PTI Editor-in-Chief Vijay Joshi and senior editors visited PM Modi’s Lok Kalyan Marg Residence asking him pertinent questions as General Elections are just around the corner.
The interview was related to India’s hopes and expectations from G20 Summits and the aftermath outcomes of the same. PM also discussed its relevance with India’s future progress and prosperity.
Future of India and End of Casteism, Corruption and Communalism
In a first, PM claimed that India will be devoid of discriminatory evils by 2047. In his speech, Prime Minister Modi outlined his goals for India, saying that he wants to see it become a developed country by 2047 and rid itself of casteism, communalism, and corruption. He noted that India has advanced toward being one of the top three economies in the world thanks to recent successes.
G20 Summit: Expectations and Challenges
While discussing G20, he answered several questions shedding light on the Global South issues and alliances. He also talked about recession, Putin and China and Pakistan’s opposition to G20 Summits in Kashmir and other territories of India especially after the 2023 ‘Standardised Map’ of China row. Here are a few snippets from the interview transcript:
Q: Some of our neighbours raised objections to the venues of some of the meetings. What message did we send by hosting foreign leaders for the G20 in Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh, notwithstanding objections by Pakistan and China?
Modi: “I am surprised that PTI is asking such a question. Such a question would be valid if we had refrained from conducting meetings in those venues. Ours is such a vast, beautiful and diverse nation. When G20 meetings are happening, isn’t it natural that meetings will be held in every part of our country?”
Q: India assumed the G20 Presidency when most member nations were facing a threat of recession while India was the only bright spot. How has India leveraged its position as the fastest-growing economy to forge a consensus on credit flow, inflation control and global tax deals?
Modi: “In the three decades before 2014, our country saw many governments that were unstable and, therefore, unable to get much done. But in the last few years, the people have given a decisive mandate, which has led to a stable government, predictable policies and clarity in overall direction….The rapid and sustained progress made by India naturally evoked interest across the world and many countries have been watching our growth story very closely. They are convinced that this progress is not an accident but is happening as a result of a clear, action-oriented roadmap of ‘Reform, Perform, Transform’.
For a long time, India was perceived as a nation of over 1 billion hungry stomachs. But now, India is being seen as a nation of over 1 billion aspirational minds, more than 2 billion skilled hands, and hundreds of millions of young people. We are not only the most populous country in the world but also the nation with the largest youth population. So, perspectives about India have changed.”
“Inflation is a key issue that the world faces. Our G20 Presidency engaged the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors. It was recognized that timely and clear communication of policy stances by Central Banks is crucial. This can ensure that policies taken by each country to combat inflation do not lead to negative repercussions in other countries. Significant emphasis was also placed on enabling countries to share policy experiences on how they tackle the challenges associated with food and energy price volatility, especially since food and energy markets are closely interconnected.
As far as international taxation is concerned, India used the G20 forum to provide a strong impetus to achieve significant progress on Pillar One, including the delivery of a text of a Multilateral Convention. This Convention will allow countries and jurisdictions to move forward with historic, major reform of the international tax system.
As you can see, there is substantial progress across many issues. This is also a result of the confidence that other partner countries have shown in India’s Presidency.”
Comments on Ruso-Ukraine Conflict PM
He also discussed the Ruso-Ukraine war. On the conflict, Prime Minister Modi stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as the sole means to resolve conflicts in various regions. Additionally, he underscored the imperative of global cooperation in combating cybercrime.
This interview provides insights into India’s vision and role in the G-20, along with Prime Minister Modi’s aspirations for the nation and his stance on global issues.
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