NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi Monday asserted that India does not believe in being “taken-for-granted” in international relations, and that the world is realising trust and reliability alone make the foundation for good ties with the country. His remarks come at a time when Canadian PM Justin Trudeau‘s brinkmanship has pushed bilateral ties into a deep chill, and amid indications of affinity of sections in a few western capitals for Ottawa.
Ties between the countries have soured over Canada’s allegations of India’s hand in the killing of a pro-Khalistan terrorist, a Canadian citizen. India has denied the charge. Canada has failed to back its claims with evidence.
The PM said India has emerged as a hope when most countries are concerned about the future after facing crises. “India has shown digital innovation, democratic values can coexist; it has shown technology is a tool for inclusion, and not for control, division,” Modi said and mentioned tech-powered platforms like UPI, PM Gati Shaki and ONDC to make his point.
He said the world celebrated India’s successful Chadrayaan mission “like a festival” as India’s growth does not incite envy because its progress benefits the entire world. “The world draws happiness from India’s rise.”
The world realises India is a friend in crisis situations, Modi said, noting its supply of medicines and vaccines during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Modi, speaking at an NDTV event, said his government in its third term is working at an unprecedented speed and scale, and that India has become a source of hope for the world plagued by numerous upheavals, including ongoing conflicts. “India has a double AI advantage and when the power of ‘aspirational India’ and ‘artificial intelligence’ combines, then it is natural for development to take place at a fast pace,” he said, citing several growth figures.
“India had been a force of global growth in history but suffered from slavery and was not able to take advantage of industrial revolutions. Now, this is the time of Industry 4.0. We are not enslaved anymore and are ready for it. India is working on building the skill-set and infrastructure needed for Industry 4.0,” the PM said.