WEF 2018: PM Modi Opens Davos Forum, Calls For Global Peace

The 48th Annual WEF Meet will be held in Davos from 23 January to 26 January.

The Quint
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PM Narendra Modi addresses opening plenary at Davos.
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PM Narendra Modi addresses opening plenary at Davos.
(Photo Courtesy: YouTube Screengrab)

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The official sessions of the World Economic Forum in Davos began on Tuesday, 23 January, where Prime Minister Modi delivered the 'opening plenary'.

Over 3,000 global leaders, including CEOs, heads of state and government, artists and civil society members are attending the summit, that will draw to a close on 26 January.

  • The 48th Annual WEF Meet is being held from 23 January to 26 January
  • PM Modi delivered the opening plenary address at the summit on 23 January
  • Indian delegation is the largest ever at the economic forum

Shahrukh Khan and Devendra Fadnavis Discuss 'Magnetic Maharasthra'

Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the WEF summit, Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis discussed the development agenda of Maharashtra.

Lauding the Prime minister for his development-driven agenda, Fadnavis said:

The Prime Minister pointed out globalisation is losing sheen and India can become hub of bringing it back, a lot of good points. It is a matter of pride for all of us that for the first time in 20 yrs we have a PM coming here.

Meanwhile, Khan hailed both Delhi and Maharashtra as his mothers.

I’m a living example of how someone can come to Mumbai & fulfill dreams. I always say I have two mothers - Delhi which gave birth to me and Maharashtra which helped me grow. New policies will create a digital environment, favorable to young India.

PM Modi Arrives in Delhi After Attending WEF Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Delhi in the wee hours of Wednesday after attending the Annual WEF Summit in Davos.

(Photo Courtesy: ANI)

Shah Rukh Khan and Devendra Fadnavis Speak About 'Magnetic Maharashtra'

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan spoke to ANI together on the significance of the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos.

Praising PM Narendra Modi's speech, Khan said, "It is a matter of pride for all of us that for the first time in 20 years, we have a PM coming here."

I’m a living example of how someone can come to Mumbai and fulfill dreams. I always say I have two mothers - Delhi which gave birth to me and Maharashtra which helped me grow. New policies will create a digital environment, favorable to young India.
Shah Rukh Khan on ‘Magnetic Maharashtra’

Meanwhile, Fadnavis highlighted the efforts being made to bring forward Maharashtra as an investment destination.

Through investment summit we’re bringing forward Maharashtra as an investment destination. We’re trying to work in new areas because the times are changing. We’re unveiling the new FinTech policy and focusing on industries 4.0. It will change businesses.
Devendra Fadnavis on ‘Magnetic Maharashtra’

PM Modi Meets Queen of Netherlands

PM Narendra Modi meets Queen Maxima of Netherlands on the sidelines of the WEF 2018 in Davos.

(Photo: ANI)

PM Modi Met 64 CEOs on Sidelines of Davos

Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion Secretary, addressing media said that PM Narendra Modi had interacted with 64 CEOs from around the world, 40 of them from other countries and 24 from India.

He added that total market capitalisation of these companies is $3.6 trillion.

(Photo: Twitter/@MEAIndia)

Rahul Gandhi Reacts to PM Modi's Speech

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, reacted to PM Narendra Modi’s speech by asking him to tell Davos about India’s wealth distribution.

Quoting a news report, Gandhi said that 1 percent of India owned 73 percent of the country’s wealth.

PM Modi Meets Justin Trudeau

PM Narendra Modi met his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of WEF 2018 in Davos.

Economic Relations Secretary Vijay Gokhale, addressing the press, said that Trudeau was looing forward to visiting India in February.

As you know Canada PM Justin Trudeau has been invited to make a state visit to India, he said he is looking forward to India visit. Canada PM will come with his family, a business delegation and some members of Parliament.
Vijay Gokhale, Economic Relations Secretary

PM Modi's Speech Can Be Role Model: Dharmendra Pradhan

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, reacting to PM Narendra Modi’s opening plenary called it an “enthusiastic” speech that can be a “global role model”.

It was a very enthusiastic speech, PM talked about how Indian ethos can be a global role model in today’s conflicting times.
Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister

PM Modi Concludes Address

PM Narendra Modi concluded his address in Davos by saying that an “inclusive, progressive” India will continue to be “good news” in the otherwise “gloomy world”.

A predictable, transparent and progressive India will continue to be the good news in an uncertain world. Let’s together make a world of heaven, where there is no place for fracture and walls. We consider the whole world a family.
PM Narendra Modi

India Sends Most Number of Soldiers to UN Peacekeeping Forces: PM Modi

PM Narendra Modi addressing the opening plenary at WEF 2018 in Davos said that India has sent the most number of soldiers to UN peacekeeping forces and has always lent a “helping hand” to all the countries in need.

India has sent the most number of soldiers to UN peacekeeping forces. This is because we have always been willing to help other nations.
PM Narednra Modi

Democracy, Demography are Reasons for Development: PM Modi

PM Modi in his opening address in WEF 2018 in Davos said that India has progressed in the Ease of Doing Business index and has contained red-tapism.

He added that in India, democracy and demography were the reasons for India’s developments.

Change in India’s ranking is an indicator that the people in India have warmly welcomed the change in policies as the road to a better future for them.
PM Narendra Modi

Modi said that that all countries need to work harder to boost global economy.

Shrinking Globalisation A Threat to World: PM Modi

PM Narendra Modi, in his plenary said that countries becoming “self-centered” was a sign of “shrinking” globalisation. He claimed that this too was a threat, like terrorism and climate change.

Many societies and countries are becoming self-centred. It seems that globalisation, as opposed to its definition, is shrinking. Such misplaced preferences can’t be considered any lesser threat than terrorism or climate change. We must admit that the shine of globalisation is fading.
PM Narendra Modi

No Difference Between Good & Bad Terror: PM Modi

PM Narendra Modi addressing the opening plenary at WEF2018 in Davos said that the second most important cause of concern for the entire world was terrorism, and that there is no difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ terror.

Terrorism is dangerous. Worse is when people say there is a difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ terror. It is painful to see some youngsters getting radicalised. 
PM Narendra Modi

PM Modi Addresses Plenary Session in Davos

India’s GDP has grown six times since the last time its prime minister attended the World Economic Forum at Davos, in 1997, said PM Narendra Modi, addressing the opening plenary.

Last time an Indian PM came to Davos was in 1997, when Deve Gowda ji had come. That time our GDP was little more than 400 billion dollars, now its more than six times the figure.
PM Narendra Modi

Modi added that there are some important questions that have risen and require adequate answers for future generations.

He added that technology has emerged as a “major force”, but that the problems posed by it was getting “serious” by the day. Modi also highlighted the importance of climate change, adding that it was time we thought about tackling it.

This year the topic here is ‘Creating a shared future in a fractured world’. New powers are changing the balance between economic and political strength. This is indicating a change in future of the world. The world is facing challenges in maintaining peace, stability and security.
PM Narendra Modi

Modi added that India has always believed in “unifying” people and not “dividing” them.

India has always believed in values of integration and unity, in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. This means the entire world is one family and is relevant to bridge distances.
PM Narendra Modi

The prime minister also pointed how Mahatma Gandhi endorsed utilisation based on “need”, and opposed “greed”.

Modi to Deliver Opening Plenary at 3.45 pm

PM Narendra Modi set to address opening plenary at the WEF 2018 in Davos. (Photo: ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will become the first Indian prime minister in two decades to attend a meeting of the world's richest and most powerful in Davos.

He is expected to impress the influential audience with his government's plans for the 'New India' and ensure the world knows that India is open for business.

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Let's Wait, Says Maha CM Fadnavis on Shiv Sena in Davos

Reacting to Shiv Sena’s announcement of going alone in the upcoming 2019 general elections, Maharasthra CM, who is currently in Davos for the WEF summit said:

Let’s wait, they have been saying many things. As of now we are in alliance with the government and this government will complete its term.

PM Modi Hosts Round-Table Meeting With CEOs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, 22 January, hosted a round-table meeting with CEOs of top global companies ahead of the Annual World Economic Forum Meet in Davos.

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter/@MEAIndia)

Karan Johar Talks About Padmaavat in Davos

Speaking to ANI, Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar said he hopes for a safe release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's controversial film Padmaavat.

SC judgment went in favour of <i>Padmaavat</i>. It is a matter of happiness that the law has prevailed.

Johar also said that he feels really proud about Shah Rukh Khan being conferred the Crystal Award in Davos.

Promoting 'New India 2022' in Davos: Piyush Goyal

Speaking to ANI in Davos, Union Minister Piyush Goyal talked about how they (the government) are promoting the idea of a ‘New India 2022’ at the global meet.

PM’s presence gives a big message to the world community, that India is open for business. Here, we are all giving out information about the ‘New India 2022’ that we are working towards.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu said that WEF is India's World Economic Forum this time around.

Modi Meets Swiss President Alain Berset, Discusses Bilateral Ties

PM Narendra Modi met Swiss President Alain Berset in Davos on Monday and discussed ways to deepen bilateral ties on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual summit.

Berset said the discussions marked the meeting of the biggest and the oldest democracies in the world.

Thanking Modi, the Swiss President said he would continue to strengthen "our relations" with India.

Sources said the two leaders are also believed to have discussed the progress on automatic exchange of tax information. A legislation in this regard was passed by the Swiss Parliament, following which banks and financial institutions have begun collecting data for the first exchange that is to begin from next year.

Negotiations on EFTA (European Free Trade Association) trade pact and the bilateral investment protection agreement were also discussed, among various business and trade matters, they added.

Shah Rukh Khan Receives Crystal Award in Davos

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan received the 24th Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Khan said he feels honoured to receive the award alongside Elton John and Cate Blanchett.

Shah Rukh Khan in Davos. (Photo: PTI)

The Annual Crystal Awards ceremony, which opens the World Economic Forum summit in the Swiss ski resort, celebrates the achievements of outstanding artists who have shown exemplary commitment to improving the state of the world.

SRK received the award for "his leadership in championing children's and women's rights in India," the World Economic Forum said.

The past awardees from India include Amitabh Bachchan, Mallika Sarabhai, AR Rahman, Shabana Azmi, Ravi Shankar and Amjad Ali Khan.

Andhra CM Meets Officials At Zurich

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met officials of the government of the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland in Davos, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.

(Photo: ANI)

SRK Arrives in Davos to Receive WEF's Crystal Award

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan who will receive the World Economic Forum’s 24th Crystal Award took to Twitter to announce his arrival in Davos.

PM Modi Arrives in Zurich

PM Narendra Modi arrived in Zurich on Monday, 22 January. He will proceed from here to Davos. Modi is scheduled to host a dinner for global CEOs later in the day.

"At Davos, I look forward to sharing my vision for India's future engagement with the international community," Modi had said before his departure to Zurich.

(Photo: ANI)

PM Modi Leaves for Davos

PM Narendra Modi leaves for Davos, Switzerland to take part in the World Economic Forum.

Will Share Vision for India's Global Engagements at Davos: PM

A day before his visit to Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum, being attended by over 70 heads of states and governments, Modi said India's engagement with the outside world in the recent years has become "truly and effectively multi-dimensional covering the political, economic, people to people, security and other spheres."

PM Modi's 'Davos WEF' Agenda

The official sessions of the World Economic Forum will begin on Tuesday when PM Modi will deliver the 'opening plenary', during which he is expected to pitch India as an open economy that is ready for investments from across the world and also as a major engine to drive the global economic growth.

During his 24-hour-visit, described by officials as "short but very focused", Modi will also host a dinner for CEOs from across the world – 20 of Indian companies and 40 from elsewhere – on Monday evening and will interact with a large gathering of 120 members of WEF's international business community on Tuesday.

Besides, he will hold a bilateral meeting with Swiss President Alain Berset, among other pull-asides, as per the government officials.

Modi will be accompanied by six union ministers – Arun Jaitley, Suresh Prabhu, Piyush Goyal, Dharmendra Pradhan, M J Akbar and Jitendra Singh.

Trump to Attend Davos WEF, May Meet Modi

US President Donald Trump will attend the World Economic Forum in Davos later in January, opening up a distinct possibility of a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

If Trump attends, it would mark the first time in 18 years that a US president will attend the annual gathering.

India an Image of Promise and Optimism: WEF Chairman

India presents an image of promise and the remarkable pace of "bold and structural" reforms have boosted its macroeconomic fundamentals while enhancing long-term economic outlook, founder chairman of the World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab has said.

In a statement, Schwab said that India "will undoubtedly have a great role and influence in shaping our common future by enriching the global policy debate as well as assisting in designing and developing better policies for a prosperous world."

Modi, Jaitley to Speak at Davos 2018

In his ever first appearance at the WEF annual meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to touch upon a number of topics, including a collective crackdown on terrorism, economic imbalances, cyber threats, and various societal ills.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will speak at a session on ‘India's role in the world,’ talking about how the political changes, structural reforms, and technology innovations are changing the country's socio-economic context.

(With inputs from PTI and ANI)

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Published: 17 Jan 2018,05:25 PM IST

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