PM Modi's Interview with ANI

Published By : Admin | May 30, 2015 | 14:00 IST

The interview with ANI follows:

1. Thank you for speaking with ANI, Mr. Prime Minister and congratulations on completion of one year of the government. In a scale of 1-10 what would you grade your government?

It is for the people of this country to grade and evaluate us. How can I take away their right? I have presented my report card to the country. Recently, media has published the findings of some surveys. You would already have seen them. I can only say that we have laid a solid foundation on which the people can rate us.

2. You came in with the promise of "Acche Din." Have you been able to meet the goals that you set for yourself in the first year of the government?

Yes. I am fully satisfied with the work that we have done. The most satisfying part of this year is that we have lived up to the promise that our intentions will be pure and our actions will be driven by long-term national interest. Recall the situation one year ago. Massive corruption at various levels of Government gave rise to scams on a regular basis. Our precious natural resources were going into the hands of a chosen few. In contrast, there are neither any charges of corruption against my Government nor any scandals. Corruption was seen as the biggest problem. We have given a clean, transparent and efficient Government. Burey Dino Ki Vidayee Hui hai. (Bad days are over). Is this not Acche Din for the country?

3. What has been the single big success in the past year?

The achievements and successes of my Government are numerous. However, I know that the success of a Government's journey lies in reaching the last man. Therefore, our efforts were directed towards the poor and marginalized. We have also paid special attention to remote corners of the country. Our objective is to transform quality of life, infrastructure and services. We have worked simultaneously on all fronts which bring a smile on the face of the common man. I can give you some examples. From controlling food prices to enhancing farm productivity; improving Railways to strengthening Roads; generating electricity to its 24x7 availability; building school toilets to setting up IITs, IIMs and AIIMS; building houses for the homeless to upgrading our heritage cities; cleaning surroundings to bridging the digital divide; making world class products to skilling and employment generation; strengthening the banking system to funding the unfunded; ensuring labour welfare to providing social security to common man; rejuvenating rivers to irrigating fields; from enhancing co-operation with States to deepening foreign relations; we have worked at an energetic pace and with innovative spirit.

4. Bringing back black money was a major electoral promise, but then your party president, Amit Shah gave the word 'jumla' to it and Arun Shourie criticized the procedures adopted by the finance ministry. How committed is your government in bringing back black money to India?

My Government is fully committed on the issue of Black Money. We want to crack down severely on tax evasion and black money. I had taken up this issue with world leaders during the G-20 summit. In our very first cabinet meeting, we formed an SIT. Then, we presented a new legislation in Parliament which is very stringent. We want to make it more difficult to evade taxes and siphon money abroad. We are also aggressively pursuing cases against those who have stashed funds illegally in foreign banks. Recently the names of some such persons have been revealed. We are also trying to move towards cashless transactions. We want to make maximum use of ICT in our tax administration.

At the same time, we want to remove the discretion which causes corruption and generation of Black Money. Hence, we promulgated ordinances in sectors like coal and mines. It has proved to be a good step. We have generated Rs. 3.30 lakh crore for the country so far through transparent auction of some coal mines. Similar is the case with auction of spectrum. I can say that if your intentions are noble, you are sure to get success and required support.

5. Key bills like the Land Acquisition Bill has got stiff opposition from the opposition. They have been able to create doubts about the government's intention. What do you have to say?

Opposition to our Land Bill is totally unjustified and unfortunate. We have not made any changes for private industry. Moreover, if you have money, you don't need a Land Acquisition Act to accumulate land. Some individuals have done so in Rajasthan, Haryana, Shimla, Delhi etc. Land acquisition becomes necessary for government-driven strategic and development activities, especially in undeveloped areas. This too is done mostly by State Governments. We have made changes only in response to demands of the States. The benefits of these changes will also accrue to the rural poor in terms of irrigation, housing, electrification, as well as better physical and social infrastructure.

In this country, the Land Acquisition Act was almost 120 years old. The Congress-led Governments used the same Act after independence. Suddenly, before the last Parliamentary elections, the Congress went to another extreme by legislating an Act which is neither in the interest of farmers nor in the interest of the country's development. Now, they are not even ready to sit and discuss. We believe in dialogue with all political parties. I have personally appealed in Parliament that we are ready to open a dialogue with political parties and consider their suggestions. I hope that the parties will cooperate on issues of larger national importance without getting into political calculations.

6. How are you going to convince the farmers of this country that you mean well?

The proposed Land Acquisition Bill focuses on benefitting the farmer and balancing the long-term interests of the nation. The world is changing fast. Even farmers need canals to irrigate, roads to transfer products from farms to markets. They need hospitals, schools and houses. Farmers want modern amenities in their vicinity and jobs in formal sectors for their sons and daughters. I have always believed that if we want inclusive development, we need amenities. We need to match the development of such amenities with agricultural growth. This is what the Bill strives to do while safeguarding the interests of farmers. Our amendments only aim to do away with the bureaucratic bottlenecks in the 2013 Act. I am sure the farmers of this country will understand where their real welfare lies.

7. Agriculture is in distress in the country. To a large extent the problem is endemic and decades of mismanagement have resulted in the present situation but how does your government plan to stem the tide of farmer suicides and farming stress?

The root causes of the problem find mention in your question itself. This is a very important issue and the Government is concerned about it. We have responded to the recent agrarian crisis with alacrity. We have undertaken several reforms. The Union Government has enhanced the relief norms for compensation against crop loss by 50%. The limit of minimum crop damage, for grant of compensation, has been reduced from 50% to 33%. Norms have been relaxed to allow procurement of damaged food grains at MSP rates. The target of agricultural credit has been enhanced in our two consecutive budgets.

But as you said, the problem in agriculture is endemic. Nothing much was done for six long decades. But we have started long-term steps for the farm sector. To address the issue of access to irrigation for every farm, and efficient utilization of water, the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) has been started. Blue Revolution which aims to improve production and productivity in the fisheries sector is also an action point. We have launched the soil health card scheme. The price stabilization fund with a corpus of Rs. 500 crores has also been set up for perishable commodities. Rashtriya Gokul Mission has been commenced with the objective of conserving and developing indigenous cattle breeds. We have made honest and sincere efforts for rural development. I have recently launched the Kisan Channel for giving timely information to farmers on inputs and markets. In the coming days, I would like to see more focused action on increasing Farm Productivity; Rural Industrialization; Skill Development in rural areas and rural trades, and faster Investments in Rural Infrastructure including cold chain.

8. The opposition has termed your government as suit boot ki sarkar. What is your take on this allegation?

Suit-boot is definitely more acceptable than suitcase. After ruling for sixty years, the Congress has suddenly remembered the poor. People of this country have suffered and remained poor due to shortsighted policies of the Congress. Many countries of the world have surpassed us on all accounts including poverty removal. Congress did incremental work so as to keep the issue relevant for next election. Did the coal and spectrum scandals or the CWG fiasco benefit the poor? Everyone knows who were their beneficiaries - some chosen industrialists and contractors. The result of Congress's politics and governance of sixty years is that poverty is still our biggest challenge. One-fourth of the families are without shelter. Health, education, water, electricity and roads are even bigger unrealised dreams for a large number of citizens of this country. You should ask them- If you were pro-poor, why does poverty still exist in India?"

9. Opposition says that your government is pro-industrialists.

Those who gave away precious natural resources like coal and spectrum to their favourite industrialists have no right to say this. We are working for the common man of the country.

In the very initial months of our Government, we took up the task of providing toilets in all schools. Don't children of the poor study in these public schools?

We implemented the Jan Dhan scheme and opened more than 14 crore bank accounts for financial inclusion. Earlier also, there were banks, as well as people without bank accounts. What did they do all these years?

The so called pro-poor have been just repeating that there is leakage in subsidy. We used technology to ensure that LPG subsidy reaches the targeted person directly;

We have launched MUDRA Bank for financing 6 crore small vendors and businesses 61% of whom are SCs, STs, OBCs and Minorities;

We have launched the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana which the Congress did not think of in sixty years;

We have planned to see that by 2022, no family remains without a roof over its head;

The Soil Health Card scheme has been launched to enhance farm productivity and reduce expenses, thereby enhancing the farmer's income;

We have come out with a comprehensive social security scheme for the poor and marginalised, old and those with low income levels;

Swachh Bharat Mission has been started to see that health and hygiene issues of the poor do not affect the working capacity and output of the poor and labourers;

The Indian Railways, on which the common man travels, is being changed for the better

We have set up the Skill Development Ministry to enhance employability of the youth to whom we are committed to provide jobs through initiatives like 'Make in India'. In the past, the country had been led into an economy of jobless growth.

We provided for reservation of women in the police forces of Union Territories. This was done even when there were no elections around the corner.

Through the regime of coal auction that we have put in place, more than Rs. three lakh crore have already been generated for the less-developed states of India. This money will be used for the poor of those states.

These are just a few examples. Why were these things not done in the past sixty years. Who prevented them? Their worry is not that we are not pro-poor. Their worry is that they are being exposed as not being pro-poor. People are asking them: "If Modi Government can think and do this in six to nine months, why could you not think and do it in sixty years."

10. You have travelled to 17 countries in 12 months...something that nobody expected you to do as you were seen as a novice on foreign policy matters. But you seem to enjoy running the country's foreign policy. Any comments?

Foreign engagements are international obligations on the part of the Prime Minister. All Prime Ministers have to do this. Moreover, this is an integrated world. We have to attend international, multilateral and bilateral summits, and build ties with our neighbours and other nations. Our foreign policy is mature and there is a full-fledged mechanism to pursue it. I have only added an element of dynamism to it. We have strived to strongly further our economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific Region. We have endeavoured to nurture new economic partnerships and tap reserves of energy, minerals, technology and finance from major economies.

11. In real terms, do you see that the Chinese will actually deliver on the financial pledge they have done, that the US will open up its markets for India, that Pakistan will give up its anti-India agenda? That our smaller neighbours will stop seeing us as a bully?

Yes, I am sure that the commitments and agreements will be implemented. We have received a commitment from the Government of Japan for facilitating public and private funding of 3.5 trillion Yen - or approximately 35 billion U.S. dollars - over the next five years; there are agreements with China on two industrial parks and intended investments of 20 billion U.S. dollars; there are investment plans of about 42 billion U.S. dollars from U.S. companies over the next five years. Russia has proposed to manufacture helicopters in India. With Australia and Canada, we have signed civil nuclear cooperation agreements, and other agreements to strengthen our energy security. With the United States, we have moved forward in implementation of the civil nuclear agreement and signed a significant partnership agreement to use renewable energy for rapidly expanding rural access to energy. There has been good response from financial institutions, including pension funds from Korea, Canada, Australia and the US. There is a strong support in all major economies for our "Make in India" programme.

In the neighbourhood, there has been forward movement on the 5600 MW Pancheshwar project in Nepal, that was stuck for the last 25 years. Similarly, with Bangladesh we have settled the land boundary issue. We are working with a spirit of mutual benefit. There is no question of bullying anyone. Our recent help to Nepal during the natural calamity shows that our approach is brotherly. With Pakistan too, we will pursue our long-standing approach. We will continue our efforts to advance cooperation and connectivity, without compromising our national security.

12. If we were to return to domestic issues, you have come for criticism from many for not being able to reign in vitriolic elements in your party who have made disparaging remarks against minorities. What do you say?

Our Constitution guarantees religious freedom to every citizen and that is not negotiable. The tradition of welcoming, respecting and honouring all faiths is as old as India itself. As Swami Vivekananda said: We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true. This principle of equal respect and treatment for all faiths has been a part of India's ethos for thousands of years. And that is how it became integral to the Constitution of India. Our Constitution did not evolve in a vacuum. It has roots in the ancient cultural traditions of India. I expect that everyone will understand and respect this.

13. Why do some elements in your party feel emboldened to say awful things even though they ought to know that a Prime Minister of India cannot really support bigots in his cabinet?

I have said this before and I say it again: any discrimination or violence against any community will not be tolerated. My position on this is very clear: Sab ka saath, sab ka vikas. We stand for each of the 1.25 billion Indians regardless of caste or creed and we will work for the progress of each of them. Every faith in our country has equal rights; it is equal not only before the law but also before society.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that trade and commerce have been important pillars of bilateral relationship between Kuwait and India, with two-way trade increasing.

"Trade and commerce have been important pillars of our bilateral relationship. Our bilateral trade has been on an upswing. Our energy partnership adds a unique value to our bilateral trade," the Indian prime minister said in an interview to KUNA.

The Indian prime minister arrived in Kuwait on Saturday in the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Kuwait in over four decades.

"We are happy to see 'Made in India' products, particularly in automobile, electrical and mechanical machinery, and telecom segments making new inroads in Kuwait. India today is manufacturing world-class products at the most affordable cost. Diversification to non-oil trade is key to achieving greater bilateral trade," he said.

He added there is considerable potential to expand bilateral cooperation in the pharmaceutical, health, technology, digital, innovation and textile sectors, urging business chambers, entrepreneurs and innovators must engage and interact with each other more.

On his visit to Kuwait, he said: "I am delighted to visit Kuwait. I thank His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for his gracious invitation. This visit holds special significance. It marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in over four decades." "I thank His Highness for inviting me to attend the inauguration of the Arabian Gulf Cup. This is an honor for me. I extend my best wishes for successful hosting of the Tournament," he said.

The Indian prime minister went on saying that India and Kuwait share a deep and historic bond and the relationship between both countries has always been one of warmth and friendship and that the crosscurrents of history and exchanges through ideas and commerce have brought people close and together.

"We have traded with each other since times immemorial. The discoveries in Failaka Island speak of our shared past. The Indian Rupee was a legal tender in Kuwait for over a century till 1961. This shows how closely our economies were integrated," Modi said.

He noted that India has been a natural trading partner of Kuwait and continues to be so in contemporary times and that people-to-people linkages over centuries have fostered a special bond of friendship between the two countries.

He added: "Overall, the bilateral ties are progressing well and if I could say, scaling new heights. I eagerly look forward to my talks with His Highness the Amir to elevate our ties in various areas including defense, trade, investment, and energy." "The strong roots of our historical ties must be matched by the fruits of our 21st century partnership - dynamic, robust and multifaceted. There is a lot we have achieved together, but possibilities are limitless for our partnership. I am sure this visit will give new wings to it," Modi stressed.

The Indian prime minister noted that Indians are the largest expatriate community of over a million in Kuwait and India is among the top trading partners of Kuwait and many Indian companies are executing infrastructure projects and offer services in multiple domains in Kuwait.

He said that Kuwait Investment Authority has made substantial investments in India and there is a growing interest in investing in India now, adding that bilaterally and multilaterally, there has been a good understanding of each other's interests.

Modi boasted that his country is currently amongst the fastest-growing large economies in the world, as in less than a decade it has moved from being the 11th largest to the 5th largest economy in the world, and is poised to become the 3rd largest economy soon.

He believed that this growth creates immense opportunities for investment across a variety of sectors and that the pace of infrastructure development in India is extraordinary, be it expressways, railways, airports, ports, energy grids or digital connectivity.

"Over the last decade, we have doubled our airports from 70 in 2014 to over 150 in 2024. In the next five years, 31 Indian cities will be serviced by metro transport systems. The number of education and skill development institutions has also doubled since 2014, reflecting a strong focus on human capital development. This is supported by a favorable demography and a highly skilled workforce," he said.

"Digital economy and services are raising productivity, ushering efficiency and creating new consumer demand. Almost fifty percent of all global digital payments are happening in India. Technology is changing the face of the Indian economy, from drones to green hydrogen," he added.

"Our political stability, policy predictability and reform-oriented business approach has made India a magnet for global investment, manufacturing and supply chain. The Indian growth story is attracting global manufacturers - from semiconductors, aircraft, drones to e-vehicles - to set up shop in the country." he said.

He noted that India's dynamic economic environment is also characterized by innovation and entrepreneurship, with a remarkable surge in start-ups and the manufacturing sector has seen a significant uptick, driving both domestic growth and export expansion, citing rising consumer demand, fueled by a rapidly expanding middle class, as further underscoring the vibrancy of the Indian economy.

"Across the world, if there is a country which is growing rapidly, is increasing ease of doing business, has stability and transparency for international investors, it is India," he said.

As a result, he maintained, India is one of the most attractive destinations for international investment and it is not a new market for Kuwaiti investors, adding, "There are many Kuwaiti businesses who are deeply entrenched in the Indian business ecosystem and enjoy leadership positions in their respective industries. Our investor-friendly regime and high-growth economy awaits to welcome many more." On his government's vision to transform India into a developed country by 2047, he said: "Our vision and that of 140 crore Indians, is to see India as a developed country by 2047, when we will be celebrating 100 Years of our Independence. We are striving to accelerate growth in all sectors to improve living standards of our people. We are building an India where the physical and social infrastructure is world class and all citizens have an opportunity to excel." "We are committed to leapfrog in our development cycle to uplift every Indian into a higher development trajectory. The results are there for all to see. In the last ten years, we have pulled 250 million people out of poverty. We are also ensuring that all our regulations and laws are as per global standards so that investors feel at home," he said.

Modi continued saying: "Similarly, I am told that Kuwait Vision 2035 focuses on transformation of the country by making the country an economic and connectivity hub. I also understand that a large number of infrastructure projects from airport terminal to sea-port to rail link, electricity transmission, renewable energy projects, and special economic zones are in the pipeline." However, he said there is a lot of synergy in both sides' visions which align on many fronts as the tremendous pace of economic activity in both countries open up large opportunities for the two governments and companies to cooperate and collaborate.

He pointed out that Kuwait and India have a much wider partnership in a large number of areas, apart from the traditional energy sector partnership, including education, skilling, technology, and defense cooperation.

"A number of Indian companies are already engaged in execution of infrastructure projects in various sectors in Kuwait. Similarly, we are seeing investments from Kuwaiti companies in India. It is a mutually beneficial partnership in a true sense," he said.

Responding to a question about how India's soft power can influence its global outreach, he said India's civilizational ethos and heritage form the foundation of its soft power that its soft power has grown significantly alongside its expanding global presence, particularly over the last decade.

"In Kuwait and the Gulf, Indian movies stand out as a prime example of this cultural connection. We have seen that people in Kuwait have a special liking for Indian cinema. I am told that there are three weekly shows on Kuwait Television on Indian movies and actors," he said.

"Similarly, we share several attributes in our cuisine and culinary traditions. Centuries of people-to-people contact have also resulted in linguistic similarities and shared vocabulary. India's diversity and emphasis on peace, tolerance and coexistence resonate with the values of Kuwait's multicultural society. Recently, a Kuwaiti scholar translated Ramayana and Mahabharata in Arabic," Modi stressed.

The Indian prime minister boasted that the Indian community acts as a living bridge between the two countries, fostering a deep appreciation for Indian philosophy, music and performing arts, expressing pleasure to learn that a weekly Hindi language program has been started by Kuwait national radio titled 'Namaste Kuwait' this year.

India's tourism sector offers another dimension of soft power. With 43 UNESCO World Heritage sites, coupled with ongoing efforts to enhance visitor facilities, India provides a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, he noted.

For a society like Kuwait, with which India shares a rich historical connection, India's tourism opportunities are an invitation to explore and deepen the shared cultural ties, he said.

He thanked His Highness the Amir and the Government of the State of Kuwait for their patronage of the Indian community and looking after their welfare and wellbeing.

He added that Indians in Kuwait, who are the largest expatriate group, have contributed immensely to the development of Kuwait as doctors, businessmen, construction workers, engineers, nurses and other professionals.

"As we elevate the level of our relationship with Kuwait to a strategic partnership, I believe the role of the Indian community will only grow in importance. I am confident that Kuwaiti authorities recognize the immense contributions of this vibrant community and will continue to provide encouragement and support," he added.

Asked about Kuwaiti-Indian energy relations, the prime minister said energy is an important pillar of the bilateral partnership, estimating that last year, trade exchange crossed USD 10 billion, which reflects the deep trust and mutual benefit underpinning this partnership.

"Both nations have consistently ranked among the top ten trading partners in the energy sector. Indian companies actively engage in importing crude oil, LPG, and petroleum products from Kuwait while also exporting petroleum products to Kuwait. Currently, Kuwait stands as India's 6th largest crude supplier and 4th largest LPG supplier," he said.

As India emerges as the world's 3rd largest energy consumer, oil consumer, and LPG consumer, and Kuwait holds around 6.5 percent of global oil reserves, the scope for further collaboration is immense, he said, noting that both nations are poised to transform their traditional buyer-seller relationship into a strategic partnership by exploring opportunities across the entire oil and gas value chain.

In addition to conventional hydrocarbons trade, there exist a plethora of new areas for cooperation, including an entire value chain of Oil & Gas, as well as joint efforts in low-carbon solutions such as green hydrogen, biofuels, and carbon capture technologies, he added.

Modi noted that the petrochemical sector offers another promising avenue for collaboration as India's rapidly growing petrochemical industry is set to become USD 300 billion by 2025, as Kuwait's ambitious Petrochemical Vision under its Strategy 2040, can open doors to co-investment, technology exchange, and mutual growth.

He spoke highly of the energy partnership between India and Kuwait as not only being a pillar of economic relationship but also a driver for diversified and sustainable growth, setting a path toward a future of shared prosperity, energy security, and environmental stewardship.

Concerning GCC-India ties, he lauded the GCC as a collective entity has vital significance for India, saying that the relationship between India and the Gulf is rooted in historical, cultural and trade linkages and shared values and that these bonds have strengthened and evolved into a partnership across various areas.

He noted that the GCC region accounts for around one-sixth of India's total trade and hosts around one-third of the Indian diaspora, saying that around nine million Indians are residing in the Gulf region, forming a significant community in all the six GCC countries, and contributing positively to their economic growth and development.

In September this year, the first-ever India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers was held in Riyadh, he said, adding that an India-GCC Joint Action Plan was adopted at the meeting to strengthen cooperation in a variety of areas including political dialogue, security, trade and investment, energy, health, education, agriculture and food security, transportation, and culture.

Asked bout India's global role, especially as a voice of the Global South, he said: "India is privileged to speak for the global south. We share much in common with our fellow developing countries - from history to the aspirations of our people. We therefore not only understand, but feel their concerns. The ongoing conflicts and the resultant challenges of food, fuel and fertilizer have hit the global south hard. They are also disproportionately bearing the brunt of climate change.

He hailed his country as a reliable development partner for the global south, a first responder in times of crises for them and for others, a leader on climate action and a champion of inclusive growth and development.

He went on saying: "We gave voice to the concerns of developing countries when we assumed the Presidency of the G20. We hosted three Voice of the Global South Summits to amplify and act on the pressing needs of people. We were honored that the African Union became a permanent member of the G20 at the New Delhi Summit. This was a historic achievement for the Global South, and a proud moment for us." Regarding regional and global conflicts, mainly Gaza and Ukraine, Modi said that solutions cannot be found on the battlefield, emphasizing the importance of sincere and practical engagement between stakeholders for bridging differences and achieving negotiated settlements.

In this context, he voiced willingness to help support earnest efforts that could lead to the early restoration of peace, particularly in Gaza and Ukraine.

On the humanitarian side, he said his country sent 70 tons of humanitarian assistance, close to 65 tons of medicines to Gaza last month, in addition to USD 10 million over the last two years to UNRWA.

Modi reiterated India's support for a negotiated two-state solution towards the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine, within secure and recognized borders.

On environmental sustainability initiatives, Modi said: "We are facing several challenges, but none more pressing than climate change. Our planet is under stress. We need urgent collective action and one that involves the entire global community. No one can do it alone. We must come together."

"India wants to lead and bring all countries together to foster pro-planet action. This is the idea behind our championing various green global initiatives," he said.

He regarded the India-led green initiatives as platforms for all nations to collectively address climate change, promote environmental sustainability, build disaster resilient infrastructure, and drive the global transition towards clean energy.

Source: KUNA