Emirates24|7, Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Modi in Dubai: 'Trust between UAE, India will last for generations'

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed 50,000 people at the Dubai Cricket Stadium

"Blue-collar workers in the Gulf is the biggest sacrifice India has made. Dubai is not just mini Kerala but mini India. There are 700 flights to Gulf but an Indian PM took 34 years to get here. UAE leaders showered me with love. It's a matter of pride. This courtesy is not for one man but for every Indian.

"My heartfelt gratitude towards the rulers of UAE. In my two-day trip, the kind of trust that has built is amazing. Abu Dhabi will invest 450 lakh crore rupees in India. I can say trust between India, Abu Dhabi and Dubai will last generations. Joint statement is clear on terrorism. India and UAE are united against terror.

"UAE will support India bid's as Permanent Member of United Nations Security Council. When people shake hands with Modi, they don't see him, they see 1.25 billion Indians. India is a country full of opportunities. 65 per cent of population is below 35 years. India is a young country.

"One month ago, we reached peace in Nagaland after nearly 70 years. I am mentioning Nagaland because the youngsters and the world should know, whatever the problem is, solution is only found through talks at the table.

"On August 1, we solved the Bangladesh issue. Those who wanted to go there they went. We got independence on August 15, 1947, but these people just took their first breath of freedom.

"I tell neighbouring countries that issues we have will only be solved through talks. When Nepal earthquake came within hours we rallied. Nepal is unhappy and we're happy isn't acceptable to us. Getting to Nepal doesn't take more than 70 minutes from Delhi. It took 17 years for Indian PM to go there. I even went to Jaffna in Sri Lanka.

"I got the luck to go and wipe their tears. Maldives lost all of its drinking water. They sent us a message. We didn't wait a second. We immediately flew supplies. Next day we sent water by boat until they fixed their plant; we didn't leave Maldives thirsty.

"Afghanistan is suffering and we have been applying salve on their issues. We have attempted to take India forward with our neighbours, make friendship and move forward.

"We have stated in 2016, we'll launch a SAARC satellite which will help science, youngsters, farmers and fishermen. Today connectivity is vital. It's important to have this link but can it happen between SAARC countries?

"We want to build better ties with Nepal but some people have issues. They can stay there and we've decided. Nepal, Bhutan, India and Bangladesh are launching a connectivity infrastructure agreement. It will launch towards Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia and link India with them.

"Northeast of India needs improvement. If that happens, Indian economy will race ahead. We have launched initiative to start fertiliser plants there, gas lines and electricity. We have a dream that in five years we will have 24 hours electricity in all corners of India. I will make it happen.

"Insurance schemes have been launched in India at Re1 per month to provide 2 lakh coverage. Those paying 90 paisas per day, a second scheme and they will get 2 lakh coverage. When I sold tea I didn't even get one rupee.

"I appeal to Indians to give insurance plan to your sister on 'rakhee'. Take both plans and you get 4 lakhs coverage. All Indians are seeing you here.

"We've launched an online helpline called Madad and e-migrate portal for any overseas issues, so you can go online and get help. Those facing technical issues have been given one month - September 17 - notice to fix it.

"Workers are large in numbers here so we've decided that every few times we will set counsellor camps - once or twice a month to find solutions. If I don't do that for US, it's okay, I must do it here.

"If people overseas have a medical issue, Indian community welfare fund has been created. Those who are in jail or facing other issues, we will help them within the course of law.

"We have also asked for better counselling services through this fund. And those who need legal help, we'll assist them such a fund. I know school admissions here are difficult so I've asked for more schools."