Indian origin lawmakers can be catalysts in India's growth: PM

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asked Indian origin lawmakers from across the world to be partners in India's development and act as catalysts in the country's economic growth.

Addressing the first PIO Parliamentarians Conference here, he said over half the total investment into the country has come in the last three years.

A record USD 16 billion of FDI came into the country last year, Modi said.

This, the prime minister said, had happened due to far- reaching policy changes ushered in by his government, with "reform and transform" being its guiding principle.

"India is changing, India is transforming. India has moved far ahead and Indian hopes are at the top and you will see the result of change in every sphere. A record USD 16 billion FDI came into the country last year," he said.

Modi told the PIO lawmakers that the values of Indian culture and civilisation can guide a world gripped in increasing instability.

"If there is any philosophy that can counter radicalisation, it is Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy, it is Indian philosophy," he said.

The prime minister said India's relationship with a country is not based on give and take, but on humanity.

"We have no interest in exploiting anyone's resources or taking away anyone's territory," he said, noting that India has always played a constructive role and persons of Indian origin can take pride in the country's increasing strength worldwide.