if America becomes stronger, India will be a natural beneficiary: Narendra Modi to American CEOs

NEW DELHI (INDIA): The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi met and interacted with 20 top American CEOs at a roundtable meeting in Washington DC.nnWelcoming the CEOs, the Prime Minister said that the world is focused on India’s economy. He said a young population and a rising middle class are among factors which generate global interest in the Indian economy, especially in areas such as manufacturing, trade and commerce, and people to people contacts.nnHe said that in the last three years, the Union Government in India has focused on improvement in quality of life of the people.nnThe Prime Minister said this requires global partnership. And therefore, he added, the Union Government in India is working on principles such as Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.nnThe Prime Minister spoke of the recent reforms, and noted that the Union Government alone has initiated 7000 reforms.nnHe said this indicates India’s quest for global benchmarks. He mentioned the Government’s emphasis on efficiency, transparency, growth and benefit for all.nnOn GST, the Prime Minister said that this is becoming a reality after years of effort. He added that its implementation is a complex task that may well be the subject of future case-studies. He added that this shows India can take big decisions and implement them swiftly.nnCEOs appreciated the Prime Minister for his policy initiatives and the work done in recent times towards ease of doing business. Initiatives such as Digital India, Make in India, Skill Development, Demonetization and the thrust towards renewable energy came in for much appreciation from a number of CEOs. Several CEOs showed their willingness to be partners in skill development and education initiatives.nnThey also mentioned social initiatives being undertaken by their companies in India, in spheres such as women empowerment, digital technology, education and food processing. Themes such as infrastructure, defence manufacturing and energy security also came up for discussion.nnIn conclusion, the Prime Minister thanked the CEOs for their observations. Looking forward to his meeting with President Trump tomorrow, he said India and the US have shared values.nnHe said if America becomes stronger, India will be a natural beneficiary.nnHe also added that India believes that a strong America is good for the world.nnHe sought enhanced attention from the CEOs in areas such as women empowerment, renewable energy, startups and innovation.nnHe suggested linking sanitary practices, products and technologies with the requirements of school going girls.nnHe reiterated that his primary interest is improving the quality of life in India.