02 June, 2017
India is committed to protecting climate, irrespective the Paris Climate Accord, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while addressing the St Petersburg International Economic Forum today, even as he avoided any direct reference to the United States withdrawing from the international deal.
This is the first time that an Indian prime minister is attending the SPIEF forum, which is held annually in St. India's Ministry of External Affairs said the leaders will discuss issues of mutual interest, with a view to strengthening strategic ties with France, India's ninth largest investment partner. He said that political will and clear vision are necessary for reforms.
They include renewable energy, high speed rail, infrastructure, civil aviation, water waste management and air space management.
-I see enormous opportunities in manufacturing healthcare equipment, defence sector, services sector.
The Prime Minister outlined the government's initiatives in financial inclusion - and the Jandhan, Aadhaar, Mobile (JAM) trinity.
-Our constant aim is to bridge the digital divide.
-It is also agreed that among the top FDI destinations in the world, India figures highly.
Noting the importance of security for investors, the Prime Minister said that India's vibrant democracy and use of English go a long way in ensuring a sense of security. According to environmentalists, this was not the first time that the United States pulled out of an global climate agreement.
In agriculture, he said his emphasis is on "seed to market", and increasing yield through technological intervention, organic farming and value addition through food processing.
He said the New India would have youth that are not job seekers but job creators; and can fulfil the global requirements of skilled human resource.
Modi said,"I am sure the discussions with Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy will lead to enhancement of India-Spain bilateral ties and We are in favour of making ties with Spain even more productive in the coming years". In the manufacturing sector, the Prime Minister highlighted manufacturing of medical device and defence equipments as key areas for foreign investment.
He also said that in renewable energy sector an ambitious target of 175 GW of green energy by 2022 has been set in which solar and biomass will play a big role.
India on Friday asserted that it is committed to protecting the climate irrespective of global deals or other countries stand on it.
Appealing to the business houses to invest in India and Modi's mission of turning nation into a manufacturing hub, the PM said "sky is the limit" if one seeks to find avenues in various sectors in our country.
