As neighbours, we should also be together in good and bad times. India's capability and expertise in disaster management will always be available to South Asia. Equally, as we reach out to Indians caught in conflicts and disasters around the world, we will also be there for all our South Asian citizens.
Excellencies, a prosperous SAARC needs the strong foundation of a secure South Asia. If we are sensitive to each other's security, and the lives of our people, we will deepen friendships, spur cooperation and advance stability in our region.
Today, as we remember the horror of the terror attack in Mumbai in 2008, we feel the endless pain of lost lives. Let us work together to fulfil the pledge we have taken to combat terrorism and trans-national crimes.
For India, our vision for the region rests on five pillars - trade, investment, assistance, cooperation in every area, contacts between our people - and, all through seamless connectivity. This is the call of our times. This is the age of social media, where boundaries matter little. There is a new awakening in South Asia; a new recognition of inter-linked destinies; and, a new belief in shared opportunities.
The bonds will grow.
Through SAARC or outside it.
Among us all or some of us.
We can all choose our paths to our destinations. But, when we join our hands and walk in step, the path becomes easier, the journey quicker and the destination closer.
I say this as much to my government and people, as I say to you.
We are meeting in the lap of Himalaya, which has nurtured us through the ages. Today, it is calling us to act.
Let us work to change cynicism into optimism.
Let us turn South Asia of flowering hope into a rich field of peace and prosperity.
