Prime Ministero Narendra Modi addresses the crowd at Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto. (AFP photo)
A day after Canada agreed to supply uranium to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said India must succeed in harnessing clean energy like nuclear power to combat climate change and address global concerns.
He regretted that India was denied reactors by the world despite the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Gautam Buddha having an impeccable record in peace.
"The whole world is worried about global warming and climate change. People in air-conditioned rooms discuss this issue. But if India succeeds in generating clean energy, one-sixth of the humanity will take responsibility for addressing the climate change. For that, nuclear energy is important," he said, addressing the Indian diaspora at a function in Toronto where Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife were present.
PM Modi said the biggest decision during his ongoing three-nation trip was with regard to the civil nuclear deal in France where it was decided that reactors will be built in India.
"But the reactors will need uranium which will be given by Canada," he said, referring to the agreement signed on Wednesday under which Canada will supply 3,000 metric tonnes of uranium over the next five years at a cost of USD 254 million.
The Prime Minister also said that earlier India used to ask countries for reactors but they would refuse. "They used to fear that India may build a bomb. Those who make the bombs are not stopped by anybody," he said, without naming anyone.
Mr Modi also thanked Prime Minister Harper for the immense enthusiasm with which he was received in Canada and said the relationship between the two countries would be "very long and fruitful".
Taking a dig at former governments in India, PM Modi said, "In this age of aeroplanes, it takes about 15-20 hours to reach Canada but it took an Indian prime minister 42 years to come here," adding that "I did it in 10 months".
Citing his "very good" experience of working with Canada since the time he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, PM Modi said, "Working together of India and Canada can make them a strong force."
Talking about his ambition of ensuring India's development, he said its requirements can be met by Canada.
Praising the host nation, PM Modi said it had partnered Gujarat in its annual Vibrant Gujarat fair since 2003 when he was the Chief Minister of the state.
"For a developed country to be a partner country of a state is not a small decision... I will return home tomorrow but I can never forget Canada's love," he said.
Prime Minister Harper described Mr Modi's visit as "historic" and said his country wanted to work with India in enhancing trade, investments and working in the security area.