Modi cites India, Central Asia's shared Islamic heritage to combat extremism
Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week touched on the shared Islamic heritage of India and Central Asia, which, he said, has always rejected the forces of extremism, as he urged for boosting defence and security cooperation to defend the region's peace and defeat terrorism and rising extremism.
In his address at the Nazarbayev University in the Kazakh capital, Modi also said India's engagement with Central Asia has been short of promise and potential and added that he is determined to change it with closer cooperation.
Speaking on the shared heritage of India and Central Asia, Modi said the Islamic heritage of both India and Central Asia "is defined by the highest ideals of Islam - knowledge, piety, compassion and welfare. This is a heritage founded on the principle of love and devotion. And, it has always rejected the forces of extremism.
"Today, this is an important source of strength that brings India and Central Asia together."
He spoke of the close connection between the two sides through Bollywood, Sufi music, yoga and Hindi, adding: "It is the foundation of a relationship of hearts and emotions. And, it cannot be measured only by the scale of trade or the demands of states."
Modi said India and Central Asia would combat terrorism through the "strength of our values and our commitment to humanism".
Pitching for boosting trade and connectivity with the land-locked region, he expressed hope that all of Central Asia would become members of the International North South Transport Corridor and said that India is keen to join the Ashgabat Agreement on trade and transit.
Both sides would work together in the sector of minerals, industry, pharma, engineering and small and medium industries, he said.
Modi and his Kazakhstan counterpart Karim Massimov also launched the first exploratory drilling of the Satpayev oil block by India's OVL and KazMunaiGaz through live video conferencing.
Later, addressing a CEOs forum, Modi urged Kazakhstan to participate in India's Make in India initiative, Smart Cities and urban infrastructure programme to create a win-win partnership.
He also invited Kazakhstan to participate in modernization of Indian Railways in which 100 percent FDI is allowed.
Earlier, Modi held talk with Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov, on his first stop on his Central Asian tour. In restricted and delegational talks with Karimov Modi said that both nations agreed to intensity security cooperation and exchanges and also defence and cyber security cooperation.
Uzbekistan also reaffirmed its support to India's candidature for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week touched on the shared Islamic heritage of India and Central Asia, which, he said, has always rejected the forces of extremism, as he urged for boosting defence and security cooperation to defend the region's peace and defeat terrorism and rising extremism.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week touched on the shared Islamic heritage of India and Central Asia, which, he said, has always rejected the forces of extremism, as he urged for boosting defence and security cooperation to defend the region's peace and defeat terrorism and rising extremism.
In his address at the Nazarbayev University in the Kazakh capital, Modi also said India's engagement with Central Asia has been short of promise and potential and added that he is determined to change it with closer cooperation.
Speaking on the shared heritage of India and Central Asia, Modi said the Islamic heritage of both India and Central Asia "is defined by the highest ideals of Islam - knowledge, piety, compassion and welfare. This is a heritage founded on the principle of love and devotion. And, it has always rejected the forces of extremism.
"Today, this is an important source of strength that brings India and Central Asia together."
He spoke of the close connection between the two sides through Bollywood, Sufi music, yoga and Hindi, adding: "It is the foundation of a relationship of hearts and emotions. And, it cannot be measured only by the scale of trade or the demands of states."
Modi said India and Central Asia would combat terrorism through the "strength of our values and our commitment to humanism".
Pitching for boosting trade and connectivity with the land-locked region, he expressed hope that all of Central Asia would become members of the International North South Transport Corridor and said that India is keen to join the Ashgabat Agreement on trade and transit.
Both sides would work together in the sector of minerals, industry, pharma, engineering and small and medium industries, he said.
Modi and his Kazakhstan counterpart Karim Massimov also launched the first exploratory drilling of the Satpayev oil block by India's OVL and KazMunaiGaz through live video conferencing.
Later, addressing a CEOs forum, Modi urged Kazakhstan to participate in India's Make in India initiative, Smart Cities and urban infrastructure programme to create a win-win partnership.
He also invited Kazakhstan to participate in modernization of Indian Railways in which 100 percent FDI is allowed.
Earlier, Modi held talk with Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov, on his first stop on his Central Asian tour. In restricted and delegational talks with Karimov Modi said that both nations agreed to intensity security cooperation and exchanges and also defence and cyber security cooperation.
Uzbekistan also reaffirmed its support to India's candidature for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.
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