PM Modi speach in Davos

‘Like a Statesman’: Leaders React to Modi’s Speech at Davos

The official sessions of the World Economic Forum in Davos began on Tuesday, 23 January, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the 'opening plenary'.

Over 3,000 global leaders, including CEOs, heads of state and government, artists and civil society members are attending the summit, that will draw to a close on 26 January.

India’s GDP has grown six times since the last time its Prime Minister attended the World Economic Forum at Davos, in 1997, said PM Modi, addressing the opening plenary.

"Last time an Indian PM came to Davos was in 1997, when Deve Gowda ji had come. That time our GDP was little more than 400 billion dollars, now it’s more than six times that figure." - PM Narendra Modi

Modi added that there are some important questions that have risen and require adequate answers for the future generations

He added that technology has emerged as a “major force”, but that the problems posed by it were getting “serious” by the day. Modi also highlighted the significance of climate change, adding that it was time we thought about tackling it.

" This year the topic here is ‘Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World’. New powers are changing the balance between economic and political strength. This is indicating a change in future of the world. The world is facing challenges in maintaining peace, stability and security." - PM Narendra Modi

Modi added that India has always believed in “unifying” people and not “dividing” them.

"India has always believed in values of integration and unity, in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. This means the entire world is one family and this is relevant to bridge distances." - PM Narendra Modi

The prime minister also pointed out how Mahatma Gandhi endorsed utilisation based on “need”, and opposed “greed”.

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Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, reacting to PM Modi’s opening plenary, called it an “enthusiastic” speech that can be a “global role model”.

"It was a very enthusiastic speech, PM talked about how Indian ethos can be a global role model in today’s conflicting times." - Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister

Rajan Mittal, VC and MD of Bharti Enterprises said that PM Modi spoke like a true statesman and not an Indian politician.

"Not only to talk about India but to talk about globalisation and larger issues like climate change and terrorism, the Prime Minister has spoken like a true statesman. He spoke about reforms, and that as the world is going inwards, India is globalising and is ready for business. " - Rajan Mittal, VC & MD of Bharti Enterprises

However, Congress leaders claimed that the PM’s words shall only make sense and be taken as gospel truth if he comes back and practices what he preaches.

"It is expected that PM expresses the same concerns when he returns. Fractures have widened within country in the last few years. The message will hold value only when government takes steps for the world to see that what PM spoke about there is being implemented here." - Anand Sharma, Congress Leader