Speech by the Prime Minister at the SAARC Summit

Prime Minister Sushil Koiralaji, my colleagues from South Asia
I am delighted to return to Kathmandu.

Koiralaji, congratulations on organising an excellent Summit
Thank you, Nepal, for your warm hospitality once again.
Greetings to the Observer countries present here.

This is my first SAARC Summit. But, this is the second time I am meeting most of you together. I stepped into the office with the greetings of the entire world. But, what moved me, dear colleagues, was your personal presence, with the good wishes of one-fourth of humanity. Because the future I dream for India is the future I wish for our entire region.

The last Summit was three years ago. Only two of us here were present in Addu. Even Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has come here after her re-election. President Rajapaksa will soon go into one and I wish him good luck. I especially welcome our newest colleague, President Ghani.

Ours is a region of thriving democracy; of rich inheritance;the unmatched strength of youth; and, a strong thirst for change and progress.

In the last few months, I have travelled around the world. From the middle of the Pacific, to the southern coast of Atlantic Ocean, I see a rising tide of integration. And, negotiations on major trade agreements such as Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the Trans Pacific Partnership and the Trans Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.

Because the barriers of boundaries inhibit progress; international partnerships add speed to it. Because, in the life of an individual or a nation, a good neighbourhood is a universal aspiration.

Where does South Asia wish to stand in this world?
Nowhere in the world are collective efforts more urgent than in South Asia; and, nowhere else is it so modest. Big and small, we face the same challenges- a long climb to the summit of development. But, I have great belief in our boundless potential; and, confidence - that comes from the many inspiring stories of innovation and initiative in each of our countries. There is much to learn from each other; even more - to do together.

That was the vision and aspiration that brought us together as SAARC 30 years ago. We have travelled a long distance together since then. We have an agreement, an institution or a framework of cooperation in every field. We also have many successes.

Yet, when we speak of SAARC, we usually hear two reactions – cynicism and scepticism. This, sadly, is in a region throbbing with the optimism of our youth.

Today, less than 5% of the region`s global trade takes place between us. Even at this modest level, less than 10% of the region`s internal trade takes place under SAARC Free Trade Area.