PM Modi says India not eying anyone's territory

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that India was not eyeing on anyone's territory as the country's focus has always been on capacity building and resource development.

"We do not intend to exploit anyone's resources, nor we are eyeing anyone's territory. Our focus has always been on capacity building and resource development. Thousands of Indian soldiers laid down their lives in the two World Wars, and never did India eye an inch of foreign territory," Prime Minister Modi said while inaugurating Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Parliamentary Conference in Delhi.

The Prime Minister lauded Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj for taking care of not only Indian citizens but also the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).

"Sushma Swaraj not only takes care of Indian citizens but also the NRIs. Under her, our ministry of external affairs keeps an eye on problems of NRIs 24 by 7 with real time monitoring system," he said.

He also stated that country's ethos even in grave situations have always been a part of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (whole world is a family).

"During earthquake in Nepal, flood in Sri Lanka, water problems in Maldives; India was the first to respond. When crisis struck Yemen, we saved our 4,500 people as well as 2000 others. India's humanity even in grave situations like these is a part of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," he added.

Prime Minister Modi said, "We have strengthened our relationship with ASEAN countries. India is the top contributor to UN peacekeeping corps. 21st century is being considered the Asian century and India will be a major player in this with the growing stature of our country and you shall feel proud about our growth."

External Affairs Minister Swaraj delivered the opening remarks at the conference by saying India has become a country which decides global policy.

"If India is dominating the world today, credit goes to Prime Minister Modi. India has become a country which decides global policy. When Prime Minister goes to G-20, he brings black money to centre stage and takes brave decisions like demonetisation and the GST back home," she said.

As many as 124 Members of Parliament and 17 mayors from 23 countries participated in this conference.

Rajya Sabha deputy chairman PJ Kurien, Lok Sabha deputy chairman Thambidurai, Union Ministers VK Singh and MJ Akbar, and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar were also present at the event.

Every year, January 9 is celebrated as Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD), an annual celebratory day that marks the contribution of overseas persons of Indian origin (PIO) towards their homeland.

This is the first PIO-Parliamentary Conference and is a way of reaching out to the Indian community overseas by the government.