Text of PM’s inaugural address at India Global Week 2020
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Prime Minister's Office
Text of PM’s inaugural address at India Global Week
2020
Posted On: 09 JUL 2020 3:10PM by PIB Delhi
Distinguished guests from all walks of life, Namaste! Greetings from India. I appreciate India Inc Group
for organizing this event. The present event is a part of the excellent work that India Inc has done over the
past years. Your events have helped bring the opportunities in India to a global audience.You have helped
making the links between India and UK stronger. I am happy that this year's event has expanded its reach to
other partners also. Congratulations again. Hopefully next year, you will also get the opportunity to be on the
Centre Court and enjoy Wimbledon.
Friends,
In these times, it is natural to talk about revival . It is equally natural to link global revival and India.
There is faith that the story of global revival will have India playing a leading role. I see this closely
linked with two factors. The first is- Indian talent. World over, you have seen the contribution of India's
talent-force.This includes Indian professionals, doctors, nurses, bankers, lawyers, scientists,
professors, our hard-working labourers. Who can forget the Indian tech industry and tech
professionals. They have been showing the way for decades. India is a power-house of talent, that is eager
to contribute, ever ready to learn. There is two-way synergy that is greatly beneficial.
Friends,
The second factor is India's ability to reform and rejuvenate . Indians are natural reformers! History has
shown that India has overcome every challenge, be it social or economical. India has done so with a spirit
of reform and rejuvenation. The same sprit continues now.
Friends,
On one hand India is fighting a strong battle against the global pandemic. With an increased focus on people's
health, we are equally focussed on the health of the economy. When India talks of revival it is revival with
care, revival with compassion, revival which is sustainable - both for the environment and the economy.
We in India belong to the culture where Mother Nature is worshipped by everyone. It is believed in India that
the Earth is our Mother and we are her children.
Friends,
During the last six years, India has made great gains in areas such as Total financial inclusion, Record
housing and infra construction, Ease of Doing Business, Bold tax reforms including the GST, Roll out of the
world's largest health care initiative - Ayushman Bharat. These gains have set the foundations for the next
round of development initiatives.
Friends,
Indians have the spirit to achieve what is believed to be impossible. No wonder that in India, we are already
seeing green-shoots when it comes to economic recovery. In this time of a pandemic, we have provided
relief to our citizens and undertaken deep structural reforms. We are making the economy: more
productive, investment friendly and competitive.
Our relief package has been smart and targeted to provide the most poor with the most help. Thanks to
technology, every penny has reached the beneficiaries directly. The relief includes,providing free cooking
gas, cash in the bank accounts, free food grains to millions of people and many other things. As soon as we
unlocked, we have launched one of the world's largest public works program to provide employment to
millions of workers. This will not only re-energise the rural economy, but also help in creation of durable
infrastructure in the rural areas.
Friends,
India remains one of the most open economies in the world.We are laying a red carpet for all global
companies to come and establish their presence in India. Very few countries will offer the kind of
opportunites India does today. There are many possibilities and opportunities in various sunrise sectors in
India. Our reforms in agriculture provide a very attractive investment opportunity to invest in storage and
logistics. We are opening the doors to investors to come and invest directly in the hard-work of our farmers.
Friends,
We have brought reforms in the MSME sector. A booming MSME sector will also complement big
industry. There are investment opportunities in the defence sector. With relaxed FDI norms, one of the
world's biggest militaries invites you to come and make products for it. Now, there are more opportunities
for private investment in space sector. This will mean greater access to commercial use of space tech for the
benefit of people. India's tech and start-up sector is vibrant. There is a market of millions of digitally
empowered, aspirational people.Imagine the kind of products you can make for them.
Friends,
The pandemic has once again shown that India's pharma industry is an asset not just for India but for the
entire world. It has played a leading role in reducing the cost of medicines especially for developing
countries. Vaccines made in India are responsible for two-thirds of the vaccination needs of the world's
children. Today also, our companies are active in the international efforts for development and production
of COVID-19 vaccine. I am certain that India will have an important role in developing and in scaling-up
production of the vaccine once it is discovered.
Friends,
130 crore Indians have given the call for an AtmaNirbhar Bharat. A self reliant India. AtmaNirbhar Bharat
merges domestic production and consumption with global supply chains. AtmaNirbhar Bharat is not about
being self-contained or being closed to the world. It is about being self-sustaining and self-generating.
We will pursue policies that promote efficiency, equity and resilience.
Friends
I am happy to note that this Forum is also marking the 100th birth anniversary of Pandit Ravi Shankar. He
took the beauty of Indian classical music to the world. You would also have seen how Namaste has gone
global as a form of greeting. The pandemic has also seen the increasing appeal of Yoga, Ayurveda and
traditional medicines world over. India's ancient culture, India's universal, peaceful ethos, is our strength.
Friends,
India is ready to do whatever it can to further global good and prosperity. This is an India that is reforming,
performing and transforming. This is an India that offers new economic opportunities. This is an India
that is adopting a human-centric and inclusive approach to development.
India awaits you all
Namaste,
Thank you very much.
*******
VRRK/VJ
(Release ID: 1637540)
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