Your Excellency President
Moon Jae-in
Distinguished delegates,
Friends,
Annyeong haseyo,
Greetings,
I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Moon for the invitation to visit Korea and for our very warm reception. I have said it many times earlier also when I was not the prime minister since then I had believed that for India's growth, Korea's model is
probably the most exemplary. Korea's progress is a source of inspiration for India. And therefore traveling to Korea is always a matter of happiness for me.
Friends,
We had the opportunity to welcome President Moon to India last year in July. We also met during the East Asia Summit and the G-20 Summit. I have experienced that the integration of India's Act East Policy and Korea's New Southern Policy is giving a strong platform
to further deepen and strengthen our Special Strategic Partnership.
India's vision concerning Indo-Pacific puts special emphasis on inclusiveness, ASEAN's centrality and shared prosperity. This is an area in which India and Korea can work together for the benefit of the whole region and the world, based on their shared values
and interests.
And I am happy that after the visit of President to India last year, we have made significant progress in our relations in very short time. This progress and the roadmap of our relations in the future is based on our shared vision of, People, Peace and Prosperity.
Friends,
We are grateful for the message of President Moon's condolences and support after the terrorist attack in Pulwama in India last week. We are committed to further strengthening our bilateral and international cooperation and coordination against terrorism.
The MoU concluded today between India's Home Ministry and the National Police Agency of Korea will further strengthen our counter-terrorism cooperation. And, now the time has come that the global community must move forward from discussion and unitedly take
action against the problem.
Friends,
We consider Korea as a valuable partner in India's economic transformation. Our trade and investment relations are growing. Today, President Moon and I have reiterated our commitment to increasing our bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030.
We agree to enhance our cooperation in sectors like Infrastructure, Port Development, Marine and Food Processing, Start-ups and Small and Medium Enterprises.
Defense sector has an important role in our growing strategic partnership. An example of this can be seen in the inclusion of the K-9 "Vajra" artillery gun in the Indian Army.
To further enhance this remarkable cooperation in defense production, we have also agreed to create a roadmap for defense technology and co-production. And under this we welcome the involvement of Korean companies in defence industrial corridors being made
in India.
Friends,
Participation of First Lady Kim as the Chief Guest at the 'Deepotsav' festival held in Ayodhya in November last year was a matter of pride for us. Her visit put a new focus on our cultural ties of thousands of years, and created an atmosphere of curiosity and
awareness in the new generation.
In order to further strengthen our historic people-to-people relationship, we started the Visa on Arrival facility for citizens of Korea in India from October last year.
I welcome the decision of simplification of Group Visa for the citizens of India by Korea. This will develop our bilateral tourism.
My visit to Korea is happening in such a milestone year when the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi is being celebrated. And Korea is also celebrating the centenary of its democratic revolution.
I am grateful for the tribute written by President Moon for our Mahatma Gandhi memorial collection.
Friends,
The peace and stability that we see in today's Korean peninsula is credited to the untiring efforts of President Moon. I congratulate him for his conviction and perseverance.
And I reiterate the promise of India's full cooperation for lasting peace in the Korean Peninsula. Receiving the Seoul Peace Prize this afternoon will be a great honor for me.
I will accept this honor, not as a personal achievement but as a symbol of goodwill and affection of Korean people for the people of India. I express my heartfelt thanks to President Moon, the Korean government and the Korean people for the cordial welcome
and hospitality accorded to me and my delegation.
Kamsahamnida,
Thank you.
Disclaimer: PM’s speech was delivered in Hindi. This is an approximate translation of Speech.