No one has right to exploit environment: Narendra Modi

Washington: Batting for environmental protection and climate change issues, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that no country has the right to exploit the environment to their advantage, and this is the message that India and the US should spread, he told top American lawmakers in an interaction at the Capitol Hill.

"In so far as the context of environment is concerned, the rich Indian tradition clearly stipulates that environment is a natural wealth. And no one has the right to exploit it to his advantage. I think if India and the US spread this message together to the whole world, it would be an ideal option to conserve the natural wealth and protect our environment," Modi said in a brief media appearance at the US Congress.

Speaker of the US House of Representatives, John Boehner, had organised a tea in honour of the Prime Minister, which was attended by some 10 American lawmakers, during which they discussed a range of issues including climate change and terrorism.

"We discussed the issue of the fight against terrorism. Both sides believe that the humanity of the entire world needs to come together, because terrorism is an enemy of humanity and all of us need to come together to fight against this challenge," Modi said.

Welcoming the Prime Minister to the world's greatest symbol of democracy, the US Capitol, Boehner said Modi's election and pledge to expand economic opportunity has inspired not only the Indian people but frankly people all over the world.

"India's growth will offer many opportunities to strengthen the ties between our two countries. We look forward to that, and we certainly wish him well in his endeavour," Boehner said.

"We congratulate him on his electoral success, the mandate he has received. We look forward to working with him on issues that relate to global economic growth, global security, ending terrorism and of course addressing the issue of climate change," said Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic leader.

"We thank him. We thank him for India's gifts to the United States, including non-violence, which was the basis of our civil rights movement, as well as the enormous contribution of so many Americans of Indian descent who have contributed to the success of our country," Pelosi said.

Modi said it has been his experience after discussions here in the US over the last couple of days that on several issues there great similarities between India and America.

"We think almost along the same wavelength. The US believes in and is committed to democracy. India also believes in and is committed to democracy. Both US and India also believe in open economy," Modi said.