PM Modi invokes ‘harmonious partnership’ between 2 nations

Calling for a “harmonious partnership” between India and China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said it was essential for economic development and political stability of Asia.

Addressing CEOs at the India-China Business Forum here, Modi said both India and China have potentials of growth and problems of poverty “which we can tackle together. I am personally committed to take the co-operative process forward”.

Highlighting the significance of a sound relationship between two of Asia’s major economies, he said: “Harmonious partnership between India and China is essential for economic development and political stability of the Continent.”

He further said: “This industrial partnership of China and India can bring about greater investment, employment and satisfaction of our people.”

As many as 21 agreements were signed between Indian and Chinese firms worth $22 billion at the India-China Business Forum. Asking Chinese companies to take the “historic opportunity” to invest in India, Modi said: “We have committed ourselves for creating and improving the business environment.

“You are the ‘factory of the world’. Whereas, we are the ‘Back office of the world’.... Let us work together in mutual interest and for progress and prosperity of our great countries,” Modi said to executives from 200 Chinese and Indian companies, making a strong pitch for his Make in India campaign.

While addressing the Indian community here before winding up his three-day China tour, he said “times are changing” and the world is now looking at India differently because of the performance of his government during the last one year which was a “matter of pride” for every citizen.

Modi added: “It is my bad luck that I am being criticised for working more... If working more is a crime, I will keep doing it. My commitment is to the people.” Many Chinese companies have the possibility of investing in India to take advantage of India’s potentials. The potential lies in manufacturing, processing as well as in infrastructure, he added.

Recalling the economic exchanges between the two nations in the past, the Prime Minister said: “Indo-Chinese partnership should and will flourish. I expect very good outcome from this coming together. We have complemented each other in the past. We can complement in the present and future too.”

Launching the Centre for Gandhian & Indian Studies at Fudan University here, he said India and China have historical and civilizational ties and they can together create a world that serves the humanity.

The Prime Minister, on the third and last day of his China visit, invoked Mahatma Gandhi and said solutions to the major crises of the present world – terrorism and global warming – lie in his teachings.