Future I Dream For India Is The Future I Wish For The Entire Region: Modi

Indian satellite for SAARC in 2016

Narendra Modi announced the launch of a satellite for the SAARC region in 2016.

"We plan to launch our satellite for the SAARC region by the SAARC Day in 2016," external affairs ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin tweeted, citing Modi.

"We must work with compassion of our hearts, but also with the power of science," said the prime minister.

Modi said India's gift of a satellite for the SAARC region "will benefit us".

Mumbai Attack

Narendra Modi recalled the horror of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack at the SAARC summit and stressed on the need to combat "terrorism and trans-national crimes".

"Today, as we remember the horror of the terror attack in Mumbai in 2008, we feel the endless pain of lost lives," said Modi.

"Let us work together to fulfil the pledge we have taken to combat terrorism and trans-national crimes," he added.

As many as 166 people were killed in the Nov 26-28 Mumbai terror attack in which 10 gunmen from Pakistan sneaked into India and let loose a reign of terror.

Education

Narendra Modi said India is prepared to connect students in the south Asian region through e-libraries.

"IT has removed all barriers to quality education. India is prepared to connect our south Asian students through online course and e-libraries," Modi said.

Modi also highlighted the need to use the strength of shared heritage and diversity.

"We should use strength of shared heritage and our diversity to encourage tourism within our region and present south Asia to the world," he said.

Surveillance of polio-free countries

Narendra Modi said India will support medical surveillance of polio-free countries, and provide vaccines where it might reappear.

"We will support monitoring and surveillance of polio-free countries, and provide vaccines where it might reappear...," the prime minister said.

Adding that India offers the five-in-one vaccine for the children of South Asia, Modi said India will meet the "shortfall in funds to establish the Saarc Regional Supra Reference Laboratory for TB and HIV".

The vaccine protects against Hepatitis B (Hep B), Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib), and diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP).

"And, for those coming to India for medical treatment, India will provide immediate medical visa for the patient and an attendant," he added.

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