PM Modi urges nations to unite against terror, says delink it from religion

“We have to delink religion from terror,” he said. “The only distinction is between those who believe in humanity and who do not… We also have to work within the society, especially the youth.”

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The Prime Minister pushed for enhanced intelligence cooperation among nations, so that the “Internet does not become a recruiting ground” for terrorism. “I have said it earlier, I will say it again. The world must come together to combat the biggest challenge of our times… We can strengthen intelligence cooperation, we can use military force, we can make international legal systems for making cooperation stronger,” he told the audience at his 45-minute speech at the Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing Indian community in Malaysia.

Earlier, in his remarks to leaders of 18 countries at the East Asia Summit, the Prime Minister said, “We often thought of terrorism as a peripheral problem for this region. The barbaric terrorist strikes in Paris, Ankara, Beirut, Mali and on the Russian aircraft is a stark reminder that its shadow stretches across our societies and our world, both in recruitment and choice of targets.”

He called for a new global resolve and new strategies to combat terrorism, without balancing it against political considerations. “There is no distinction between groups. There are no sanctuaries. There are no funds. There is no access to arms. But, we also have to work within our societies and with our youth,” Modi said.

The East Asia Summit is the key forum to shape the region’s future, Modi said, adding that no region had seen greater engagement from his government than the Asia Pacific and the Indian Ocean region.

“This reflects a long standing national consensus in India on the importance of this region for India and the world,” Modi said. During the upcoming climate talks in Paris, the PM said, “we must not only come together to craft a balanced and concrete outcome on climate change, but we must also stand together to send a clear message that we will not retreat in the face of terror.”

On the tensions in the South China Sea, where China’s claims of sovereignty over the waters are contested by several countries including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Taiwan, the PM said: “India hopes that all parties to the disputes in the South China Sea will abide by the Declaration on the Conduct on South China Sea and the guidelines on the implementation… Parties must also redouble efforts for early adoption of a Code of Conduct on the basis of consensus.” He did not name any country.

In his address to the Indian community, Modi said India draws strength from its diversity, and that his government is working to create an environment where enterprise flourishes and everybody’s basic needs like shelter, sanitation, water, healthcare and education are met.

“The wheels of change have begun to move” in India, he said. “And, they are gathering speed now. And, it is showing in numbers.”

India, the PM said, is the fastest growing major economy in the world today. “I know you feel proud about it. We are running at 7.5 per cent per year, but will grow even faster in the coming years.” Every major global institution has “placed its bets on India growing strongly,” Modi said. “This is at a time when the rest of the world, including parts of this region, is experiencing a slowdown.”

Modi announced a grant of US $ 1 million to the India-students Trust Fund as financial assistance to Malay-Indian students, and the naming of India’s cultural centre in Kuala Lumpur after Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. He said a bust of Mahatma Gandhi would be installed at the Gandhi Memorial Hall in Kuala Lumpur, and India would work with Malaysian government to set up a war memorial for Indian soldiers at the site of the Battle of Kampar in Perak in Malaysia.

At a separate ceremony at the Ramakrishna Mission, Modi unveiled a 12-foot bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda, who he said personified the 1,000-year-old Indian culture. It was Swami Vivekananda who first gave the concept of ‘One Asia’ that ASEAN and the East Asia Summits were talking about, he said.

Highlights

4:30 pm We have to delink religion from terror.Only distinction is between those who believe in humanity&those who don’t: PM Modi

4:28 pm We are making Government transparent and accountable, we are eliminating corruption at all levels: PM Modi

4:27 pm We are running at 7.5% per year, but we will grow even faster in coming years: PM Modi

4:27 pm

India is not just united but also draws strength from its diversity: PM Modi #ModiInMalaysia pic.twitter.com/8f5bBDL8hs

— ANI (@ANI_news) November 22, 2015

4:26 pm We produce doctors & engineers which serve the world and we are making products that are entering global market: PM Modi

4:19 pm Malaysia’s achievements are enormous, just 6 decades after Malaysia gained independence,this nation has much to be proud of: PM Modi

4:18 pm It is my proud privilege to announce that we will install bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi memorial hall: PM Modi

4:13 pm Gandhiji did not manage to visit Malaysia, but he touched your hearts: PM Modi

4:11 pm Here in Kuala Lumpur, we will name our cultural centre after Netaji Subhas Chandra: PM Modi

4:10 pm Independent India owes a debt of gratitude to Malaya-Indians. Thousands of your forefathers came fwd to join Netaji Bose & the INA: PM Modi

4:10 pm I am reminded of the words of Thiruvalluvar: Friendship is not just a smile on face. Its what is felt deep within a smiling heart: PM Modi

4:09 pm Thousands of your forefathers came forward to join Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Indian National Army: PM Modi

4:08 pm The love and friendship of the Malaysian Indians have always had a special place in my heart: PM Modi

4:06 pm Tamil people have a big role in India’s path of development-PM Narendra Modi

4:02 pm India not confined to its territory: PM Modi

4:02 pm Modi says Vanakkam to Malaysia

4:01 pm Modi begins speech in Tamil

Cultural performances at Malaysia Int’l Exhibition & Convention Centre ahead of PM’s address to Indian community. pic.twitter.com/IFaUWQBMP7

— ANI (@ANI_news) November 22, 2015

PM Modi to address Indian community at Malaysia International Exhibition&Convention Centre, shortly #ModiInMalaysia pic.twitter.com/iIEhZCTVXo

— ANI (@ANI_news) November 22, 2015