Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi says his government policies are to empower the people of India and create conditions in which enterprise flourishes, opportunities expand and the potential of Indian are unlocked.
“One set of our policies are to empower our people. The other set are to create the conditions in which enterprise flourishes, opportunities expand and the potential of our citizens are unlocked,” he said in a lecture delivered at Singapore’s ISEAS Yusok Ishak Institute.
“We are investing in our people through skills and education; special focus on the girl child; financial inclusion; sustainable habitats; clean rivers and smart cities; and, access to basic needs of all our citizens from water and sanitation to power and housing,” said the Prime Minister in his maiden official visit to Singapore on November 23, 2015.
“We will nurture and defend an environment in which every citizen belongs and participates, secure of her rights and confident about her opportunities,” said Mr Modi, assuring business community in Singapore of his plans for developing the Indian economy.
Mr Modi went on with his assurance, “And, we are creating opportunities by reforming our laws, regulations, policies, processes and institutions; by the way we govern ourselves; and the way we work with state governments.
“Together with this software of change, we are also building the hardware of progress next generation infrastructure, revived manufacturing, improved agriculture, easier trade and smarter services.
“That is why we are moving on many fronts at the same time, aware of the linkages that make up a comprehensive strategy.
“In any case, for me, the emergence of India as the fastest growing major economy in the world is less important than what is more enduring: the wheels of change are moving; confidence is growing; resolve is stronger; and, the direction is clearer.
“And, it is spreading across the nation, as the most distant village and the farthest citizen begin to join the mainstream of national economy.”
Singapore-India
Mr Modi also highlighted the importance Singapore, as a role model, to India in the lecture, themed “India’s Singapore Story”.
“As India opened itself, Singapore became India’s springboard to the world and gateway to the East.
“Today, Singapore is one of our most important partners in the world. It is a relationship that is as strategic as it is wide-ranging,” said Mr Modi.
He elaborated on the relationship, “Singapore is the biggest investment source and destination for India in the world; the world’s most connected nation to India; the largest trading partner in Southeast Asia; and, a popular destination for tourists and students.
“Now, as we build the India of our dreams, Singapore is already a major partner in that enterprise: world class human resources, smart cities, clean rivers, clean energy, or next generation sustainable infrastructure.”
India and Singapore elevated its bilateral relationship to Strategic Partnership on November 24, 2015 during Mr Modi’s two-day visit .
The Strategic Partnership means bringing the relationship between India and Singapore to a higher level. This is likely to be focused more on economic activities,” said Ambassador Gopinath Pillai, Chairman of the Institute of South Asia Studies, a think-tank of the National University of Singapore.
“The emphasis would be on working with India in the areas we are good at, including skill development and town planning,” he explained. fii-news.com
