Bridging the barriers with Canada

Published By : Admin | April 18, 2015 | 00:30 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Canada visit was historic, significant, decisive and memorable. It was a visit aimed at strengthening the cooperation between India and Canada.The Prime Minister’s visit attached great importance for improving the India-Canada ties. From inking crucial pacts with Canada to reaching out to the Indian Community in Toronto to visiting Vancouver with PM Stephen Harper, the visit was lined up with frequent events. Delighted to have got a chance to visit Canada, PM even expressed his joy over twitter before embarking on his visit.

It was a standalone bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 42 long years! Prime focus was on to advance partnership and cooperation between both the nations. PM Modi and PM Harper held extensive talks and discussions to take India-Canada relationship to the next level and obtain substantial outcomes.

Holding meetings with Canadian business houses, leaders and heads of state, Prime Minister Modi presented an image of a developed India –an India that was transforming at the fastest pace among all the emerging economies throughout the globe. Canada, he considered to be a key partner in every area of India’s national development priority.

Strongly condemning terrorism that had gripped both the nations in the past Prime Minister Modi called for promoting a comprehensive global strategy, consistent policy and strong action against all sources of violence. PM Narendra Modi sought to enhance India’s defence and security cooperation with Canada. PM Modi and PM Harper also paid a visit to the Kanishka Air India Memorial and remembered the people who lost their lives in the tragic air bombing in 1985.

Resuming the Civil nuclear energy cooperation, expanding trade and technology were the high priority areas in which both the nations signed agreements. Discussions were held about agriculture, education sector and skill development too. About the agreement on procurement of uranium from Canada, PM Modi expressed his part of content and assured the Canadian counterpart about alterations that were taking place in India rapidly.

An electrifying crowd waited eagerly for PM Modi at Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto. There was tremendous enthusiasm gripped the Indian Diaspora soon as Shri Narendra Modi reached the venue. Speaking to the audience in Toronto, the Prime Minister highlighted strength possessed in “India + Canada”partnership.He took some time to praise Canada for the hearty welcome and Prime Minister Stephen Harper for his vision and leadership.

Shri Narendra Modi assumed India-Canada partnership to be based on shared values. He noted the contribution that Indians made to Canada.India, PM Modi said was a youthful nation that needed the opportunity to showcase the great potential India’s youth possessed. He talked about improving the perceptions about India among the people, adding he wanted India to go from “Scam India” to “Skilled India.”

Visiting the Gurudwara Khalsa Diwan and Lakshmi Narain Temple on the last day of his Canada tour, PM Modi and PM Harper fortified the cultural ties between both the nations.

Leaving Canada with immense satisfaction Prime Minister Narendra Modi developed a sense of optimism that India and Canada would move shoulder to shoulder with each other in the times to come. He hoped that Canada would continue to be India’s one of the most vital partners and re-emerge as one of the key economic partners.

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Bharat's Blueprint for Global Economic Leadership
December 30, 2024

India's journey as an economic powerhouse continues to capture the world's attention. Powered by a dynamic workforce, an entrepreneurial spirit, maturing capital markets, and a booming digital ecosystem, the nation has not only built a resilient economic model but has also emerged as a key player on the global stage. The year 2024 stands as a symbol to India’s remarkable achievements in economic resilience, strategic reforms, social development, and international partnerships.

A Rising Economic Superpower

India's economy has steadily gained recognition as a force to reckon with. According to Jefferies, India is on track to become the third-largest economy by 2027, a milestone driven by strengthening institutional frameworks and improved governance. Today, India is already the fifth-largest equity market, with projections suggesting that the nation will reach a market capitalization of $10 trillion by 2030. This upward growth underlines India’s transformation into an economic giant, fueled by strategic reforms and an unrelenting focus on innovation.

Governance Redefined: The PRAGATI Initiative

India’s governance model has also undergone a radical shift, setting benchmarks for proactive and accountable administration. The Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) initiative, backed by technology and the active involvement of PM Modi, has bridged long-standing gaps in federal and regional governance.

 PM Modi at the ‘PM Gati Shakti Anubhuti Kendra’

A collaborative study by Oxford University and the Gates Foundation highlights the success of PRAGATI in accelerating 340 stalled projects worth $205 billion. The initiative’s ability to fast-track critical projects after decades of delays exemplifies India’s commitment to efficient governance and accountability.

Thriving Amid Global Challenges

Despite an uncertain global economic environment, India continues to outpace other major economies in growth. The World Bank determines India’s resilience as it remains the fastest-growing major economy. Strategic free trade agreements (FTAs) have further bolstered this resilience, creating new opportunities in a changing global context.

In a historic move, India signed an FTA with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), securing a binding commitment of $100 billion in investments and the creation of 1 million direct jobs. This landmark agreement has positioned India as a pivotal point for global trade and investment, reflecting its rising prominence in international markets.

A Services Factory to the World

India’s ascent as a global services hub is another remarkable achievement. Over the past 18 years, Global Capability Centres (GCCs) have propelled India’s rise in global services exports. Goldman Sachs reports that India’s share of global services exports climbed from under 2% in 2005 to 4.6% in 2023.

This transformation is complemented by India’s rise in innovation rankings. In 2022, the country jumped 14 spots on the Global Innovation Index (GII), reflecting its expanding influence in the global services and technology sectors.

 

PM Modi at the Robotics Gallery in the Science City, Gujarat

 A Data-Driven Future

India is also setting benchmarks in the data centre (DC) industry, a critical driver of the digital economy. According to a CBRE report, India leads the Asia-Pacific region (excluding China) with a DC capacity of 950 MW, projected to exceed 1,800 MW by 2026. The sector has attracted $40 billion in investments between 2018 and 2023, with Mumbai and Chennai accounting for 68% of India’s DC stock.

Additionally, Tier-2 cities like Kochi and Jaipur are emerging as new data center hubs, exemplifying India’s balanced approach to economic development across regions.

Human Development and Digital Transformation

Economic resilience is incomplete without social progress, and India has made remarkable strides in human development. The United Nations reports a surge in India’s gross national income (GNI) per capita by 6.3%, reaching $6,951 in 2022. Life expectancy has also risen significantly, standing at 67.7 years in 2022 compared to 62.7 years in 2021.

India’s digital revolution has played a pivotal role in uplifting millions out of poverty. As highlighted by the President of the UN General Assembly, approximately 800 million Indians were lifted out of poverty in the last six years through the expansion of digital infrastructure and access to smartphones. By prioritizing financial inclusion and digitalization, India has created a robust foundation for sustainable development.

PM with the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana

 Swachh Bharat Mission: A Public Health Revolution

The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) has been a cornerstone of India’s social development, transforming public health outcomes. Since 2014, over 117 million toilets have been built with a public investment of ₹1.4 lakh crore.

PM Modi taking part in the cleanliness activities under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

A study published in Nature reveals that a 10% increase in district-level toilet access under SBM corresponds to a 0.9-point drop in infant mortality rates (IMR). The large-scale construction of sanitation facilities has helped avert 60,000–70,000 infant deaths annually, showcasing how targeted social programs can deliver significant public health benefits.

India's Journey: Pioneering Growth and Shaping a Global Future

India’s rise as an economic powerhouse is a symbol to its transformative journey of innovation, resilience, and inclusive development. Through strategic reforms, technological advancements, and focus on social progress, the nation has redefined its identity on the global stage.

From being a hub for global services to leading the digital revolution, India has emerged as a symbol of determination and forward-thinking governance. Initiatives like Swachh Bharat and PRAGATI not only showcase India’s commitment to improving lives but also inspire other nations to emulate its success.

As India strides toward its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, the foundation laid today promises a future marked by prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainable growth. The world is not just witnessing India's progress but is increasingly looking to it as a partner and pioneer for global challenges ahead.