PM Narendra Modi to receive 'Peace Prize' in South Korea
New Delhi : India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on two-day trip to South Korea. Following the invitation from President Moon Jae-in, the leaders will hold multiple discussions; meet influential people and members of the Indian community during the visit. Besides, Mr. Modi will be awarded with the Seoul Peace Prize.
While addressing the Indian diaspora in Seoul, PM Modi said, "Tomorrow, I will be honoured with Seoul Peace Prize. This prize is not mine, I will only be receiving it on behalf of 130 crore Indians and the 3 crore Indians living abroad. This prize is recognition of hard work of all Indians."
MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that Modi's visit to South Korea would strengthen India's strategic partnership with the country and add dynamism to the Look East Policy. "As fellow democracies, India and ROK have shared values and a vision for world peace. As fellow market economies, our needs and strengths are complementary," tweeted PM Modi ahead of the trip.
In the speech, the Prime Minister also unfolded a break of Mahatma Gandhi in Yonsei University. "It is an honour to unveil the bust of Bapu at Yonsei University in Seoul. This becomes even more special because we are doing so at a time when we mark the 150th birth anniversary of Bapu," he said.
"The august presence of President @moonriver365, FL Kim Jung-sook and my friend, Mr. Ban Ki-moon (former Secretary General of the United Nations) made the programme even more special," he said. "Through his lifestyle, Bapu showed what living in harmony with nature is. He also showed that it is important to leave a clean and green planet for the future generations," said the Prime Minister.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister also spoke at the India-Korea Business Symposium in Seoul. "Research and innovation would be the driving force in 4th industrial revolution era. And, we do understand that the role of government is to provide the support system. In this regard, we have introduced flagship program Start-up India with $1.4 billion fund for four years to create a startup eco-system in India."
Also, he spoke about World Bank's Ease of Doing Business ranking. "In the last four years, we have jumped 65 places in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business ranking, to 77th. And, we are determined to move into the top 50 next year," he added. The PM further added that India will become a 5 trillion dollar economy in the near future.
During the symposium, PM Modi also spoke about how South Korea has huge opportunity when it comes to investments in the automobile industry in India. "While aiming for fast economic growth, India is also rooted in the principles of ensuring sustainable economic growth. For example in Automobile sector, the National Electric Mobility Mission aims for affordable and efficient Electric Vehicles. South Korea being a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles has a huge opportunity in this sector in India," he said.
