Modi puts India on the centrestage @ Davos

Modi the statesman is at play at Davos. As the world watched, the Indian PM took the centrestage at the inaugural session of the World Economic Forum’s global summit, and the message is loud and clear: Don’t count India just as an emerging economy, and it is time developed nations embraced the Indian-ness for ‘Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World’.

Speaking like a true global statesman, Modi made a strong pitch against global warming, even as he hit out at terrorism of all forms.

Launching an all-out attack against the protectionist overtures by superpowers like Britain and the United States, Modi said such moves will only cripple the global economy.


Modi also showcased India’s steady progress on the economic front, and highlighted bold reforms like GST to send out a clear message that India means business.

On ET NOW’s special edition of the India Development Debate, Modi’s transformation was the topic of debate. Here are some of the important voices, direct from Davos:

PANEL VIEW

NAINA LAL KIDWAI
CHAIRPERSON, MAX FINANCIAL SERVICES

It is unusual to have a PM from the developing world to take climate change strongly as he has done. We have seen ambitious targets in renewable energy, including wind and solar. India is also showing it is not talking about climate change, it is doing. You go to these events hoping your PM reflects India. India has to show its best face, whatever the realities are on the ground. I worry there are sections in our country who feel excluded. Inclusion of every Indian is important.

ANAND MAHINDRA
CHAIRMAN, MAHINDRA GROUP

An Indian PM has come here after 20 years. Modi himself recognises that this is may be one of the largest caravansaries in the world. He knows that for whatever it’s worth, you get at one shot, a global audience. I think sometimes the way a nation's optimism itself results in positive outcomes – what they call animal spirits. Psychology and animal spirits have an impact on the economy.

UDAY KOTAK
MD, KOTAK MAHINDRA BANK

Here is a speech of a statesman, with some really smart marketing by our prime minister and at some level it made us proud. It is a great linkage that he brought in between climate change and the history of India. Terrorism we have all been aware of, and on protectionism he gave out a message that India is open for business, open for trade. At the same time, he also gave the signal that India will do what is right for Indians.

BOB DUDLEY
CEO, BRITISH PETROLEUM

Ihave had the opportunity to meet him (Modi) many times. We have a great partner in India with Reliance Industries. We are slower than we were hoping. Under PM Modi we are seeing a big change. We are making big commitments to spend billions of dollars on ground. We won’t do that without confidence. I am very enthusiastic about it. Mind you, India should produce every molecule it has. Market pricing of natural gas makes a huge difference. The projects are now economical.