anirudhsankar/PMIndia-SpeechDataset-2004-2024 huggingface dataset:
PM's remarks at the White House welcome ceremony
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: November 24, 2009 Washington DC

PM's remarks at the White House welcome ceremony Hindi Version Mr. President, First Lady Mrs. Obama, thank you very much for your warm words of welcome, Mr. President. My wife and I are deeply honored to be in your great country on the first state visit of your presidency. Mr. President, I bring to you and the people of the United States of America the friendly greetings of our one billion people of India. India and America are separated by distance, but bound together by the values of democracy, pluralism, rule of law, and respect for fundamental human freedoms. Over the years, we have built upon these values and created a partnership that is based upon both principle and pragmatism. Our relations have been transformed, and today they encompass cooperation in all areas of human activity. Mr. President, I've come today to build upon these successes and to strengthen our multifaceted relationship. We seek to broaden and deepen our strategic partnership, and to work with the United States to meet these challenges of a fast-changing world in this 21st century. This is a moment of great opportunity in our relationship. India and the United States can, and must, work together to harness the immense potential of our talented and enterprising people, and support each other's growth and prosperity. We should cooperate in addressing global challenges of combating terrorism, making our environment cleaner and moving towards a world free of nuclear weapons. Mr. President, we deeply appreciate your strong personal commitment to our bilateral relationship. My wife and I are deeply grateful to you and the First Lady for receiving us during this Thanksgiving week. With these words, I once again thank you, Mr. President. God bless America. God bless India.
PM's statement to the Press after meeting his Australian counterpart
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: November 12, 2009 New Delhi

PM's statement to the Press after meeting his Australian counterpart Hindi Version It is an honour for me to welcome the Prime Minister of Australia, His Excellency Kevin Rudd on his first visit to India as Prime Minister. I have had extremely productive discussions with Prime Minister Rudd. India and Australia are two multicultural, plural democracies. We share the values of cultural diversity, respect for fundamental freedoms, human rights and rule of law. We have both decided to harness these common values for mutual benefit. Building upon the significant expansion of our relations in recent years we have decided to upgrade our relations to the level of a "Strategic Partnership". The Joint Statement and the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation that we have agreed upon charts out the future course of our relations. We have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of water resources. These decisions will further strengthen our partnership in the areas of political, security and defence interaction, trade and investment, energy and natural resources, science and technology, education, culture and people to people contacts. We have decided to constitute a CEOs Forum to boost to our trade and economic ties. We have agreed to expedite the finalization of the feasibility study on a Free Trade Agreement between our two countries in order to harness our economic complementarities for mutual benefit. Australia has emerged as a major destination for Indian students with more than 80,000 students pursuing studies in Australia. I conveyed my concerns to Prime Minister Rudd about the safety, security and well being of our students and the Indian community in Australia. The Prime Minster assured me that Australia is fully committed to ensuring their security and will take all steps necessary in this regard, including the strengthening of regulatory measures. We have decided to institute an annual Ministerial level dialogue on education between our two countries. We also exchanged views on regional and global issues. We have agreed to work towards the creation of an open, inclusive and transparent architecture in the Asia-Pacific region building upon the East Asia Summit process. We will intensify our cooperation in the fight against international terrorism, and work towards the promotion of peace and stability in Afghanistan. We reiterated our commitment to achieving a balanced and successful outcome at the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, continuing our cooperation on global economic issues within the framework of the G 20 process, and on achieving universal and complete nuclear disarmament. Prime Minister Rudd's visit has imparted a new focus and direction to relations between our two countries. India looks forward to working with Australia to tap the full potential of our relations in the years ahead. I invite Prime Minister Rudd to make his remarks.
PM's statement to the Press on India-EU Summit
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: November 6, 2009 New Delhi

PM's statement to the Press on India-EU Summit Hindi Version It is an honour for me to welcome His Excellency Prime Minister Reinfeldt of Sweden and His Excellency President Barroso of the European Commission for the 10th India-EU Summit. We have just concluded very productive and wide-ranging discussions. Our talks were held in a spirit of friendship and warmth, which is the hallmark of India-EU relations. An important outcome was the signing of the India-EU Agreement in the field of Fusion Energy Research. This agreement underscores the growing importance of energy security and clean energy in our cooperation. We also reviewed the progress on the Joint Action Plan that was adopted in 2005 and agreed on measures to speed up its implementation. India and the European Union have a Strategic Partnership based on shared values of democracy, pluralism, cultural diversity and respect for human rights. In this context, we reviewed the entire spectrum of our bilateral cooperation. We have identified trade and investment, energy, counter-terrorism, science and technology, climate change, and movement of peoples and as priority areas of our cooperation. Despite the economic slowdown, I am happy to note that trade in goods and services between India and the European Union has doubled over the past five years to reach almost Euro 80 billion. We agreed to expedite the conclusion of a balanced and mutually beneficial Broad Based Agreement on Trade and Investment that will lead to increased economic opportunities and creation of jobs as well as wealth. I invited European businesses to increase their investments in India. We have decided to forge stronger cooperation in the fields of science and technology, education and culture. I urged the European Union to facilitate movement of people, professional, business-persons, students, civil society and tourists through a friendly visa regime. We also exchanged views on global and regional issues. We have agreed to continue to work closely on issues such as the reform of international institutions, the global economic and financial crisis, climate change and nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. We agreed on the importance of a multilateral approach to addressing these challenges. We reviewed the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan and emphasised the need for concerted international action to combat terrorism. We have agreed to work towards early finalization of the agreement between EUROPOL and India. We also reviewed the situation in West Asia, Iran, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and discussed other regional issues. I am satisfied with the outcome of our discussions. India looks forward to taking this very important relationship forward in all areas.
PM's opening remarks at the Press conference
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: October 25, 2009 Thailand

PM's opening remarks at the Press conference Hindi Version I have completed two very productive days of meetings at the 7th India-ASEAN Summit and the 4th East Asia Summit. I am extremely satisfied with the outcome of the India-ASEAN Summit. I found a strong desire among the ASEAN countries to substantially strengthen their links with India in all areas. This includes not only economic cooperation and trade but also science and technology, human resource development, protection of the environment and deeper political and security cooperation. The conclusion of the India-ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement is a concrete step forward in the process of India's integration with South East Asia. As a follow up to this Agreement, we have agreed to expedite the finalization of the Agreement on Trade in Services and Investment. The ASEAN countries were deeply appreciative of the fresh initiatives announced by India, notably the establishment of an India-ASEAN Round Table, the preparation of a Vision Statement for our relations till the year 2020, marking of commemorative events in 2012, and our offer of assistance of upto 50 million US dollars to fund various projects under the ASEAN Work Plan for the period 2009-2015. At the East Asia Summit, I shared our vision of an Asian Economic Community that is based on an open and inclusive regional architecture. The EAS countries recognize the impact of India's socio-economic transformation on the reshaping of the global economic order, and the opportunities this has for accelerating Asia's own growth. I reiterated India's commitment to the success of international efforts to combat climate change, the urgent need to collaborate in the research and development of renewable energy technologies, the need for Asia to focus on food security and disaster management, all of which are key to finding a path to sustainable development. There was agreement that the issues of terrorism and non-traditional threats to security have to be addressed with resolve and firmness. The EAS Leaders' endorsement of the Nalanda University project which is to be located in Bihar is a matter of deep satisfaction. We intend to move forward with the next steps to establish the Nalanda University as a centre of excellence in education and international understanding. I had very useful meetings with the leaders of China, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore and Vietnam, and I will shortly be meeting the President of Indonesia. These meetings reflect our desire to build a set of cooperative partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region, and to play our rightful role in establishing peace, prosperity and stability in Asia. I return back to India convinced that there is tremendous goodwill for India in South East and East Asia, and therefore the sky is the limit for our engagement with this region.
PM's Introductory statement at the Press Conference
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: September 25, 2009 Pittbsburgh

PM's Introductory statement at the Press Conference Hindi Version "We have had a very productive meeting in which there was a comprehensive discussion among the leaders on a wide range of issues. The communique, including its summary statement, is before you as is the text of my remarks. This Summit was not meant to be a "trillion dollar" summit. Its purpose was to review what has happened and chart the way forward. Some of the important issues we discussed are: (1) There will be no pre-mature withdrawal of stimulus. (2) The emergency financing for the Fund has been successfully completed. We now have to address the issue of the Fund quota increase by early 2011. We have agreed to shift 5% share to countries that are under-represented. (3) We have agreed to help the World Bank, and other regional development banks, to find the necessary resources based on a review of their capital needs to be completed in the first half of 2010. (4) We have agreed on a new framework for discussing global macro-balances, and the contributions individual countries can make through their own policies, with a new process of peer review or discussion in the G-20. (5) We have discussed the important issue of climate change. The G-20 have called for a successful outcome in the UNFCCC at Copenhagen. (6) We have agreed that we should work for an early resolution of Doha to counter protectionism. The success of the Delhi Ministerial meeting in reviving the process of negotiations was appreciated. (7) We have agreed that the G-20 will henceforth be the premier forum for international economic issues. This is an important development broadening the global governance structure."
PM's opening remarks at Full Planning Commission meeting
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: September 1, 2009 New Delhi

PM's opening remarks at Full Planning Commission meeting Hindi Version "I have great pleasure in welcoming all of you to this first meeting of the Planning Commission since our Government took over. The agenda for the meeting includes two important subjects. The first is an assessment of the economic situation in the country. This is relevant not only because we are starting the second term of the UPA Government but also because we are exactly at the mid point of the XI Five Year Plan. We have been through a difficult year because of the global economic downturn which is only now coming to an end with a slow return to normalcy in the months that lie ahead. The country has also seen a poor monsoon. I felt it would be useful for the Planning Commission to present its assessment of the overall economic situation to the Minister Members of the Commission. The second item on the agenda is a presentation of the status of implementation of the Integrated Energy Policy. Energy is vital for our economic growth and this is the area where we are a deficit economy. We import over 70% of our petroleum energy needs and are also moving to a deficit position in coal. Rational energy policies are also critical for rational responses to the threat of climate change. This is a new compulsion and we need to assess whether we are on track in critical aspects of our energy policy. In our situation each energy sub-sector is the domain of a different Ministry. This has often meant a non-symmetric policy stance - the principles being adopted to determine policy in one sector are not the same as in another. The Integrated Energy Policy document that was approved by the Cabinet in December 2008 contained a number of recommendations covering different sub-sectors. I thought it would be useful for the Planning Commission to present an assessment of how these recommendations have been implemented. I hope we can have a fruitful discussion on the agenda before us. I now request the Deputy Chairman to initiate the discussion."
PM's remarks on the occasion of the launch of the Advanced Technology Vehicle
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: July 26, 2009 Visakhapatnam

PM's remarks on the occasion of the launch of the Advanced Technology Vehicle Hindi Version I am honoured to be present here today on the occasion of the launch of India's first indigenous nuclear powered submarine. I congratulate the ATV Programme and all personnel associated with it for achieving a historic milestone in the country's defence preparedness. Today's launch is a reflection of the immense technical expertise that exists in our country and the strength of our research and development organisations. More importantly, the launch represents the determination and patriotism of our technologists, scientists and defence personnel who have overcome several hurdles and barriers to enable the country to acquire self-reliance in the most advanced areas of defence technology. The construction of a submarine is a highly demanding task by itself. For the country to develop its first nuclear submarine is a special achievement. Today we join a select group of five nations who possess the capability to build a nuclear powered submarine. I am particularly glad that this submarine is the outcome of a productive public-private partnership. Private industry in India has evolved considerably during the last few decades and we should leverage its strengths to achieve our defence goals. I would also like to express our appreciation to our Russian friends for their consistent and invaluable cooperation, which symbolizes the close strategic partnership that we enjoy with Russia. The sea is increasingly becoming relevant in the context of India's security interests and we must re-adjust our military preparedness to this changing environment. Our Navy has a huge responsibility in this regard. The Government is fully committed to ensuring the defence of our national interests and the protection of our territorial integrity. We will continue to render all support to the constant modernization of our armed forces and to ensuring that they remain at the cutting edge of technology. We do not have any aggressive designs nor do we seek to threaten anyone. We seek an external environment in our region and beyond that is conducive to our peaceful development and the protection of our value systems. Nevertheless it is incumbent upon us to take all measures necessary to safeguard our country and to keep pace with technological advancements worldwide. It has rightly been said that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. The years of hard work, dedication and perseverance that have gone into today's launch are an example worthy of emulation. They show that no task is difficult and that there is no greater power than the power of self-belief. I am confident that the lessons learnt this launch will enable the ATV Programme to achieve even better results in the coming years. With these few words, I once again congratulate all the organisations and personnel who have been involved in the ATV Programme and on behalf of the country, wish them continued success in the future.
PM's opening remarks at the Press Briefing in Sharm El Sheikh
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: July 16, 2009 Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

PM's opening remarks at the Press Briefing in Sharm El Sheikh Hindi Version I will today be concluding my visits to France and Egypt, and returning to India. As I said before, India's participation as the Guest of Honour at France's National Day was a honour for the people of India, and is a matter of pride for all of us.  In my discussions with him, President Sarkozy went out of his way to reaffirm the high priority he attaches to France's relations with India.  We discussed the full range of our bilateral cooperation, including counter-terrorism and defence cooperation.  President Sarkozy was categorical in his assertion that France is ready for full civil nuclear cooperation with India in all areas, and there were no limits to this cooperation.  I look forward to receiving him in India in the near future. The NAM Summit in Egypt has reaffirmed the Movement's significance in today's context.  NAM has evolved into a powerful voice of almost two-thirds of the world's nations.  Our voice has been heard with great attention and I believe the views we have articulated have found widespread resonance within the Nonaligned Movement. The Summit's call for bringing the decision-making processes in the international architecture, including the United Nations and the international financial institutions, in tune with contemporary realities reflects the priority which the world attaches to this issue.  I am glad that the Summit has heeded our call to strongly condemn international terrorism and on the need for international cooperation to effectively combat it. I have complimented President Mubarak on his most successful stewardship of the Summit.  We are confident that under Egypt's wise and experienced leadership, the Movement will gain fresh impetus and strength. On the sidelines of the Summit, I met the Prime Ministers of Bangladesh and Malaysia, the President of Vietnam, and the President of the Palestinian National Authority.  Earlier today I called on President Mubarak of Egypt.  I hope to meet the Prime Minister of Nepal and President of Sri Lanka later today. All these countries belong to our immediate and extended neighbourhood.  I found a uniform desire among all these countries to further enhance their relations with India.  This is a matter of great satisfaction for us.  We will reciprocate their friendship to the best of our ability. I have good discussions with Prime Minister Gilani of Pakistan earlier today.  During that meeting we discussed the present condition of India-Pakistan relations, its future potential, and the steps that are necessary to enable us to realize the potential. We have agreed on a Joint Statement which is available with you. I return back to India satisfied with my visit and my various interactions with world leaders, which have substantially advanced our national interests.
PM's statement to the media after the Parade
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: July 14, 2009 Paris, France

PM's statement to the media after the Parade Hindi Version I am delighted to be present today at the National Day celebrations of France. The magnificent parade we have witnessed dramatises the strength and dynamism of this great nation. It was an honour for India to have a contingent representing all three services of our armed forces lead the parade. This reflects the friendship and strategic partnership between our two countries and the cordial ties between our armed forces. July 14 is a date important not only for France. The French Revolution marked a defining moment in world history when the aspirations of the common man began to acquire a central place in political and social life. The ideals of the French Revolution - liberty, equality and fraternity - helped to inspire our freedom struggle and guided the founding fathers of the Indian Constitution. I am grateful to President Sarkozy for giving India a place of honour on this great occasion. India-France relations and cooperation are growing in strength and vitality in all fields. We have a strategic partnership and have built vibrant political ties, with collaboration in energy, space research, defence, industry and commerce, science and technology, education, culture and tourism. It is my ardent wish that the partnership between our two democracies is further strengthened and deepened in the years to come. This will benefit the people of both our countries.
PM's statement prior to his departure to France and Egypt
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: July 13, 2009 New Delhi

PM's statement prior to his departure to France and Egypt Hindi Version At the invitation of President Nicolas Sarkozy, I am leaving today for Paris to participate in the National Day celebrations of the Republic of France on July 14. The invitation extended to me to participate as the Chief Guest at the National Day celebrations of France is an honour for the people of India. India and France enjoy a close and wide ranging strategic partnership. Our relations with France encompass a large number of areas, and have served our national interests well.  We would like to build upon our partnership in the areas of trade and investment, high technology, space, nuclear energy, defence, education, culture, tourism and scientific research and development. I will thereafter be visiting Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt to participate in the Fifteenth Summit of the Non-aligned Movement which will be held under the chairmanship of President Hosny Mubarak. Non-alignment has been the bedrock of India's foreign policy since it was enunciated by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Non-alignment remains an article of faith for us. In the post-Cold War era, when the world is no longer divided into two military blocs, the Non-aligned Movement has a renewed role to play in the emerging world order. The diversity and universality of the Non-aligned Movement offers NAM a unique opportunity to address the challenges of today. India will play its part in helping NAM to regain its moral high ground to address issues which are of direct concern and relevance to developing countries such as sustainable development, climate change, food security, energy security, terrorism and reform of the architecture of international governance. During my stay in Sharm El Sheikh, I look forward to holding bilateral meetings with other leaders, including those of Bangladesh, Egypt, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.