Highlighting the India- Middle East- Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, said it would enhance economic prospects by providing an alternative global trade route and strengthening supply chains.
PM Modi said, “The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) will connect Asia, Europe and the Middle East. This will boost economic prospects and provide an alternative trade route to the world and strengthen the global supply chain…During the G20 summit hosted by India, the African Union was made a member of the G20…India has emerged as the voice of the global south.”
PM Modi underscored India’s growing prominence on the global stage. Emphasising a significant shift in foreign policy, he noted that India’s approach has evolved from maintaining “equi-distance” to fostering “equi-closeness” with major global powers.
“The world’s eyes are on India,” PM Modi said, highlighting the burgeoning curiosity about the nation. “Today, India has the largest youth population in the world, rapidly gaining skills and accelerating innovation. Our foreign policy mantra is now ‘India First’.”
Economic growth
India’s remarkable economic growth was a focal point of the Prime Minister’s address. He expressed pride in the nation’s journey from the 11th to the 5th largest economy in just seven to eight years. “New IMF figures reveal India as the only major economy to double its GDP in a decade, adding USD two lakh crore to its economy,” he said, addressing the TV9 Summit. Additionally, 25 crore people have transitioned from poverty to becoming part of the neo-middle class.
Global challenges
PM Modi also emphasized India’s proactive stance on global issues such as energy sustainability. The International Solar Alliance, he noted, is a step toward ensuring smaller nations benefit from sustainable energy, positively impacting climate change.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that India’s foreign policy now follows the mantra of “India First,” shifting from maintaining distance to fostering close ties with all nations. Speaking at the TV9 Summit, he highlighted how the world values India’s efforts, innovation, and perspective. Modi stressed that India is no longer just a participant but a key player in shaping and securing the global future. The world is eager to know what India thinks today. “Today, the mantra of India’s foreign policy is India first. Earlier, India’s foreign policy was to maintain distance from everyone and today’s foreign policy is to work together with everyone. The world is valuing India’s efforts, innovation… The world wants to know what India thinks today. India is not only participating in the world order but is also playing a major role in shaping and securing the future,” said PM Modi.
PM Modi also addressed domestic financial accountability. He stated that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has recovered over Rs 22,000 crore, returning it to those from whom it was looted. “Those who have looted the public will have to return the looted money,” he asserted.
(With ANI inputs)