Tag: independence day

Modi also visited Washington where he addressed the US Congress besides being hosted by American President Joe Biden for a state dinner…reports Asian Lite News

India, after 76 years of Independence, has finally firmly positioned itself not just as a force to reckon with on the world stage, but a voice for the Global South through its soft diplomacy and the adherence to the ethos of strategic autonomy. India’s steady economic growth aided by its foreign policy has now caught the attention of the world. Last year, India surpassed the UK to become the world’s fifth largest economy.

“The new India displays confidence and decides what is best for its own people. Importantly, it has made it clear that it will not be dictated by any other power,” a foreign policy watcher said.

Last year External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar famously said that “Europe has to grow out of the mindset that Europe’s problems are the world’s problems, but the world’s problems are not Europe’s problems.”

Despite repeated nudging from the West, India refused to condemn Russia for its attack on Ukraine. Simultaneously, its assistance to bankrupt Sri Lanka, spearheading the exercise to resurrect the island nation and continuous support to Afghanistan have given New Delhi an unprecedented edge. In fact, its action stood out after it rushed with necessary aids to the earthquake-hit Turkey earlier this year.

“It is incredible how India has been helping other nations,” a CEO based out of South Korea said. “A large part of the credit has to go to the leadership. Modi with his unique style has managed to bring India on the world map,” he noted.

Among his several high profile visits, Modi, in July, attended the Bastille Day military parade in Paris along with French President Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest. Modi also visited Washington where he addressed the US Congress besides being hosted by American President Joe Biden for a state dinner.

Hong Kong based South China Morning Post said that to just state that the Indian prime minister has found himself in the sweetest of spots is still an understatement. “At the moment, love him or hate him, it’s probably fair to say that he is the world’s most successful politician,” the newspaper said.

It further said that from Moscow to Beijing, and from Paris to Washington, leaders of the East and West have either been busy courting Modi or going out of their way to avoid upsetting New Delhi.

India has also managed to make a mark as the chair of the G20 and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation groups this year.

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Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 77th Independence Day, Modi says the India of today was full of self-confidence…reports Asian Lite News

Putting forward his vision of a new and more assertive India during his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 77th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the India of today was full of self-confidence.

“When we set our mind to a task, we get it done. This has been our track record. This is a new India full of self-confidence… India doesn’t stop, tire, gasp or give up,” Modi said.

He said the character of India will serve as the biggest catalyst in her quest to become a developed country by 2047, which would mark the completion of 100 years of independence).

“In the next 25 years, we must move forward with the mantra of unity,” PM Modi added.

This year’s Independence Day will culminate the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations, which were launched by the Prime Minister from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on March 12, 2021, and will usher the country into the ‘Amrit Kaal’ (golden era).

Voice of the Global South

“After the second world war, a new world order took shape but I can see now clearly that a new global order and a new geopolitical equation is moving ahead after the Covid; the definition of the geopolitical equation has changed. And my dear family members, your capability is visible in giving the world a new shape…,” Modi said.

PM Modi stated that during the covid crisis, India’s work in the development of the world has shown the capability of the country. He further stated that during the covid, the supply chain was destroyed and also the developed countries were facing pressure at that time but India pursued a human-centric approach.

“Today India is becoming the voice of the global south. India’s prosperity and heritage have become an opportunity for the world,” he said.

Helping the world

Recalling the era of COVID-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India helped different countries during the time of crisis and that India has emerged as a friend of the world.

“We have to make our country so strong that will contribute to global welfare. After Covid, the way India helped the world during the time of crisis, India has emerged as a friend of the world. When we talk about world welfare which is India’s basic idea that we have to expand,” Modi said.

“We have presented philosophies and the world is now connecting with India over them. For the renewable energy sector, we said ‘One Sun, One World, One Grid’. After Covid, we told the world that our approach should be of ‘One Earth, One Help’. We can solve the problem when we address the issues of people, animals and plants equally. For the G20 Summit, we should focus on the idea of ‘One World, One Family, One Future,” he added.

He also stated that India has launched Mission LiFE for the climate issues that the world is facing. And also made the solar alliance which now many countries are becoming part of.

Secure borders

Modi said the borders were “far more secure than ever before”. He also underlined the need for “mega reforms” in the Indian armed forces.

“Today our borders are far more secure. I extend my heartfelt wishes to my jawans, who are patrolling, keeping vigil, and securing our borders, as well as other security forces on our 77th Independence Day,” PM Modi said.

At the historic Red Fort, the magnificence of our Independence Day celebrations unfolds and the Tricolour waves majestically. A sight of unparalleled grandeur, a testament to our proud heritage. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/fvqKGZKfGt

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2023

Underlining the need to usher in urgent reforms in the armed forces in view of evolving security challenges, PM Modi said, “Our armed forces should be young and battle-ready. They should be skilled and equipped to wage wars. The process to bring in reforms in the armed forces is already underway.”

Economic growth

Modi said there has been an unprecedented surge in India’s exports and noted that India is now the world’s fifth-largest economy due to the efforts of 140 crore citizens.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort on Independence Day, the Prime Minister said India will become the third-largest economy in the next few years.

“In coming years, India will be in the top three economies. This is Modi’s guarantee,” PM Modi said.  

He said the government has taken several steps to tackle corruption, stop leakages and contain inflation.

“Today, inflation’s impact is felt by everyone, including us. However, India has taken resolute measures to contain and manage inflation,” PM Modi said.

“When we came to power in 2014, we were at the 10th position in the global economic system. Today, with the efforts of 140 crore Indians, we have reached the fifth position, This did not happen just like that. The demon of corruption that had the country in its clutches – we stopped leakages and created a strong economy.”

“Our primary goal remains the minimization of inflation, ensuring that the citizens of this great nation can lead prosperous and fulfilling lives,” he added.  (ANI)

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