New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj addressed media on completion of two years of NDA Government.
Here are the highlights:
Here are the highlights:
- On 26th May we finished two years of our tenure.
- Foreign ministry has done a lot past these two years, will give all details.
- This is the first time that 54 countries we invited and we are happy that all of them accepted our invitation.
- There was a huge contact with the African countries and our ties became strong.
- Another big connection we made was with the Asian countries.
- Till last time we could not meet all the SAARC countries, this year we did the same and covered all the countries.
- Around 65 countries are there where no one has gone on a ministerial level, we are trying to connect to those countries as well.
- PM Narendra Modi in matter of 10 months covered UAE, Saudi Arab, Iran and Qatar successful for better economic ties.
- We have decided to reach out to almost all countries in the world with help of state governments and Cabinet Ministers.
- For the first time there was ministerial-level meeting in Bahrain.
- And another achievement was the Hindi summit in Bhopal, there was record participation in that.
- By end of 2016, there is a goal that there should not be any country that we don't have relations with.
- The first big goal of these missions is to increase FDI.
- In the last two years there has been $55 billion in FDI, an increase of 43% from UPA terms.
- The second is to seek the participation of other countries in our flagship programmes like Smart Cities.
- Countries like US and France have partnered us to build smart cities. Skill India - has seen great participation by Australia.
- Third big achievement is that we are shaping the global agenda, we are playing a big role in it.
- For example at COP21, we presented the agenda of 'Climate Justice', established the Solar Alliance which even has a secretariat in India.
- Moves against terrorism, Sustainable Development Goals, Intentional Yoga Day - all these are proofs of India's clout in the global stage.
- Fourth is our diaspora, we have made it a point to engage with the Indian diaspora.
- You have seen the scale of PM Modi's engagement events, this has increased their confidence a lot.
- They know that if we get into trouble, our government will help us, there have been several successful evacuations and rescues.
- Yes, maybe I cannot help someone with their refrigerator but I always try to help those who need it the most.
- There was a time when decisions could not be taken so quickly but that is changing.
- We want to celebrate Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas in other countries too.
- We have streamlined the process of getting passports. Since police verification takes a long time, we revised our rules to make it simpler.
- We hope to become member of NSG by end of the year. China doesn't oppose India's membership, China is speaking about procedure.
- On Pakistan, we wouldn’t like to oppose anyone’s entry to the nuke club. But we would like every country’s application to be considered on merit.
- We have made efforts to have warm relations with Pakistan, but that does not mean there will be a drop in our guard.
- When it comes to our relations with Pakistan, we have three principles:
1. We are ready to solve all disputes through dialogue.
2. There should be only two stakeholders to this dialogue.
3. Terrorism and dialogue cannot go hand-in-hand. - Bangladesh government is sparing no effort to stop the attacks, 3,000 people have been arrested.
- Sheikh Hasina has taken strong steps, and 1 lakh Islamic leaders have condemned the killings. It shows the mentality of the country's people.
- Our refugee policy favours all persecuted minorities - in response to question if India only accepts Hindu refugees.
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Modi Government Plans E-Office In All Subordinate Offices Within 100 Days NDA Government Will Work With Triple Speed In Third Term: PM Modi S Jaishankar Back As Foreign Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw Takes Charge Too Life On Earth Originates From One Ancestor, Older Than Previously Believed Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah To Be Prosecuted In Land Scam Case Kolkata Rape-Murder: Fractures, 150 mg Semen, Other Claims Denied By Cops 100 Firefighters Tackle Large Blaze At Historic London Art Centre Tahawwur Rana, 26/11 Mumbai Attacks Accused, Can Be Sent To India: US Court Mumbai University Invites Applications For Distance Learning Courses Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.