NEW DELHI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Indian origin lawmakers from across the world to be partners in India’s development and act as catalysts in the country’s economic growth.
Addressing the first Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Parliamentarians Conference in New Delhi this morning, Mr Modi said, they can help attract more Foreign Direct Investment to India by spreading India’s growth story globally.
The Prime Minister said, a record 16 billion dollars of FDI came into the country in the recent past.
Mr Modi said, his government has made far-reaching policy changes, with reform and transform being its guiding principle.
The Prime Minister said, India has moved far ahead and people can see the results of change in every sphere. He said, GST is a huge reform and government has eliminated multiple taxation system.
Mr Modi also said, the government is committed to eradicating corruption focussing on infrastructure and transport. He conveyed to the persons of Indian origin that the values of Indian culture and civilisation can guide a world gripped in increasing instability.
The Prime Minister added that India has always played a constructive role and persons of Indian origin can take pride in the country’s increasing strength worldwide.
Commending all the NRI Parliamentarians for their feat, the Prime Minister said, wherever the migrants of Indian origin went, they made that place their home, and kept Indianism alive.
Mr Modi said, today the people of Indian origin are the Prime Ministers in Mauritius, Portugal and Ireland. He said, he can see how a Mini World Parliament of Indian origin is present in front of him.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, India plays a key role today in shaping global agenda on key issues including black money and terrorism. She said, her Ministry received overwhelming response from other countries for the conference.
Our correspondent reports that 124 sitting MPs and 17 mayors of Indian descent from 23 countries are participating in the day-long conference. The countries from which the MPs are participating include the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka.
There are two thematic plenary sessions during the conference.