Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to change India’s image from the one of scams to that of a skilled nation. He was addressing the Indian diaspora in Toronto today. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper was also present there. Attacking the previous governments, Modi said that he will clean up the mess that was left behind by others. On the various initiatives taken by his government, Mr Modi said, the attitude of people had changed over the last 10 months since he took over and there was now an atmosphere of trust. He said, development is a solution to all the problems that India faces.
The Prime Minister exhorted the Indian diaspora to contribute to their home country’s development by sharing their expertise and experiences. Mr Modi added that India had the youth power as 65 percent of its population is below 35 years of age and if they decide to work for the progress of the country, nothing can stop the nation. On the relations between India and Canada, the Prime Minister said that there is a new atmosphere of trust between the two countries. He said India has the strength, and what is needed is opportunity. Speaking at the occasion, Mr Harper said, they are there to celebrate the special friendship that exists between India and Canada.
Earlier, in Ottawa, India and Canada signed several agreements. The agreements were signed after delegation level talks between the two countries. The areas in which agreements were signed include civil aviation, railways, education and skill development, space and supply of uranium for India’s nuclear power plants. Later, in the joint interaction with Mr Harper, Mr Modi announced a liberalised visa policy for Canadian nationals visiting India. The Prime Minister also called for a UN resolution to unitedly fight against the menace of terrorism and its support base.
Modi will lay wreath at the Air India memorial site in Toronto. 329 people were killed when Air India plane Kanishka was bombed in 1985. The Prime Minister will also meet top executives of the Canadian national pension funds who have about two hundred billion dollars to invest. AIR correspondent covering the Prime Minister’s visit reports that Canadian investment in India is low at five billion dollars.