In Germany, PM Narendra Modi says govt trying to end frequent rule changes and surprises

Agencies

Hannover, 13 Apr 2015: Promising a stable business environment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wooed German investors saying opportunities in India are "seamless" and huge for a vibrant economic partnership.

 

Inaugurating the Hannover Messe, the world’s biggest business fair, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the PM said India was working on a "predictable and transparent" environment to open up investments.

 

"We are creating an environment that is stable, where rules will not be changed frequently and there will be no surprise elements," he said.

 

Strongly pitching for his "Make in India" campaign, he said it was not a "slogan or a brand, but a new national movement".

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (centre) with German Chancellor Angela Merkel (2nd from right) and others at the opening of the industrial fair in Hannover, on April 12, 2015. 

 

Earlier, Modi took the message to the captains of German industry, telling a slew of top CEOs — including those of Daimler, Voith, Metro AG and Bombardier Transportation — that India was a land of great opportunities.The PM, accompanied by commerce and industry minister Nirmala Sitharaman, attended a round table with German CEOs and invited them to invest in India. Modi then individually met CEOs Lutz Bertling of Bombardier Transportation, Hubert Lienhard of Voith, Olaf Koch, Metro AG, and Dieter Zetsche of Daimler.

 

Modi, who flew down to this German city after his two-day visit to France, also unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the City Hall. He was given a rousing welcome by Indian nationals, especially students, with some chanting "Modi, Modi" at the airport and later outside his hotel.

 

"Movers & shakers of German economy/industry meet with PM @narendramodi," tweeted the external affairs ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin.At the Hannover City Hall, he was accorded a welcome by the mayor Steven Schostok. Speaking after unveiling the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the city hall, Modi said the unveiling of the statue was a moment of pride not only for the residents of the city but also for every individual who had faith in humanity. Modi said the world was facing challenges of terrorism and global warming and Mahatma Gandhi’s life provided answers to these issues.

 

Describing Mahatma Gandhi as a "yug purush (a great man)", he said the Father of the Indian Nation belonged to the whole world.

 

"If we look at Mahatma Gandhi we can find solutions in his philosophy. He always spoke of the environment, and protecting the environment, and through his life he would give the message. And today, when the world is getting bloodied with terrorism to finish humanity, the message of non-violence and vasudhaiva kutumbakam is a valid message for all."

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with mayor of Hannover Stefan Schostok after unveiling the bust of Mahatma Gandhi, at Culemannstrasse, in Hannover, on April 12, 2015. 

 

"Mahatma Gandhi is an inspiration for the whole world," he said.

 

The Hannover fair is as old as India’s Independence, with the first held in a factory before moving to its own premises.