PM Narendra Modi's big interview
In his first interview to a private TV news channel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi talks about his efforts to prop up the economy, Pakistan, terror, Raghuram Rajan and reforms. Modi speaks about his ideas for India in a no-holds barred interaction with Arnab Goswami.
1 New Update
KEY EVENTS
11:45:02 AM IST, 31 May 2017
SPIEF a great privilege for India to strengthen economic trade ties India envoy Saran
09:02:58 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
Government's clear mandate has strengthened foreign policy: PM Narendra Modi
08:01:50 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
India wants friendly relations with neighbours: PM Narendra Modi
07:32:05 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
PM Modi confident on NSG, says process has begun on positive note
07:27:34 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
TOP QUOTE
07:24:33 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My sole focus is on governance. Governments can not be run only keeping polls in mind. Govt is about people's aspirations: PM to <a href="https://twitter.com/TimesNow">@TimesNow</a></p>— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/747427300501774336">June 27, 2016</a></blockquote>
07:22:26 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
TOP QUOTE
07:19:51 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
Don’t make heroes out of people who make extreme comments: PM Modi
07:19:38 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
I challenge the challenges. I like to face the problems. I don't run away from them. Whatever loss I have to face for it, I face it.
- PM Modi
I challenge the challenges. I like to face the problems. I don't run away from them. Whatever loss I have to face for it, I face it.07:19:25 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
I don't live under the burden of worries. Problems and challenges are there, you can't deny that. But you must challenge the challenges and not let the challenges turn into worries. This is my principle: PM Modi
07:18:35 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
If today I run at a speed of 100, I keep an aim of running at 200
- PM Modi
If today I run at a speed of 100, I keep an aim of running at 20007:18:15 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
I have given an early retirement to more than 30 people from Income Tax Department on integrity issues: PM Modi
07:13:44 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
Those who have seen me in Gujarat, and those who have seen me in the last two years, those who see me without any bias, they will know that I am an apolitical Prime Minister: Modi
07:10:34 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
10 key takeaways from PM Modi's no-holds barred interview to Times Now
07:08:40 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Be it, <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial">@MamataOfficial</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/NitishKumar">@NitishKumar</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh">@yadavakhilesh</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Naveen_Odisha">@Naveen_Odisha</a>...they all seek passage of GST: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/TimesNow">@TimesNow</a></p>— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/747422615728439297">June 27, 2016</a></blockquote>
07:07:30 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
TOP QUOTE
07:05:18 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
ARNAB: Mr Prime Minister how are you keeping your schedule nowadays? I mean you keep a terrifying pace. The number of meetings you hold, people say your officers find it hard to keep up
PM MODI: It is not so, it has been 2 years now and everyone is used to the work. I believe that it is such a big country that one must do as much work as possible. So I keep doing that
07:02:47 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
ON DEVELOPMENT
Development is the solution to the tension that people talk about. If we provide employment to people, if we ensure there's food on their plates, if we provide them with facilities and give them education, all the tension will end. <BR><BR>And this is why, all those who want good for the nation, I request them to compete towards development and for development.
07:01:12 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
ON GST
We look at GST only within the purview of an economic reform because of which the right information doesn't come out. Not having GST straight away means loss for the poor of Uttar Pradesh. <BR><BR>Absence of GST straight away means loss for the poor people of Bihar. Not passing the GST would mean loss for the poor people of poor states like Bengal, Orissa and Assam.
07:00:07 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
ON CONGRESS
If there is a new party in the Opposition, they have a small demand for their state or if an MP has a demand for his/her constituency and does something like this, then we can understand. Ones who have been in power for very long, shouldn't be doing such things
06:59:02 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
There are some parties in the Parliament which are not with the BJP or NDA, but are with the government on key decisions. So, to defame the Opposition by saying that all opposition parties are against us -- when some people do this, it is wrong: PM Modi
06:58:32 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
The sad part is, if somebody is running away from debate or don't let discussions happen, then it is a cause of worry in a democracy: PM on House logjams
The sad part is, if somebody is running away from debate or don't let discussions happen, then it is a cause of worry in a democracy: PM on House logjams
06:58:05 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
My government doesn't target anyone when probing corruption. Whatever comes out, will be put out
- PM Modi
My government doesn't target anyone when probing corruption. Whatever comes out, will be put out06:56:58 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
Housing sector has the maximum potential for creating employment: PM Modi
06:54:48 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
One can't imagine the difficulty I am experiencing in taking out things from dirt. One who is working there knows the amount of dirt that exists and how certain things have been caught in a web: PM on corruption
06:50:39 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
I will show them what the law is
- PM on tax evaders
I will show them what the law is06:50:20 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
The people of India have confidence that if there's someone who can do it, it is Narendra Modi and he will do it. Citizens of the country have full faith: PM Modi
06:49:37 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
Govt is working in a direction to make sure that black money isn't generated in India and it doesn't go out of India, you can see the results of all this
- PM Modi
Govt is working in a direction to make sure that black money isn't generated in India and it doesn't go out of India, you can see the results of all this06:48:58 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
ON BLACK MONEY
There is money stashed in foreign accounts, there are some norms of engagement with foreign countries on the issue. But between 2011-2014, these people were given the opportunity to launder money here and there
06:48:02 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
I have a very clear message . I have no two minds about it.
- On Subramanian Swamy's attacks against RBI governor
I have a very clear message . I have no two minds about it.06:46:52 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
HINTING AT SWAMY
Whether it is someone from my party or not, I believe that such things (tirade against Rajan) are inappropriate. The nation won't benefit from such publicity stunts. One should be more responsible while conducting themselves. Anyone who believes he is bigger than the system is wrong.
06:44:17 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
ON RAGHURAM RAJAN
There was more or less consensus that he (Raghuram Rajan) was appointed by the previous govt and so Modi won't let him complete his tenure and will remove him. You have seen, that he worked his entire tenure.
For the time he was appointed by the previous government, he completing his entire term. So all the misconceptions have been dispelled.
Secondly, according to my 2 year experience in Govt, those who are creating controversies, are being unjust to Raghuram Rajan.
For the time he was appointed by the previous government, he completing his entire term. So all the misconceptions have been dispelled.
Secondly, according to my 2 year experience in Govt, those who are creating controversies, are being unjust to Raghuram Rajan.
06:44:04 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
PM Narendra Modi's complete interview to Times Now
PM Narendra Modi in an interview with Times Now has shared his views on a range of issues. Here is the complete trascript with Arnab Goswami.
06:43:16 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
You see the fast pace at which prices were rising under the previous government, today that speed has decelerated a lot. You can see the statistics, you will find it there.
- PM Modi
You see the fast pace at which prices were rising under the previous government, today that speed has decelerated a lot. You can see the statistics, you will find it there.06:39:35 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
The middle class has its aspirations. We have to create jobs? How will job creation happen? Till I invest in the development of infrastructure, there be no job creation: PM Modi
06:38:30 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
Our philosophy is to reach the last man in the line. The poor is the central focus of my economic agenda. The poor should be strengthened in such a way that they get the willingness to defeat poverty: PM Modi
06:36:51 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
I have a humourous side, but these days humour can be a risky thing: PM Modi
06:33:58 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
Today the world has to accept what India has been saying about terrorism
- PM Modi
Today the world has to accept what India has been saying about terrorism06:33:21 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
ARNAB: Mr Prime Minister what is the 'Lakshman Rekha' that you would draw when it comes to Pakistan. There is some confusion surrounding this subject. I would like you to give an elaborate reply.
PM MODI: The first thing is that with Pakistan, to whom do we talk to decide about the 'Lakshman Rekha'. Will it be with the elected government or with other actors? That is why India will have to be on alert all the time. India will have to be alert every moment.
The world is unanimously appreciating India's position. And the world is seeing that Pakistan is finding it difficult to respond. If we had become an obstacle, then we would have had to explain to the world that we are not that obstacle.
Now we don't have to explain to the world.
The world is unanimously appreciating India's position. And the world is seeing that Pakistan is finding it difficult to respond. If we had become an obstacle, then we would have had to explain to the world that we are not that obstacle.
Now we don't have to explain to the world.
06:30:42 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
My country's soldiers have full freedom to answer back (to terrorists) in whatever manner they have to and they will keep doing that
- PM Modi
My country's soldiers have full freedom to answer back (to terrorists) in whatever manner they have to and they will keep doing that06:29:59 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
ARNAB: Do you believe we have been too generous towards Pakistan?
PM MODI: There are two things. One - India has always wanted friendly ties with its neighbours, there can be no debate around it. There has been no change in our intent, our thoughts and our current behaviour. <br><br>Number two - those who have to work from the table, will work from the table and those who have to work at the border, will work at border with full strength. Each one will fulfill the responsibility entrusted to them. And our jawans are fulfilling their responsibilities. It's true that pressure on terrorists has increased, their schemes are proving unsuccessful.
06:28:47 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
ARNAB: What you are saying Modiji is that we can be close to America but we need not be an ally or seen to be an ally?
PM MODI: The first thing is that we no longer live in a bipolar world. The world is interconnected and interdependent. <br><br>You will have to connect with everybody at the same time. Even if there are two opposing countries, they will have to be friends. Now the times have changed.
06:27:47 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
ARNAB: At what point do we stop before we are seen like an American ally? What is your own world view on that?
PM MODI: I would especially like to appeal to my country's media that we should stop looking at everything in India from the prism of Pakistan.
India is an independent country. We have to think about the future of our 125 crore people. There should be no compromise on our interests.
India is an independent country. We have to think about the future of our 125 crore people. There should be no compromise on our interests.
06:24:26 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
<font color="#292f33" face="Arial, sans-serif">It's true that my trip to the US, my speech in their Congress & the respect shown towards India created a lot of hype: PM Modi</font>
06:23:21 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
ON HIS SPEECH AT THE US CONGRESS
I have a humorous side but these days humor can be a risky thing. Anybody can lift a small word and make a big issue out of it. <br><br>But I will tell you the truth, the reason for the absence of humor in public life is this fear. I am myself scared.
06:22:31 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
Most important thing is that we can speak to China eye-to-eye and put forth India's interests in the most unambiguous manner
- PM Modi
Most important thing is that we can speak to China eye-to-eye and put forth India's interests in the most unambiguous manner06:21:56 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
ON CHINA'S OPPOSITION TO INDIA'S NSG BID
PM MODI: The first thing is that we have an ongoing dialogue with China and it should continue to happen. In foreign policy it's not necessary to have similar views to have a conversation. Even when the views are contradictory, talks are the only way forward and problems should be resolved through dialogue.
We don't have one problem with China, we have a whole lot of problems pending with China. Slowly and steadily, an effort is on to address these issues through talks and make them less cumbersome.
We don't have one problem with China, we have a whole lot of problems pending with China. Slowly and steadily, an effort is on to address these issues through talks and make them less cumbersome.
06:16:39 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
SMALL IS BIG IN PM's GLOBAL PLAN
Small countries of the world are as important as the big nations. We had assumed that the relations with smaller nations would develop under the shadow of the bigger nations. <BR><BR>I brought about a change in this. You must have seen that I made a forum for the pacific island nations. We have had two meetings. I went there once and they came here once.
06:16:22 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
AND IS MODI'S GLOBAL STRATEGY IS WORKING?
There's been a shift in paradigm. Because I do not have any previous baggage, because I've had a clean slate, I write everything from beginning and that has a benefit. <BR><BR>Today we are building relations with countries across the world. The amount of respect with which I engage saudi arabia, I engage Iran with the same amount of respect.
06:13:00 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
ON HOW PM WORKS ON HIS FOREIGN STRATEGY
We work as a team. Foreign ministry, Prime Minister's officer, commerce ministry, finance ministry, defense minister, everyone works as a team, not as separate pieces. <br><br>The impact that is now visible, is not just because of Modi, it is because of the team. All teams work in a particular direction. That is why the impact is seen, earlier these teams were splintered.
06:09:38 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
ARNAB: The amount of personal interest you have shown in foreign policy, your approach is pro active. My question to you over this is that, is it easy to do that as an Indian Prime Minister?
For 30 years, in our country, the government was unstable. For 30 years, party with a clear mandate wasn't given the opportunity to form the government.
The world measures the government of a nation on the basis of its condition in its own country, on how strong their word is in their own country.
The world measures the government of a nation on the basis of its condition in its own country, on how strong their word is in their own country.
06:06:01 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
Whole world knows which party is responsible for parliamentary logjam: PM Modi
06:04:40 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
ARNAB: 40% percent into your tenure, how much have you achieved of your own targets?
PM MODI: One big challenge was that I was not experienced about this place, I had not even been an MP.
The office was new, the questions were also new. But when I look at the second biggest challenge, we should remember those days when the country was engulfed in disappointment.
The big challenge was to inject new trust into the system and create confidence among the citizens. It is very difficult to evaluate this from the outside but I have gone through it.
The office was new, the questions were also new. But when I look at the second biggest challenge, we should remember those days when the country was engulfed in disappointment.
The big challenge was to inject new trust into the system and create confidence among the citizens. It is very difficult to evaluate this from the outside but I have gone through it.
05:36:41 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Does the nation want to know what I frankly shared with Mr. Arnab Goswami? Find out 6 PM onwards on <a href="https://twitter.com/TimesNow">@timesnow</a>. <a href="https://t.co/Q8fPxVpYwk">pic.twitter.com/Q8fPxVpYwk</a></p>— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/747397112267169792">June 27, 2016</a></blockquote>
05:09:07 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
In a stern warning to Pakistan, PM Modi says free hand to forces on dealing with issues on the border
05:08:09 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
On China: For the first time we are talking eye to eye, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi
05:05:12 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
PM Narendra Modi backs Raghuram Rajan
04:49:28 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
PM on China's move to block India's bid to join NSG
04:15:29 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
Those who create controversies are being unjust to Rajan: PM's indirect jibe on Swamy
04:13:06 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
Modi on Rajan: He is no less patriotic, wherever he will work, he will work for India
03:58:15 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
My experience with Rajan has been good, appreciate what he has done as RBI guv: PM Modi
03:58:08 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
Raghuram Rajan's patriotism is no less than any of ours, says PM Modi
03:07:08 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
Modispeak: Anyone who believes he is bigger than the system is wrong
03:06:37 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
India will have to be alert at every moment, says PM Modi
03:05:44 PM IST, 27 Jun 2016
Coming up: A free-wheeling 85-minute session with PM
