is too large to need her neighbours. There are many in our region who worry that India's economic size will hurt them. I disagree with both views. For one, we all need a stable and peaceful neighbourhood to concentrate on national development.

I also believe that countries do better when the entire region moves together. I said at the SAARC Summit that barriers of boundaries inhibit progress; international partnerships give it speed. That is why we see a rising tide of regional integration and cooperation across the world. Our region is rich in resources. We constitute a large market. We complement each other. Therefore, our cooperation can be of huge benefit to all of us.

There are already powerful examples in south Asia that show us that differences in size is no constraint to beneficial partnerships, if we use our strengths and seize our opportunities. Bhutan benefits from hydropower exports to India. Nepal has significant manufacturing exports to India - in part driven by Indian investors.

Infrastructure, energy, supply chains, modern manufacturing, tourism and services - there are no limits to our possibilities. I hardly need to tell this informed audience about the transformation that has taken place in India over the past 10 months.

There is new purpose and clarity in our policies, a new vision for inclusive development, new standards in our governance and a new level of energy in our economy.

Last quarter, India was the fastest growing global economy. We are confident that we can grow even faster. The progress of one-sixth of humanity is a major economic opportunity for the world. The global confidence in India has been restored. The world's engagement with India is at a new level. But the first claim on us should be that of India's neighbours.

And, I will be happy if India is a catalyst for economic growth in our own region. That is why I speak of a neighbourhood where trade, investment, ideas and people move easily across the borders.

We will work to integrate our markets more. We will make trade smoother and possible through the most direct routes. We will invest in regional connectivity. And, we will share our capabilities in science and technology with south Asia, from advanced medicines to disaster management or space science. As a friend and neighbour, we attach the highest importance to Sri Lanka's economic progress. Sri Lanka is a nation of many achievements and great strengths. It has education, skills and enterprise. It has an excellent location. And, it has won peace now. Sri Lankan businesses have shown that they can compete with the best in the world. Our garments and tea industry know that!

We are pleased to be Sri Lanka's largest trading partner and one its largest sources of investment. Our Free Trade Agreement in 2000 was a pioneering initiative in the region. It has given a big boost to our trade. Sri Lanka's exports to India have grown sixteen times - yes, 16 times - since then. This is impressive by any standards. I know there are concerns here about the huge trade imbalance.

I am prepared to work with you to address them. I want balanced growth in trade. We will try to make it easier and smoother for you to access the Indian market. Our agreement on customs cooperation is a step in that direction.

Indian investments can also upgrade and expand your infrastructure. It is also natural that Indian investors are more likely to invest here because of familiarity and proximity. They are already here. And, I know that there are many large commitments in the pipeline. They are looking for your support.

During this visit, I have been pleased with progress on Sampur thermal power project and the Trincomalee oil farm. That is good for Sri Lanka's energy security and for our partnership.

We have extended visa on arrival facility to Sri Lanka from April 14, 2015. We should do more to connect our countries by air and sea. India and Sri Lanka were, in some ways, better connected in the past than we are now. In the past, a person could buy a rail ticket in Colombo and travel to Chennai by rail and ferry. Air India's decision to launch a direct flight between our capitals will help reverse that trend. Tourism unites people and creates economic opportunities.

In conclusion, let me return to the point I had made in the beginning. India's progress gives us the ability to create opportunities for our neighbours. Our development partnership has injected commitments of $1.6 billion in assistance from India. That has helped rebuild and upgrade infrastructure in Sri Lanka.

Today, we have offered another line of credit of $318 million for the railways sector. Reserve Bank of India has agreed to provide Central Bank of Sri Lanka a currency swap arrangement for $1.5 billion. This will increase the stability of the Sri Lankan rupee. We will also be supportive in advancing your commercial interests. I believe in Sri Lanka's capabilities. We should engage more. We should open up to each other more and move forward with greater belief in our own strengths.

Edited excerpts from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech to the business community in Colombo, Sri Lanka, March 13, 2015