The Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi delivering his address at Heads of Mission Conference, in New Delhi on February 07, 2015. The Union Minister for External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs, Mrs. Sushma Swaraj and the Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation (I/C), External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs, General (Retd.) V.K. Singh are also seen.
‘India has a great responsibility to help the world counter new threats to global peace’
‘India must lead the fight against climate change; love for nature is part of Indian culture’
New Delhi (GR-TYP-BIN): The Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi said that the present global environment represents a rare opportunity, when the world is keen to embrace India, and India is moving forward with confidence. Addressing Heads of Indian Missions from across the world on February 7, the Prime Minister urged them to use this unique opportunity to help India position itself in a leading role, rather than just a balancing force, globally. Urging them to shed old mindsets, the Prime Minister said they should be quick to adapt to changing global situations.
Emphasizing the role of ‘Heads of Missions’ in projecting India to the world, the Prime Minister described them as ‘shining vibrant representatives’ (tejasvi, jeevant anshpunj) of India`s glorious heritage. He urged them to work ceaselessly and with a clear mind, on India`s development priorities, and to advance India`s interests abroad.
Speaking of conflicts in the twenty-first century, the Prime Minister said that there were new ‘actors’ and new ‘threats’ to global peace and prosperity, and added that India, which always stood for ‘Vishva-Bandhutva’ and peace – the brotherhood of the world – had a great responsibility in helping the world counter these challenges to peace.
On the challenge of climate change, the Prime Minister said protecting the environment is part of India`s cultural heritage, and therefore, India must take the lead in countering this challenge, and also work towards a change in global attitudes towards the challenges of climate change. He said that Indian culture was replete with illustrations which indicated ‘prakriti-prem’ – ‘love for natur’.
The Prime Minister credited the Indian diplomatic community for their success in the International Day of Yoga being adopted by the United Nations in record time, with a record number of co-sponsors. He said Yoga should be projected as a possible solution to common everyday problems of people across the world, including stress management.
The Prime Minister said that the NITI Aayog has recognized the Indian diaspora as a great strength of our nation, and Heads of Missions must come up with innovative ways, in which to positively build upon this strength.
The Prime Minister called for preparing a compendium of best practices of Missions across the world, and spreading them horizontally. He called upon Missions to contribute towards developing a culture for ‘Swachhta’– cleanliness, and to remain ahead of the curve on digital diplomacy. He urged Missions to maintain digital libraries showcasing the best of Indian culture, and maintaining regular contact with prominent individuals from countries abroad, who visited or planned to visit India. He said relationships have been important for all mankind throughout history, even as humanity has struggled to deal with challenges.
The Union Minister for External Affairs Mrs. Sushma Swaraj, the MoS for External Affairs Mr. VK Singh, and the Foreign Secretary, Mr. S Jaishankar were present on the occasion.
The Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi unveiling the plaque commemorating officers who laid down their lives in national service at Heads of Missions Conference, in New Delhi on February 07, 2015. The Union Minister for External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs, Mrs. Sushma Swaraj and the Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation (I/C), External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs, General (Retd.) V.K. Singh and other dignitaries are also seen.
(Courtesy: PIB)