PM Modi laid strong foundation, Indian economy will reach No. 3 spot in coming years: Jaishankar

CHIKKODI: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid a strong foundation over the last 10 years and that the Indian economy will reach the No. 3 position in the coming years and reach the top in the coming decades.

Speaking at the inauguration of the KLE Society school building here, Jaishankar noted that PM Modi has launched several schemes, Mudra, Ujwala, PM Awas and free foodgrains for the benefit of the poor. “Mudra Yojana benefits have been given to beneficiaries equalling the size of Europe’s population, free gas cylinders to beneficiaries the size of Germany’s population and houses to beneficiaries the size of Japan’s population”, he pointed out.

Jaishankar said India is far ahead that the USA in digital economy. “Western countries had predicted that India will face huge problems during Covid. It was difficult to get marks or even vaccines, but India managed to vaccinate everyone of its citizens. When vaccines became scarce in other countries, there was discussion on India’s development and progress on this front”, he said.

Pointing out that education can lead to a country’s progress, Jaishankar said, “In the last 10 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has laid stress on quality education. Almost every week, an new university is being opened and everyday, 30 km of highways are being constructed. In the coming days, everything will be electronic and artificial intelligence and electric vehicles have become the pulse of the current generation”, he noted.

Jaishankar noted that earlier, there were 77 passport kendras which have now been increased to 575. “Many Indians are settled abroad. There is conflict in many parts of the world and it is the duty of the government to protect them. Prime Minister Modi’s government has ensured safety of Indians settled abroad”, he added.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi pointed out that Jaishankar was the first foreign secretary to become a external affairs minister. “The credit should go Jaishankar for the success of the G20 meet held recently. He has stamped his place in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet. Jaishankar gave a befitting reply to European nations when sanctions were imposed on Russia for the Ukraine invasion and he was instrumental in isolating Pakistan on the world stage”, he said.

Pralhad Joshi also pointed out that Jaishankar first worked in Chikkodi. Jaishankar too noted earlier that he had first worked in Belagavi district 45 years ago and was visiting Chikkodi after over four decades.

Jaishankar, who arrived by helicopter, was accompanied by his cabinet colleague Pralhad Joshi, KLE Society chairman and former MP Prabhakar Kore, MLA Prakash Hukkeri and others.