As we talk with candor, we open the doors to new possibilities and new areas of cooperation in advance in democracy, in combating terrorism, in energy and environment, science and technology and international peacekeeping.

— Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Empowering the individual means empowering the nation. And empowerment is best served through rapid economic growth with rapid social change.

— Atal Bihari Vajpayee

If the elections are a mere fraud, why are terrorists being trained and infiltrated into India at the command of the Inter-Services Intelligence Agency of Pakistan to kill election candidates and to intimidate voters?

— Atal Bihari Vajpayee

I have a vision of India: an India free of hunger and fear, an India free of illiteracy and want.

— Atal Bihari Vajpayee

India helped Bangladesh to achieve independence. The Bangladeshis should remain happy inside the territory of their own country.

— Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Indian democracy's greatest strength is that we have always put the nation above politics.

— Atal Bihari Vajpayee

India was secular even when Muslims hadn't come here and Christians hadn't set foot on this soil. It is not as if India became secular after they came. They came with their own modes of worship, and they, too, were given a place of honor and respect. They had the freedom to worship God as per their wish and inclination.

— Atal Bihari Vajpayee

It is true that of all the states in India, Nagaland has a unique history. We are sensitive to this historical fact. But this uniqueness has in no way diminished the spirit of patriotism among the Nāga people.

— Atal Bihari Vajpayee

My message to the people and rulers of Pakistan is, 'As neighbors, we want peace and friendship and cooperation with you so that together we can change the face of South Asia.'

— Atal Bihari Vajpayee

My poet's heart gives me strength to face political problems, particularly those which have a bearing on my conscience.

— Atal Bihari Vajpayee