America is our 'natural global partner', says PM Modi as he heads to US

Narendra Modi hailed the US as India’s 'natural global partner' and said that both countries have mutual interest in ensuring peace and security in Asia and Pacific region and in the 'unfinished and urgent task' of tackling terror.

Observers see this as a move towards deeper cooperation between India and US amid rising terror threats against both countries. The US opened a new frontline against ISIS in Syria and Iraq and India has been announced as its next target by Al-Quaeda. The opinion also assumes significance in the context of China’s aggressive stance over economic activities in South China Sea.

Modi further added, “This is a moment of flux in the global order. I am confident in the destiny of our two nations because democracy is the greatest source of renewal and offers the best opportunity for the human spirit to flourish.”

Watch:Modi arrives in Frankfurt en route to the US

In the OP-Ed released hours before the PM landed in New York, Modi hard pitched India as a top investment destination and emphasizes that the country’s natural instinct is to be open to the world. “India will be open and friendly—for business, ideas, research, innovations and travel. In the coming months, you will feel the difference even before you begin your travel to India,” Modi wrote, adding that wants to replicate the success of telecom in renewable energy.

Soon after his arrival, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio will meet Modi. The PM will also meet Professor Harold Varmus, Director, US National Cancer Institute.

The PM acknowledged that the US continues to inspire India in education, innovation, and science and technology. But added that the “complementary” strengths of India and the US can result in “inclusive and broad-based global development to transform lives across the world.”

Read:

Modi calls US ‘vital partner for national development'

Two days after he launched the ambitious “Make in India” campaign, Modi elaborated on the areas of India’s strength that included “a government with a majority in the lower house of parliament” (something that the Congress-led UPA lacked in last 10 years). He pitched India as a young nation with 800 million people under age 35 and said, “We will eliminate unnecessary laws and regulations, making bureaucratic processes easier and shorter, and ensuring that our government is more transparent, responsive and accountable.

“We will create world-class infrastructure. We will make our cities and towns habitable, sustainable and smart and make our villages the new engines of economic transformation. “Make in India” is our commitment—and an invitation to all—to turn India into a new global manufacturing hub. We will do what it takes to make it a reality,” the PM added.

Read:

Can Narendra Modi pave way for future dividends in America?

Modi also highlighted his wide-ranging social sector commitments like women’s safety, sanitation, skills education, universal bank account, affordable health care and housing, etc.

“I draw confidence from countless extraordinary stories of ordinary Indians that I have seen through decades of travel across India,” Modi wrote.

Read:Before US take-off, Narendra Modi launches Make in India
Indian diaspora organising 'monumental' reception for Modi