Modi made a reference to the Mumbai carnage that claimed 166 lives in
his address to the 18th SAARC summit during when he reached out to the
South Asian countries, announcing business visas to India for three to
five years and immediate medical visa for the patient and an attendant
coming to the country for medical treatment.
"Today, as we
remember the horror of the terror attack in Mumbai in 2008, we feel the
endless pain of lost lives. Let us work together to fulfil the pledge we
have taken to combat terrorism and trans-national crimes," Modi told
the SAARC leaders who included Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Besides India and Pakista, the other SAARC countries were Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives and Afghanistan.
Noting that a good neighbourhood is a universal aspiration, Modi
said, "If we are sensitive to each other's security, and the lives of
our people, we will deepen friendships, spur cooperation and advance
stability in our region."
He said the South Asia is a region of
thriving democracy; of rich inheritance; the unmatched strength of
youth; and, a strong thirst for change and progress.
"I dream for India is the future I wish for our entire region," he said.
The
Prime Minister praised the SAARC leaders for attending his inauguration
ceremony in May, saying "I stepped into the office with the greetings
of the entire world. But, what moved me, dear colleagues, was your
personal presence."
Sharing his experience of foreign visits,
Modi said that "from the middle of the Pacific, to the southern coast of
Atlantic Ocean, I see a rising tide of integration."
Stating that the barriers of boundaries inhibit progress, Modi said international partnerships add speed to growth.
"Nowhere
in the world are collective efforts more urgent than in South Asia;
and, nowhere else 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," he said, adding that there is much to learn from
each other.
Though the SAARC formed 30 years ago, when we speak
of SAARC, we usually hear two reactions – "cynicism and scepticism", he
said.
"Let us work to change cynicism into optimism. Let us turn
South Asia of flowering hope into a rich field of peace and prosperity,"
he told the SAARC leaders.
