As India emerges from a devastating second wave of Covid-19 infections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the focus must be on repairing and preparing the health infrastructure as well as the economy for future challenges.
To prepare a base for a sustained higher growth rate, the government continues to unleash reforms and has also extended free food distribution schemes to aid the poor hit hard by the pandemic.
“Over the past year, we have witnessed a lot of disruption in different sectors. Much of it is still there,” PM Modi said at the VivaTech Summit.
In his address, he emphasised on how India and France are cooperating in key sectors such as technolog, among others.
“India & France have been working closely on a wide range of subjects. Among these, technology & digital are emerging areas of cooperation. It is the need of the hour,” he said.
India implemented huge reforms across sectors – from mining to space, from banking to atomic energy, he said. “This goes on to show that India as a nation is adaptable and agile, even in the middle of the pandemic.”
Stating that the country offers what innovators and investors need, the Prime Minister invited the world to invest. “I invite the world to invest in India based on the five pillars of talent, market, capital, eco-system and culture of openness.”
PM Modi said India has 1.18 billion mobile phones and 775 million internet users – more than the population of several nations.
Data consumption in India is among the highest and cheapest in the world. Also, Indians are the largest users of social media. “There is a diverse and extensive market that awaits you,” he said.
He said startups must explore areas as such, healthcare, eco-friendly technology including waste recycling, agriculture, new-age tools of learning.
“History has shown that leadership in new technology drives economic strength, job, and prosperity. But our partnerships must also serve a larger purpose, in the service of humanity. This pandemic is not only a test of our resilience but also of our imagination. It is a chance to build a more inclusive, caring and sustainable future for all,” he added.
