Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji,
Prime Minister Mitsotakis,
Excellencies,
Dear Friends,
It is my privilege to give the vote of thanks that will conclude the Raisina Dialogue’s inaugural event this evening.
First and foremost, we thank the Chief Guest the Prime Minister of Greece and his wife for joining us today. Our collective appreciation to Prime Minister Mitsotakis for what, I am confident all of you will agree, was a truly inspirational and thought provoking address. His message of democracies that deliver, resonates strongly, particularly now, particularly here.
Prime Minister Modi’s presence amongst us, as always, is a reminder of India’s growing engagement with the world, especially in the last decade. He has shown us why it is as important to listen and reflect as it is to articulate and express.
This event takes place at the end of a day which has seen the intensification of the strategic partnership between India and Greece, established during Prime Minister Modi’s visit in 2023. As two civilizational states, our countries have a particular responsibility to contribute to the evolution of the contemporary global order. We both naturally tend to take a long view of challenges and a considered one of opportunities.
In the flow of history, connectivity has always played a crucial role. It is only to be expected that the talks between the Prime Ministers today, focused on enhancing the linkage between two global economic centers, India and Europe. The IMEC corridor, as Prime Minister Mitsotakis pointed out, holds particular importance in this regard.
As India deepens its footprint abroad, Greece has emerged as a favourable destination. Our pharmaceutical industry, our agro-business and aviation are already established there. And the Prime Minister in his address mentioned the growing Greek investment and interest in India. We expect that a mobility agreement will bring us even closer. Raisina is good for business as well.
Ladies and gentlemen,
India’s growing interests in the Mediterranean region is an important facet of our steady rise. The India-Greece partnership can surely serve as an anchor.
Raisina Dialogue, as the Made in India version of a global public square has become what it is due to all of you. I thank you all for that. Please keep coming, please keep talking, please keep contributing.
To Team Raisina and Team MEA, a special word of acknowledgement and encouragement. You have made all this possible. Please remain ambitious and keep challenging yourself, even as you challenge others.
Finally, let me recognise the Raisina Chronicles as we near the first decade. It captures what we have achieved but more importantly, indicates the promise ahead.
Once again, thank you all and a very good evening.