In a speech that spanned over 40 minutes, Narendra Modi addressed Global Leaders at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum at Davos in his keynote address to the congregation. In a speech that was laced with quotes from ancient Hindu scriptures as well as made references to prominent features of contemporary culture, Narendra Modi spoke of the sea of reforms his government has brought about in the country and the changing face of the Indian growth story. He also elaborated on the many ways that technology has changed the world and how big data has become the next big thing in global politics. The Prime Minister also highlighted the three critical challenges that the world faces today: climate change, terrorism and protectionism.
Bhartiya parampara mein prakriti ke saath gahre taalmel ke baare mein hazaron saal pehle hamare shaastron mein manushyamatr ko bataya gaya ‘Bhumi Mata, Putro Aham Prithvya’ yaani ‘we the humans are children of Mother Earth’: PM Modi #WorldEconomicForum #Davos pic.twitter.com/SSGJpKDzQV
— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018
On climate change, Narendra Modi elucidated the steps taken by the government to meet its renewable energy goals and pledged to the climate change accord. Narendra Modi also mentioned that French President, Emmanuel Macron will visit India for the International Solar Alliance Summit to be held in India later this year. The Prime Minister also remarked that countries that have the resources need to do more to supply developing nations with technologies that will help them reduce their carbon footprint. He also pointed out that human greed has led to a situation where the Earth is suffering as a consequence.
Narendra Modi also remarked that in an increasingly divided world, ancient Indian practices such as Yoga could play an important role in bridging the gap between countries. He pointed out that in recent years, people all over the world have developed an aversion towards globalism as globalism has been under siege while Nationalism is still going strong. As a consequence, imposition of new tariffs on foreign goods is seeing a rise as protectionism is being promoted by certain countries.
On terrorism, Modi observed that it pained him to see that so many youths all over the world were being radicalized into taking up arms against civil society and in an obvious hint at Pakistan, he stated that it is even worse that some people differentiate between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ terror.
Narendra Modi mentioned how his government has enacted a series of reforms that had made investing in India a lot easier. He spoke of how the Indian government had repealed around 1400 obsolete laws that were hindering business and the lives of citizens in general.
Narendra Modi remarked on the growing stature of India in the international scene. He highlighted how his government had facilitated the rescue of hundreds of people stranded at Yemen from not only India, but from various other countries. He spoke of his government’s policy of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas‘ that strives towards the development of every section of Indian society without any discrimination. He mentioned the contribution of his government towards gender justice through the campaign of ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao‘. He elaborated India’s approach towards relationship with other countries as one driven by a sincere concern for the interests of the other country and formulation of agreements that take into account the necessities and compulsions of the concerned nation.
Lastly, the Prime Minister greeted everyone present warmly and assured that they will always receive a warm welcome in India and that even in an increasing divided world, India will continue to shine as a beacon of stability and hope to the rest of the world.
