UAE visit: Nine major things PM Modi said to Indian diaspora in Dubai

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed a gathering of around 50,000 Indians at the Dubai International Cricket stadium.

During his 75 minute speech, the Prime Minister spoke on a range of issues including ties with Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Maldives, Bhutan and steps for bolstering connectivity and trust among SAARC countries.

Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit UAE in 34 years, said, "Wherever my Indians are, we never see the colour of the passport, their link with the motherland is enough." He wound up his 70-minute speech by asking the crowd to chant after him "Bharat Mata ki Jai" with raised arms.

Here is what Modi said

About Terrorism

Pitching for a "decisive battle" against terrorism, Modi asked countries to choose if they are with sponsors of the menace or against them as he underlined that dialogue is the only way to resolve all issues with neighbours.

Message to Pakistan

Modi, without naming Pakistan, said that India wants good relations with all neighbouring countries. "I keep telling all neighbouring countries that like all people who have chosen the path of violence will have to come to the dialogue table at some point of time, similarly dialogue is the only way to resolve issues."

"Samajnewale samajh jayenge. Akalmand ko ishara kaafi hai (Those who need to understand will get the message. Signal is enough for them. Those involved in terrorism must be punished and this message has come out clearly from here," he said while referring to the India-UAE joint statement which talked about collective fight against terrorism.

"Terrorism does not have any boundary... Everyone will have to decide whether they are with terrorism or against it," Modi said.

He said "false distinction" between good terrorism and bad terrorism will not work and action must be taken against all those involved in perpetrating violence.

"Good Taliban, bad Taliban. Good terror, bad terror...This won't work. Time has come now for a decisive battle between those supporting terrorism and those believing in humanity," he said.

Swipe at UN Security Council

While talking about terrorism, Modi took a swipe at UN Security Council, saying that it has not been able to define terrorism and which country should be declared as "terrorist state".

In this context, he said a proposal on Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism has been pending for long and the UAE has backed India's stand on the matter.

Reference to Naga Peace Accord

Giving the example of recent Naga peace accord, Modi said all those who are on the path of violence should shun it and come to the national mainstream.

"Howsoever serious a problem may be, at the end talks is the only way to resolve it. Whether you come to the dialogue table after fighting for 10 years, 20 years or 40 years, you will have to come for talks. I want to tell those who have chosen the wrong path that violence does no good to anybody," Modi said amid chant of "Modi-Modi"

SAARC Connectivity 

On efforts to boost intra-SAARC connectivity on the pattern of European Union, Modi said that "some people" had problems, in oblique reference to Pakistan which was not forthcoming in finalising a pact.

"Should we stop because some people had problem. Let them stay where they are. We are moving ahead. India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh have signed a pact for building connectivity.

It is a major decision which will have implication in the long run,' said Modi.

The Prime Minister said India will next year launch a SAARC satellite which will provide free services to SAARC countries, meant for common people.

"A new life has been infused in SAARC which was earlier a forum for sparring and efforts to corner India. Our dream is to take development of SAARC nations to newer heights," he said adding "Trust is important in international relations."

Takes dig at previous government

The Prime Minister spoke on a range of issues including ties with Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Maldives, Bhutan and steps for bolstering connectivity and trust among SAARC countries.

Taking a dig at earlier Indian governments, Modi said there were 700 weekly flights between India and UAE but it has taken 34 years for a Prime Minister to visit the important Gulf country.

Recalls Vajpayee

Hailing the Indian diaspora, he recalled that the NRIs had overwhelmingly responded to Atal Bihari Vajpayee's call for contributions the world imposed sanctions on India in the wake of nuclear tests 1998.

Wishes Keralites

Much to the delight of many Keralites in the audience, Modi wished them in Malayalam on the occasion of their new year's day. He also assured the diapora com munity that his government will address their grivances and difficulties.

Various measures for the welfare of diaspora

Taking on board complaints of expatriates, the Prime Minister said an e-migrant portal has been set up to deal with such issues and the India Mission has been told to rectify technical hitches within a month.

"A welfare fund for diaspora is to be set up for their benefit, to help them legally so that they can deal with problems," Modi said while addressing a gathering of over 50,000 Indian expats in the Dubai Cricket Stadium here.

Modi noted that Indian mission in UAE has set up an e-migrant portal to help Indian migrant workers and an online platform 'MADAD' to assist the diaspora.