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Reducing regional divide key priority of G20, says Modi

Prime Minister says major strides by the Global South in bridging technological divide will be a focus issue for G20 under India’s presidency…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that reducing the regional divide is one of the key priority areas for India during its G20 presidency.

Modi said this after inaugurating the new International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Area office and Innovation Centre in India at a programme in Vigyan Bhawan here.

The prime minister also unveiled the Bharat 6G Vision Document and launched the 6G R&D Test Bed. On the occasion, he also launched the ‘Call before u Dig’ App.

ITU is the United Nations’ specialised agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs).

“Today, when India is presiding over the G20, one of our priorities is to reduce the regional divide. Global South is making major strides in bridging the technological divide,” the prime minister said on the occasion, adding that the ITU Area office and Innovation Centre will also play a key role in this.

For India, telecom technology is not just a mode of power but a mission to empower. India rolled out 5G connections in more than 125 cities within 120 days and similarly India will set up 100 5G labs in the coming years, he informed the gathering.

“Within six months of 5G, we are already talking about 6G technology. This shows the confidence of India,” Modi quipped.

He went on to add that more than Rs 800 crore UPI-based digital payments are made in India every month and every day over seven crore e-authentications take place.

“More than Rs 28 lakh crore are directly transferred to citizens’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer,” he added.

Noting that India’s 5G standards are part of the global 5G systems, the prime minister said that India will also work closely with ITU for the standardisation of future technologies.

Modi underlined that the new Indian ITU Area office will also help in creating the right environment for 6G.

He announced that the World Telecommunications Standardisation Assembly of ITU will be held in October next year in Delhi where representatives from all over the world will visit India.

India signed a Host Country Agreement in March 2022 with ITU for the establishment of Area Office. It will serve India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan and Iran, enhancing coordination among the nations and fostering mutually beneficial economic cooperation in the region.

Doreen-Bogdan Martin, Secretary General of ITU thanked PM Modi for helping develop the new ITU Office and innovation center in India, which marks a new chapter in the long history of India and ITU.

She expressed confidence that ITU’s presence in the region will help in the introduction of advanced technologies, improve capacity development and foster entrepreneurship and partnerships.

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 Kishida announces over $75 bn assistance for Indo-Pacific 

“In September this year, I will again get the opportunity to welcome PM Fumio Kishida to India for the G20 Leaders’ Summit,” Modi said…reports Asian Lite News

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday announced over USD 75 billion worth of infrastructure and security assistance for the Indo-Pacific during his visit to India.

The new development assistance, to be supplied by 2030 in conjunction with the private sector, came as Kishida outlined his own vision for a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” He credited his late predecessor Shinzo Abe with pushing the concept back in 2016.

Since then, Kishida said, the international community has seen major events that could be described as paradigm shifts, including the COVID pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This obliges “us to face the most fundamental challenge — defending peace,” the Japanese leader said.

Kishida’s two-day visit to India comes against a backdrop of not only war in Europe but also concerns about growing Chinese influence across the Indo-Pacific region. This has included major infrastructure investment under Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, fueling development but also raising concerns about unsustainable debt in Global South nations such as Sri Lanka, according to Nikkei Asia.

The Japanese Prime Minister has called for advancing “quality infrastructure investment,” in line with the goals of the Group of 20, chaired by India this year. The PM has as part of the proposed aid, also offered free security assistance to the armed forces of like-minded nations.

But he also warned against unchecked “division and confrontation.”

“In the international community, a big balance of power change is occurring,” he said in his speech, which was delivered in Japanese. The idea of a free and open Indo-Pacific, he stressed, is rooted in the rule of law as well as respect for diversity, inclusiveness and openness. “In other words, we do not exclude anyone, we do not create camps.”

Kishida added, “I believe we should aim for a world where diverse nations coexist and prosper together under the rule of law without falling into the geopolitical competition.” Saying his vision required the cooperation of multiple stakeholders, he said, “Of course, India is indispensable.”

PM Modi, his Japan counterpart Kishida on Monday exchanged views on defence equipment and technology cooperation, trade, health, digital partnership and also had a fruitful discussion on importance of reliable supply chains in semiconductor and other critical technologies.

The two leaders had “excellent talks” during Kishida’s visit to New Delhi with PM Modi stating that strengthening bilateral partnership is not only important for both our countries, it also promotes peace, prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (ANI)

ALSO READ-PM Modi holds talks Kishida

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PM Modi holds talks Kishida

During the talks, both leaders vowed to expand the India-Japan global strategic partnership…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida on Monday held wide-ranging bilateral discussions.

The talks between the two leaders were held here after Kishida arrived in India this morning on a two-day official visit.

He also extended an invitation to Modi to attend the G7 leaders’ summit, which is to be held in May this year in Hiroshima.

The invitation has been accepted by the prime minister.

During the talks, both leaders vowed to expand the India-Japan global strategic partnership, stressing that it is important for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Addressing the media after the bilateral talks, Modi referred to India’s presidency of the G20 and Japan chairing the G7 grouping, and said it is the best opportunity to work together on priorities of both sides for global good.

“Today, I told PM Kishida in detail about the priorities of our G20 presidency. An important foundation of our G20 presidency is to voice the priorities of the Global South. A culture that believes in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, believes in going ahead by bringing everyone together,” Modi said.

He also thanked Kishida for inviting him to the G7 leaders’ summit.

“In September this year, I will again get the opportunity to welcome PM Fumio Kishida to India for the G20 Leaders’ Summit,” Modi said.

Welcoming his Japanese counterpart to India, the prime minister said, “In the last one year, PM Fumio Kishida and I have met several times and every time I’ve felt his positivity and commitment to the India-Japan bilateral relationship. His today’s visit will be beneficial to maintain this momentum.”

Adding further, Modi said, “That is why we have taken this initiative. The India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership is based on our mutual democratic values and respect for rule of law on international platforms.”

Kishida unveiled “on Indian soil” his plan “for a free and open Indo-Pacific”. The exact details of what his vision of a free Indo-Pacific would entail though, are yet to be known.

“Our economic cooperation with India, which continues to grow rapidly, will not only support the further development of India but also create significant economic opportunities for Japan. In this regard, we welcome that steady progress is being made towards realising 5 trillion yen of public and private investment in financing from Japan to India in five years,” the Japanese prime minister said after the bilateral discussions.

“We will continue to work on decarbonisation and energy. 2023 will be the year of the Japan-India tourism exchange to promote our exchanges through tourism. I welcome the renewal of our MoC on Japanese language education,” he added.

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Ukrainian lawmaker quotes Modi’s “not an era of war” remark

This remark came as the Russia-Ukraine war is soon to complete one year and still, both countries are facing tremendous problems…reports Asian Lite News

Ukrainian Member of Parliament Vadym Halaichuk quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks, “This is not an era of war,” regarding the Russia-Ukraine war.

Earlier, on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Samarkand on September 16, PM Modi said “today’s era isn’t of war” while emphasising the need to find ways to address the problems of food, fuel security and fertilizers.

“We are grateful to the phrase of PM Modi ‘This is not an era of war’. Given the weight and capabilities of India economically, politically and militarily, we are absolutely sure that Russia would have to listen to that message,” Halaichuk said.

“Unfortunately, they (Russians) didn’t show any understanding, so we hope that message will be repeated that it becomes obvious to Russians that they don’t have any support to continue the war,” he added.

This remark came as the Russia-Ukraine war is soon to complete one year and still, both countries are facing tremendous problems.

Halaichuk recalled the February 24, 2022 time when Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine and said that when he woke up on that day, the bombs started falling all over the country.

Bombs were dropped on civilian infrastructure as Russia believed it to scare everybody in Ukraine and beat the civilians but that wasn’t achieved, he said adding, “Ukraine is stronger now.”

“With the help of the international community, we’ve to fight the aggressor. We don’t believe Russia has shown any seriousness in ceasing the attack. No negotiations right now about ceasefire as we don’t see any desire on the Russian part for serious negotiation,” a Ukrainian MP said.

Referring to the Russian President’s recent speech in Moscow’s federal assembly, Halaichuk said that Putin’s recent speech demonstrated that Kremlin doesn’t have any intentions to de-escalate and start negotiations and it is threatening the world with Russia abandoning the nuclear arms restriction which is a wrong way to respond to what’s going on.

Meanwhile on Monday, in Ukraine, Head of the Office of the Ukrainian President Andriy Yermak, and National Security Advisor to the Indian Prime Minister Ajit Kumar Doval discussed the Ukrainian Peace Plan, a ten-point Peace Formula that provides comprehensive answers to the question of what needs to be done to end the war in a sustainable and just manner.

According to Yermak, Ukraine continues to fight on the battlefield, but at the same time has proposed a peace plan. The draft resolution on support for the principles of the UN Charter, which form the basis of the Ukrainian Peace Formula, will be considered by the UN General Assembly on February 23, according to the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s official website. (ANI)

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Modi briefs Spanish PM on India’s G20 priorities

Prime Minister Sanchez extended full support to India’s initiatives under its G20 Presidency and the two leaders agreed to remain in contact…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday had a telephone conversation with his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez wherein he briefed him about India’s priorities for G20 Presidency.

“Glad to speak with Prime Minister of Spain @sanchezcastejon. We discussed ways to further strengthen our growing bilateral relationship. Look forward to continuing our close cooperation as part of India’s G20 Presidency,” tweeted PM Modi. Briefing his Spanish counterpart he said that India’s priorities for G20 Presidency are oriented towards working to promote oneness based on the theme of Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam (One Earth, One Family, One Future), read Prime Minister’s Office press release.

Responding to it, Prime Minister Sanchez extended full support to India’s initiatives under its G20 Presidency and the two leaders agreed to remain in contact.

Earlier Sanchez tweeted, “I have just had a fruitful conversation with the Prime Minister of India,

@narendramodi. I have reiterated Spain’s support for the Indian #G20 presidency and we have agreed to continue strengthening our bilateral relations, especially in the areas of economy and trade.”

The leaders discussed a number of bilateral and international issues of mutual interest. They reviewed ongoing bilateral initiatives and expressed satisfaction at the recent high-level exchanges and growing cooperation in defence, economic and commercial sectors. They agreed to collaborate on issues such as digital infrastructure, climate action, clean energy transition and sustainable development, added the release.

Earlier, Jose Manuel Albares, Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, visited India on June 15, 2022. This was his first official visit to India. It was one of the first high-level visits to India from Spain.

During his visit, Albares held talks with his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar. Both foreign ministers reviewed the bilateral relations. At the same time, both also committed to add new depth and content to the relationship.

Spain remains one of those countries with which India’s relations are still in the process of development. While India has close engagements with the European Union (EU), France, Germany and the United Kingdom, its relations with Spain are yet to reach that level.

It is important to consider the reasons for the relatively underdeveloped nature of the India-Spain relations as also how India and Spain could find common ground to strengthen their ties.

To strengthen their relations, India and Spain would need to find common ground at the bilateral level and also at multilateral levels as the emerging world order is a unique mix of continuation of the old order and emergence of the new simultaneously.

China’s actions are directed at creating a China-centric order challenging the United States and other democratic nations. At the same time, the Russia-Ukraine war is pushing Europe towards becoming a theatre for conflict between major world powers.

Recently, India and the EU have resumed talks for a free trade agreement (FTA). India also concluded a trade pact with Australia in April and with the UAE in February. India and Spain could consider similar agreement to boost their bilateral trade. (ANI)

Khajuraho to host G20 Culture Working Group meet

The first Culture Working Group meet, under India’s G-20 Presidency, will be held in Madhya Pradesh’s temple town Khajuraho from February 22.

Officials of the Ministry of Culture said that India’s G20 Culture Track is predicated on the idea of ‘Culture for LiFE’ – an environmentally conscious lifestyle as a campaign for sustainable living.

The CWG will evolve through four meetings in four historic cities of India and steer the G20 discourse on four priority areas. India’s CWG will reflect the emergence of culture as a prominent theme on the global stage, it will adopt culture to renew multilateral and multicultural cooperation at all levels, and will aim to forward this ideal and inform future global cultural policies and initiatives.

An ancient city, Khajuraho is known for its majestic temples and elaborate sculptures. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khajuraho’s monuments were constructed by the Chandela Dynasty between 950-1050 AD. The aesthetic of the Nagara-style architecture, ornamented with the intricate and detailed sculptures, acts like a window into the socio-cultural practices of the time. According to historical records, there were 85 temples in the temple site in Khujaraho, covering 20 square km, in the 12th Century AD. However, today, only 25 of these temples – scattered throughout a 6 square km area – have survived.

Officials said that as a part of the meeting, there will be an exhibition titled “Re(ad)dress : Return of Treasures” at the Maharaja Chhatrasal Convention Centre (MCCC), which will be inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Culture and Tourism Minister G. Kishan Reddy.

The delegates from the G20 countries will get to experience cultural programmes including the Khajuraho Dance Festival. They will also get to visit the Western Group of Temples along with a tiger safari at the Panna Tiger Reserve.

India assumed the G20 presidency on 1 December 2022, articulating the theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – One Earth. One Family. One Future’, which aims to foster, celebrate, and incorporate the diversity of cultural traditions amongst the member states while striving towards holistic living and creating a pro-people planet.

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Modi dials Netanyahu, discusses ways to boost bilateral ties

Ambassador Gilon said the change in the bilateral relationship between the two countries came after a first-ever visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Israel followed by Netanyahu’s visit to India…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday discussed ways to strengthen India-Israel relations and deepen cooperation in defence and security.

“Spoke with PM @netanyahu and discussed ways to strengthen the multifaceted India-Israel friendship, deepen our focus on innovation partnership, and our ongoing cooperation in defense and security,” Prime Minister Modi tweeted on Wednesday. Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu tweeted, “Just spoke with Indian PM @narendramodi about ways to strengthen the close relationship between #Israel and #India. Together we’ll advance security & economic relations, with a focus on high-tech. Exciting times ahead!”

Israeli Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, recently said Prime Minister Modi’s ‘historic’ visit to Israel in 2017 broke the ice between the two nations and the famous picture of him with ex-Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is one of the pictures that will stay as a symbol of how things are done.

“The famous picture of PM Modi with ex-Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu at the Olga beach is one that will stay as a symbol of how things are done,” Gilon told ANI while explaining the bond between India-Israel.

Ambassador Gilon said the change in the bilateral relationship between the two countries came after a first-ever visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Israel followed by Netanyahu’s visit to India.

“We have to say that there were visits before that of Indian President and Israeli President, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, but the visit of PM Modi and a few months later in 2017, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came to India on January 18 – this was a game changer to relations between the two countries,” added Gilon.

PM Modi was on a visit to Israel from July 4-6, 2017, at the invitation of Netanyahu. The Prime Minister had called the visit “ground-breaking” after he was received personally by Netanyahu at the airport.

India established diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992 and since then, the relationship has evolved into a multi-dimensional partnership. “The relations started a little bit slower than hoped, but the big change in 1992 established full diplomatic relations between the two countries,” said Gilon.

The Israeli envoy expanded on how both countries upgraded relations to a strategic partnership, adding that several doors opened for cooperation.

“Thanks to that change, push that was done – we call it de-hyphenation — in a way India came and said- we have Palestinian issue and Pakistan, we have other issues-Israel will be dealt as Israel, the interest we have with Israel, not the interest we have with Palestine, we will deal with them or issues of Pakistan, other issues. I think this a very healthy approach which enabled a strong relationship between the two countries,” the envoy added. (ANI)

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Modi meets Korosi, discusses vitality of global water resources

Csaba Koro arrived in India on Sunday on a three-day visit. Korosi on Monday delivered the 40th Sapru House Lecture on ‘Solution through Solidarity, Sustainability and Science at the UN’ in New Delhi…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Csaba Korosi, President of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA). The two leaders discussed the importance of conserving and optimising global water resources.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to multilateralism including at the United Nations. “Happy to welcome @UN_PGA Csaba Korosi on his first visit to India. Reaffirmed India’s commitment to multilateralism, including at the UN. We discussed the importance of conserving and optimising global water resources. Welcomed his support for #G20India,” PM Modi said in a tweet.

Earlier, UNGA president met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as he hosted him for a millet lunch. The two leaders also discussed the G20 agenda, UN reform, and the Ukraine conflict.

“Welcomed President of General Assembly Csaba Korosi, hosting him for a millet lunch. Discussed global challenges, UN reform, the Ukraine conflict and the G20 agenda. Assured him of India’s fullest support in developmental progress and reformed multilateralism,” the minister said in a tweet.

Csaba Koro arrived in India on Sunday on a three-day visit. Korosi on Monday delivered the 40th Sapru House Lecture on ‘Solution through Solidarity, Sustainability and Science at the UN’ in New Delhi.

Jaishankar holds talks

The President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Csaba Korosi was welcomed by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday as he hosted him for a millet lunch. The two leaders also discussed the G20 agenda, UN reform, and the Ukraine conflict.

During the meeting, Jaishankar assured Korosi of India’s support in developmental progress and reformed multilateralism. Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar tweeted, “Welcomed President of General Assembly Csaba Korosi, hosting him for a millet lunch. Discussed global challenges, UN reform, the Ukraine conflict and the G20 agenda. Assured him of India’s fullest support in developmental progress and reformed multilateralism.”

The Hungarian diplomat who assumed his role as President of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2022, arrived in India on Sunday on a three-day visit at the invitation of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Csaba Korosi praised India’s demands for peace in Ukraine and around the world on Monday.

“We are approaching the first anniversary of the war in Ukraine that caused suffering and displacement. A war that has unleashed an energy and food crisis across the globe. I commend India for your calls for peace in Ukraine and across the world,” Korosi said while delivering the 40th Sapru House Lecture.

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India denounces BBC documentary on Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) in Indore

Prominent Indian-origin UK citizens condemned the series. Prominent UK Citizen Lord Rami Ranger said the “BBC caused a great deal of hurt to over a billion Indians.”…reports Asian Lite News

India on Thursday denounced the controversial BBC documentary series on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and described it as a “propaganda piece” that is designed to push a discredited narrative.

Addressing a weekly media briefing External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi said this documentary show, based on some internal UK report, shows the colonial mindset. “We think this is a propaganda piece designed to push a particular discredited narrative. The bias and the lack of objectivity and frankly continuing colonial mindset are blatantly visible,” Bagchi said in response to the question on the PM documentary series.

UK’s National broadcaster BBC aired a two-part series attacking PM Narendra Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister during the Gujarat riots of 2002. The documentary sparked outrage and was removed from select platforms.

Prominent Indian-origin UK citizens condemned the series. Prominent UK Citizen Lord Rami Ranger said the “BBC caused a great deal of hurt to over a billion Indians.”

The MEA spokesperson said the documentary is a reflection of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and individuals that are peddling this narrative again. He even raised questions on “the purpose of the exercise and the agenda behind it.” “The documentary is a reflection of the agency and individuals that are peddling this narrative again. It makes us wonder about the purpose of the exercise and the agenda behind it; frankly, we do wish to dignify these efforts,” he added.

Referring to apparent remarks made by former UK Secretary Jack Straw in the documentary series, Bagchi said “He (Jack Straw) seems to be referring to some internal UK report. How do I have access to that? It’s a 20-year-old report. Why would we jump on it now? Just because Jack says it how do they lend it that much legitimacy.”

“I heard words like inquiry and investigations. There is a reason why we use the colonial mindset. We don’t use words loosely. What inquiry they were diplomats there…investigation, are they ruling the country? Bagchi asked. (ANI)

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Nadella, Modi discusses how India Stack can transform world

The India Stack is widening access to financial services in an economy where retail transactions are heavily cash-based…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s digital vision and all the programmes that have been launched around that vision are creating amazing digital public goods, which are the greatest contributions to the world, Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella said on Thursday.

Nadella, who met Modi in the New Delhi on Wednesday, described his meeting as an “insightful” one, especially around the India Stack.

India Stack is a set of open APIs and digital public goods that aim to unlock the economic primitives of identity, data, and payments at population scale.

“I had an opportunity to have a conversation with PM Modi about this at length. The magic of India Stack is unlike anything that I have seen anywhere in the world, which is perhaps the greatest contribution that India can make to the world,” Nadella told the gathering here during Microsoft’s ‘Future Ready Technology Summit’.

The India Stack is widening access to financial services in an economy where retail transactions are heavily cash-based.

Payments through the UPI interface touched a record high of Rs 12.82 lakh crore in December 2022, registering 782 crore transactions.

The work in the field of digital public goods is amazing and it is “inspiring to see the deep focus on sustainable and inclusive economic growth led by digital transformation” in the country, he added.

After meeting PM Modi, Nadella tweeted that “we’re looking forward to helping India realise the Digital India vision and be a light for the world”.

Nadella was in the country on a four-day visit, and also met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in the capital on Wednesday.

Cloud-based services will be foundational to scaling India’s digital journey and Microsoft is innovating across the board to support the country’s ecosystem of developers, startups, and companies across the industry. Microsoft has operated in India for more than 32 years now.

While interacting with top business leaders at the Microsoft Future Ready Leadership Summit, Nadella reinforced the digital imperative for every organization and how the Microsoft Cloud can foster innovation, create broad economic progress, and accelerate the growth of businesses in India.

Nadella also highlighted how organizations big and small, across India are transforming with the power of Microsoft’s tech stack and solutions.

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Modi’s plea to preserve rivers for future generations

During the National Ganga Council meeting, PM Modi also emphasised on ways to enhance various forms of herbal farming along the river Ganga….reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while recently chairing the National Ganga Council, said that the meeting of the Council provides a great opportunity to discuss ways to further strengthen the Namami Gange initiative and also spoke about ways to enhance cleanliness efforts including expanding the network of sewage treatment plants in the smaller towns.

 Stating that the purity of the river Ganga is a common heritage, PM Modi said our forefathers have given us a precious heritage and it is our destiny to hand over this heritage to future generations in the same condition and with the same purity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Purity of river Ganga our common heritage, must handover to future generations in same condition

Modi chaired the National Ganga Council meeting via video conferencing in Kolkata. During the meeting, PM Modi also emphasised on ways to enhance various forms of herbal farming along the river Ganga.

The meeting was held at INS Netaji Subhas, Hastenings, Kolkotta. The Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Uttara Khand, Jharkhand and Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, 8 Union Ministers, Vice Chairman of NITI Ayog, four secretaries to Govt. of India and Mr Ashok Kumar, Director General, Namami Gange, were present.

Earlier the PM also inaugurated 7 projects and laid foundation for another 5 projects of Namami Gange. The total cost involved is Over Rs 2400 crores.

Prior to the meeting, PM Modi also laid the foundation stone and dedicated Namami Gange and Drinking Water-Sanitation Projects to the nation via Video Conferencing. PM Modi also inaugurated the 7 sewerage infrastructure projects (20 Sewage Treatment Plants and a 612 km network) at a cost of more than Rs 990 crore.

These projects will benefit municipalities of Nabadwip, Kacharapra, Halishar, Budge-Budge, Barrackpore, Chandan Nagar, Bansberia, UttraparaKotrung, Baidyabati, Bhadreshwar, Naihati, Garulia, Titagarh, and Panihati. These projects will add the Sewage Treatment Capacity of over 200 MLD in the state of West Bengal.

Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation stone for 5 sewerage infrastructure projects (8 Sewage Treatment Plants and 80 Km Network) to be developed under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) at an estimated cost of Rs 1,585 crore.

These projects will add 190 MLD new Sewage Treatment Plants capacity in West Bengal. These projects will benefit areas of North Barrackpore, Hooghly-Chinsura, Kolkata KMC area- Garden Reach and Adi Ganga (TollyNala) and Mahestala town.

Moreover, PM Modi expressed the hope that Council members through their vast experience and leadership will provide ideas and ways to take the initiative further.

Modi, while elaborating on River Ganga as navigational waterway informed that over 1000 waterways are being constructed in India and conveyed that our aim is to make modern cruise ships sail in Indian rivers.

 With the substantial development of waterways, India’s cruise tourism sector is all set to embark on a grand new journey.

Modi announced that on January 13, 2023, World’s longest river cruise will sail from Kashi to reach Dibrugarh via Bangladesh travelling 2,300 km.

In the same meeting, there were some issues flagged and shared by the Chief Ministers of the Member States of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal and Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar.

Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, raised the issue of river bank erosion in some areas of West Bengal and requested the Centre to formulate a mechanism for flood control and management programme in consultation with the States.

 Banerjee also flagged the issue of erosion and related issues in the coastal belt in West Bengal and asked the Centre to help the states technically and financially to formulate a framework for the protection of coastal regions through appropriate financial support. West Bengal CM mentioned the importance of the protection of the Sunderbans area, as well as that of Ganga SagarMela, observed every year in which millions of people take part, in spite of the fact that the Ganga Sagar has serious issues related to inaccessibility.

Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, reiterated in the meeting that more than 200 million taking a dip in the clean water of Ganga during Kumbh Mela 2019 is a reflection of the improved water quality and biodiversity in the river.

He reinforced that by 2025 when the next Kumbh Mela will happen, the sewerage projects in Uttar Pradesh will be completed.

Mentioning the work being done for the rejuvenation of small rivers in Uttar Pradesh, he informed that 75 projects are being undertaken. In Uttar Pradesh, all facets of Ganga Rejuvenation are being holistically addressed. The CM also reinforced that steps under Arth Ganga will continue to be taken in the State to make Namami Ganga a self-sustaining river rejuvenation model.

The Namami Gange has been selected by the UN as one of the top 10 Eco restoration flagship programs of the world, from among 160 environmental restoration and conservation projects across the world. 

Mr Ashok Kumar, Director General, Namami Gange, received the award on behalf of Govt. of India and National Mission for Clean Ganga at the COP15 meeting in Montreal.

Organisers Namami Ganges thanks the state government of West Bengal and Chief of Naval Saff, Admiral HariKumar, Commodore Rithuraj Sahay and his team for allowing NMCG to use its premises for this prestigious and VVIPs studded event.

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