PM Narendra Modi lauds central Asian governments for inclusive societies

ASTANA: Narendra Modi has hailed the Central Asian governments for creating inclusive and pluralist societies when many other nations in the region are caught in conflict and instability. He emphasised that Islamic heritrage of both India and the region have always rejected terrorism "encouraged" by some nations and groups.

Hailing the secular traditions of the Central Asian region in his address at the Nazarbayev university in Astana, Modi said, "Tonight, as I speak to the people of Central Asia, I could not have chosen a better venue than the Nazerbayev university… the countries of Central Asia are endowed with rich human and natural resources. You have built modern, inclusive and pluralist nations at a time when many in the region are caught in conflict and instability. Your success is as important for the region as it is for the world."

"The confluence of Indian and Islamic civilisations took place in Central Asia. We enriched each other not only in spiritual thought, but also in medicine, science, mathematics and astronomy." The PM said that Islamic heritage of both India and Central Asia was defined by the highest ideals of Islam — knowledge, piety, compassion and welfare. "This is a heritage founded on the principle of love and devotion. And, it has always rejected the forces of extremism," asserted Modi.