The Indian Panorama

Tag: indian PM Narendra Modi

  • We have to move forward with mantra of ‘Make in India’ as well as ‘Make for World’, says PM Modi

    We have to move forward with mantra of ‘Make in India’ as well as ‘Make for World’, says PM Modi

    Prof. Indrajit Saluja

    DELHI (TIP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the Indian National Flag at the Red Fort to mark the 74th Independence Day of India. In his address following the flag hoisting Prime Minister paid  tributes to freedom fighters and security forces. He then expressed the nation’s gratitude to Corona commandos- doctors and nurses who, at grave risk to their lives, worked to save precious human lives, adding “We will achieve victory over coronavirus with resolve of people of country”.

    Coronavirus may be a big challenge but not so big as to stop India’s march towards self-reliance, said Modi.

    Prime Minister reassured full support to citizens affected by natural calamities and disasters.

    Touching upon his favorite theme of self-reliance (Atma Nirbhar), he said “In midst of coronavirus pandemic, Indians resolve to become ‘self-reliant’; this is not a word but mantra for all people. It is necessary for us to prepare ourselves to make India self-reliant.”

    India’s share in world economy should increase for which we have to be self-reliant, he said.

    “For how long India will export raw materials and import finished products? Country has to become self-reliant. We have to go beyond reducing our imports”,  PM Narendra Modi said.

    While we focus on economic growth and development, humanity must retain a central role in this process.

    Mindset today should be ‘vocal for local’. Today, many big companies of world are turning to India: PM Modi on Indian economy

    I am confident that measures like opening up space sector will generate many new employment opportunities for our youth.

    Self-sufficient India means not only reducing imports, but also increasing our skills, our creativity.

    We have to move forward with mantra of ‘Make in India’ as well as ‘Make for World’.

    About 7,000 projects of different sectors have been identified to bring new revolution in infrastructure.

    We have to remove silos and entire country has to move towards multi-modal connectivity infrastructure.

    About Rs 90,000 crore directly transferred to bank accounts of poor; over 80 crore people provided free food grains: PM Modi

    Seven crore poor families were given free gas cylinders.

    Self-reliant India has an important priority — self-sufficient agriculture sector and self-reliant farmers.

    An agriculture infrastructure fund of Rs 1 lakh crore has been created to give modern infrastructure to farmers.

    Over one lakh households are being provided drinking water under Jal Jeevan mission.

    Middle-class has potential and wants new opportunities

    We have decided to connect all 600,000 villages with optical fiber  within 1,000 days.

    New education policy aims to connect our children with their roots while making them global citizens.

    PM Modi announced  launch of national digital health mission .From today, all Indians will  get health IDs, he said. National Digital Health Mission will bring a new revolution in India’s health sector.

    Three corona vaccines are in various stages of trial in India; large-scale production will begin once we get nod from scientists, he disclosed. “Our roadmap to bring corona vaccine to all Indians in shortest possible time is ready”.

    Modi announced that India  is committed to hold assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir once delimitation exercise is completed. It was a year of a new development journey for Jammu and Kashmir, he said.

    Just as Sikkim has made its mark as an organic state, efforts are being made to make Ladakh a carbon neutral region.

    A special campaign with a holistic approach is also being worked out to reduce pollution in 100 selected cities of country.

    Touching upon border incursions and aggressions by neighbors, without naming a country, Modi said “Those who challenge India’s sovereignty, be it LOC or LAC, have been given a befitting reply in their own language”. “What India can do, world has seen it in Ladakh”, he said.

    Respect for India’s sovereignty is supreme for us. Today, neighbors are not only those with whom we share our geographical boundaries but also those with whom our hearts meet.

    In next 1,000 days, Lakshadweep will also be connected with high-speed internet, he announced. .

    We are expanding NCC in border areas; special training will be provided to about one lakh new NCC cadets.

    (With inputs from PTI)

  • A Display of Nurtured Relationship between India and the USA Courtesy Indian Americans

    A Display of Nurtured Relationship between India and the USA Courtesy Indian Americans

    By Ven Parmeswaran
    The Indian American leadership deserves credit and praise because this single event has transformed USA-India relations to a new high.   It should not be forgotten that the Indian Americans played a key role in the Civil Nuclear Deal offered by President George W Bush.  That deal lifted the 30-year sanctions against India.  Contrast that with Trump’s offer of 100% transfer of all U.S. technologies to India.

     First, I wish to congratulate the leadership of the Indian Americans who organized the Modi-Trump event in Houston attracting 50,000.  This is the largest rally that Trump and Modi have attended in the U.S.A.  When the audience chanted ‘USA-USA’ Trump was pleased and we showed our patriotism to the USA.    The Indian American leadership deserves credit and praise because this single event has transformed USA-India relations to a new high.   It should not be forgotten that the Indian Americans played a key role in the Civil Nuclear Deal offered by President George W Bush.  That deal lifted the 30-year sanctions against India.  Contrast that with Trump’s offer of 100% transfer of all U.S. technologies to India.

    Prime Minister Modi and President Trump seized the opportunity.  Inspired and motivated by the most disciplined and respected Indian Americans, they offered each other unstinted support.  President Trump’s speech characterized India as “CLOSE ALLY” and offered cooperation in economy and defense.     4.6 million Indian Americans, though small in numbers, are the highest educated and the highest earners.  In the 2010 census, Indian Americans ranked No.1 in education and income, making Jewish Americans the runners up.   Both Modi and Trump are aware of the growing strength and unlimited potential of Indian Americans in all levels of society.

    MODI DEMONSTRATED POLITICAL SKILLS AND LEADERSHIP

    Modi has met Trump several times since he was elected Prime Minister in 2014.  We were able to see only the photographs of all their previous meetings showing body language including embrace, handshake, handholding, smiles and facial expressions.   But the meeting in Houston created opportunities for Modi and Trump to capitalize on their personality and leadership.  Modi as a host to Trump in the USA felt highly confident and was enthusiastic to introduce Indian Americans as his family to Trump.  Trump was no doubt excited and impressed with the love of the Indian Americans to Modi and Trump.

    It is not easy to develop deep friendship with President Trump, who has had a rough going even with his close allies such as Canada, U.K., France, Germany and Australia.  Trump demonstrated his respect and deep friendship to Modi and India.   In international relations such personal relations will go a long way to fostering security and peace.

    ISLAMIC TERRORISM AND BORDER SECURITY – MOST IMPORTANT FOR TRUMP

    When President Trump spoke vehemently against Islamic terrorism and defending sovereignty and border security, the Indian Americans cheered enthusiastically.    This is an indirect message to Pakistan and China.  Pakistan should stop cross border terrorism.  China must respect sovereignty of India and territorial integrity.    USA and India have been signing several military deals that also include sharing in sophisticated communications and intelligence. India never enjoyed such a high trust since its independence in 1947.

    MODI’S SKILLS IN STATECRAFT AND DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS SHOULD BE APPLAUDED

    The big question is how Modi has been able to develop good relations with the USA without compromising his relations with others.  Modi has developed excellent relations with Japan, France, Russia, Australia, Germany, Canada, and the countries in the Middle East.  Modi has also excellent working relationship with China.   Contrast this with the policy of Nehru dynasty that first practiced neutralism.  Later, nonalignment, though aligned with the Soviet Union/Russia.  Modi has made a big change of India in the world.  Of course, Trump has also made a big change in America’s foreign policy in Asia. This is the first time the USA is using India to balance against China.  China is now the second superpower racing for the first.  Trump is calculating that if India can modernize fast, it may have better potential to compete with China.  Therefore, it is possible that the leadership of the future world may belong to the oldest and the largest democracies – USA and India.

    The world is watching.

     

    (Ven Parameswaran, is Senior Adviser, Imagindia Institute, New Delhi;  Chairman, Asian American Republican Committee; Former President & CEO, First Asian Securities Corporation, NYC. He can be reached at  vpwaren@gmail.com)

  • Abki Baar Trump Sarkar” : Modi endorses Donald Trump for 2020 US Presidency

    Abki Baar Trump Sarkar” : Modi endorses Donald Trump for 2020 US Presidency

    “I present to you my family of 50,000”: Modi to Trump

    By I S Saluja

    HOUSTON(TIP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s  community reception in Houston on September 22 turned out to be an election rally for US President Donald Trump whom Modi described as “my friend” and “India’s friend”. Modi heaped praises on Trump for having strengthened American  economy and providing leadership to world. Trump reciprocated  with a list of achievements of Modi  a little later  before inviting Modi to speak. It was quid pro quo of the finest  order.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, hands held, walk in the NRG Stadium, Houston, Sept 22

    Amid chants of “Modi, Modi”, Prime Minister endorsed Trump for 2020 US Presidency  when he said “Abki Baar Trump Sarkar”,  reminding the gathering of Indian Americans of the chant during recent general elections in India earlier this year where the chant was “Abki baar Modi Sarkar”. Modi a little later , inviting Trump to address the gathering said that Trump had introduced his family to him when he had visited the White House during his last visit to the US, and he was now presenting to him “my family of 50,000”, to the great delight of the man who loves crowds and applause.

    At hand were about 60 lawmakers  belonging to both the Republican and the Democratic Party.

    An estimated 50, 000  strong crowd went hysteric whenever Trump praised Modi or later, when  Modi spoke about India’s strength and resolve to deal with a hostile Pakistan.

    Defended his government’s actions in Kashmir and, in thinly veiled remarks, Modi accused Pakistan of harboring terrorists and promoting terrorism in the region.

    Trump sat in the front row as the Indian prime minister told cheering crowds his decision to remove all autonomy from Indian-administered Kashmir would bring progress and better rights for its people.

    India has faced international criticism over its actions in Kashmir. Thousands of people have reportedly been detained, and access to mobile or internet services has been severed for millions of people in a communications blackout, part of a security clampdown in the wake of Delhi’s decision.

    The rally, on Sunday, marked the first time Modi had discussed the decision to remove Kashmir’s special status on a world stage, and followed months of fierce rhetoric from Pakistan, which also claims the disputed region and has sought to raise the issue with the UN.

    Without directly naming Pakistan, Modi accused the country of “hatred towards India” and of supporting terrorism.

    “Whether it is the 9/11 attack in America or the 26/11 attack in Mumbai, where are its conspirators found?

    “The time has come for a decisive fight against terrorism and those who support terrorism,” he said. “I want to stress here that President Trump is standing firmly against this.”

    Trump, who was given a rapturous welcome at the event, said he was committed to protecting “innocent civilians from the threat of radical Islamic terrorism”.

    About 50,000 Indian Americans attended the “Howdy Modi!” rally, where crowds chanted “Modi! Modi! Modi!” as he took to the stage, following a 90-minute cultural program featuring 400 dancers.

    Trump, introduced by Modi as “my friend, a friend of India, a great American president”, was given a standing ovation at the event in Houston, a Democratic stronghold in Republican-dominated Texas. Houston is expected to be a critical battleground in Trump’s 2020 re-election bid.

    Modi, who was re-elected this year with a thumping majority, enjoys wide support among Indians both at home and abroad, especially among the middle classes, said Manoj Joshi, a fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, a New Delhi-based thinktank. “He is extremely popular, particularly when it comes to the Indian diaspora in the US where there is a lot of Gujarati diaspora, from his home state,” he said.

    The rally was held as Kashmir remains under a security crackdown, apparently to prevent unrest. Outside the stadium, protesters accused Modi’s government of human rights abuses against Kashmiris.

    Iltija Mufti, the daughter of the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, said on Twitter: “While people in Kashmir have been gagged, mass hysteria is orchestrated elsewhere to justify this decision.” Her mother was among thousands reportedly detained as part of a crackdown by security services.

    The jampacked NRG Stadium to welcome Prime Minister Modi

    Modi’s speech came just days before the UN general assembly’s meeting in New York, where the Pakistani prime minister, Imran Khan, is expected to accuse Modi of being complicit in torture and mass detention in Indian-administered Kashmir.

    Michael Kugelman, a south Asia expert at the Wilson Center, in Washington DC, said while Modi generally preferred to keep quiet about Kashmir with global audiences, it was unsurprising that he had raised the issue in Texas.

    “I think he wanted to try to blunt international criticism by demonstrating just how popular the move [to remove Kashmir’s special status] was among Indians — including Indian Americans in the US,” said Kugelman. “And indeed his comment got louder applause than just about anything he or Trump said during the whole event.”

    Though the scrapping of Kashmir’s special status faces major opposition within the region, it is widely supported elsewhere in India.

    A group of Sikhs with PM Modi. Seen, among others are J.S. Bakshi (second from left), H.P. Singh (third from left), Dr. Surinder Singh (fourth from left)

    It was unsurprising an Indian leader would criticize Pakistan in a political speech, said Kugelman, but he added: “It is significant that Modi did so with Trump seated right in front of him, and at a moment when the US-Pakistan relationship has enjoyed a renaissance thanks to Islamabad’s help with Taliban talks in Afghanistan.”

    (With inputs from Agencies)

  • India, Russia begin ‘new era’ of cooperation in Indo-Pacific region: Modi

    India, Russia begin ‘new era’ of cooperation in Indo-Pacific region: Modi

    VLADIVOSTOK(TIP): India and Russia are beginning a new era of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region to make it “open, free and inclusive”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday ,September 5,  amidst China flexing its military muscles in the strategic region.

    Addressing the plenary session of the 5th Eastern Economic Forum here, Prime Minister Modi said, “When ships will start plying between Vladivostok and Chennai with the opening of the maritime routes between the two cities, the Russian port city will become the springboard of northeast Asia market in India. This will further deepen the Indo-Russia partnership.”

    A Memorandum of Intent was signed on Wednesday, September 4  between India and Russia for the development of maritime communications between the ports of Chennai and Vladivostok in Russia’s Far East Region.

    “We are starting a new era of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region,” Modi said, adding that the partnership between India and Russian in the development of the Far East will make it a “confluence of open, free and inclusive Indo-Pacific”.

    The Far East, Modi said, will become the bedrock of strong Indo-Russia ties, which is based on the principles of “rules-based order, sovereignty, respect for territorial integrity and is against engaging in the internal matters of other countries”.

    India, the US and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China’s rising military maneuvering in the region.

    China has been trying to expand its military presence in the Indo-Pacific, a biogeographic region comprising the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea.

    China claims almost all of the South China Sea. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims over the sea.

    Earlier in the day, Modi met his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum. Both the countries agreed to further deepen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

    In November last year, India, the US, Australia and Japan had given shape to the long-pending Quadrilateral coalition to develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of Chinese influence.

    China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in the East China Sea too with Japan. Beijing has built up and militarized many of the islands and reefs it controls in the region.

    Both areas are stated to be rich in minerals, oil and other natural resources. They are also vital to global trade

    (Source: PTI)