Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked-off his US visit with by holding “extensive discussions” with top 21 American CEOs on 25 June. Modi is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump on 26 June. Ahead of their first-ever interaction, Trump tweeted to Modi, calling him a “true friend”.
On Sunday, PM Modi also addressed the Indian diaspora in Washington DC, whom he called “members of the family”.
During his almost hour-long session, he said that the success of the members of the Indian diaspora should be credited to the supportive environment offered by the US. The Indian government is trying to establish a similar environment back home, he said.
Your heart always asks when would our country become like this (the US)... I assure you that this will happen in your lifetime… Some 125 crore equally talented Indians are there back in India, they are now getting supportive environment and soon we will develop India soon.
He touched upon a number of topics, including his government’s “stain-free” reputation, the success of surgical strikes, technology driven governance and GST, among other topics.
Here are some key points from his speech and meet with the CEOs:
“No One Questioned India’s Surgical Strike”
PM Modi Modi said no country has questioned India’s surgical strike against terrorist launchpads in Pakistan in September 2016.
“India has succeeded in telling the world about the need to uproot the menace of terrorism”.
He added that the world understands that India is a “patient country” but if required, “it knows how to demonstrate its ability”
“Today, Terrorism Doesn’t Require An Explanation”
The world is suffering from the “menace of terrorism,” PM Modi said, adding that terrorists have taken it upon themselves to explain the meaning of the word to the world.
Advocating the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), Modi went on to say that India doesn’t want to “disrupt the global order”
Following the international norms and law, in order to ensure that the sovereignty, security and peace is maintained, we are capable of taking very stern action.
“GST Could Be Taught in US’ B-Schools”
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) that will come into effect in India from 1 July could be a subject of study in US business schools, Modi told top US CEOs on Sunday.
“The implementation of the landmark initiative of GST could be a subject of studies in US business schools… The whole world is looking at India. Around 7,000 reforms alone have been done by the government for ease of business,” Modi said while addressing American CEOs, according to a tweet by Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesman Gopal Baglay.
The meeting was attended by four CEOs of Indian descent — Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, Google’s Sundar Pichai, Adobe’s Shantanu Narayen and MasterCard’s Ajay Banga. Others included Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Apple’s Tim Cook, etc.
“Not a Single Stain on My Government”
Corruption is the root cause due to which “the previous governments were changed in India,” Modi said, adding that his government has remained corruption-free in their three years in power.
“Technology Brings Transparency”
Stressing on increased usage of technology, Modi said that it is vital because “it brings transparency in systems.”
“The youth of India understands technology and the importance of technology very well. Through technology driven governance we are creating an Adhunik Bharat,” he said.
He also lauded Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj, for effectively reaching out to the Indian diaspora via social media.
The way Sushma Swaraj has worked and helped every Indian abroad is commendable. It is now well known in India that when anyone in trouble tweets to Sushma, she promptly replies and the government takes prompt action.
(With inputs from IANS.)
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