Davos 2018: PM Narendra Modi to deliver keynote speech at World Economic Forum
Davos: In a short while from now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will showcase the India growth story as he delivers the keynote address at the opening session of the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in the Swiss mountain resort of Davos. PM Modi, who was given a standing ovation as he arrived at the venue, will speak about the New India that is emerging, about the Indian economy moving from strength to strength, and "about India being recognised across the world as a superpower, as a great place to do business, and about our plans for the next few years," said union minister Piyush Goyal, who is also in Davos.
Here is 10-point cheat sheet to Davos 2018:
- PM Modi has said he "looks forward to sharing my vision for India's future engagement with the international community". PM Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to give the plenary speech at the WEF and the first to attend the Davos summit in 20 years, since HD Deve Gowda's visit in 1997.
- "We are raising our voice... it's a louder voice. Earlier, our people used to feel shy. Now on international platform, our PM is talking. And he is putting the nation in a global scenario. Earlier, all prime ministers, Indian politicians used to feel shy for various reasons," Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu told NDTV in Davos ahead of the PM's speech.
- As PM Modi landed in Switzerland last evening for a packed 24-hour visit, the International Monetary Fund reaffirmed that India's economy is projected to grow by 7.4 per cent in the next fiscal, making it the fastest growing economy again, ahead of China.
- At a dinner meeting last night, PM Modi talked about India's growth story and presented investment opportunities to over 40 global industry bosses from 18 countries, including Microsoft's Satya Nadella, Reliance's Mukesh Ambani, Airbus CEO Dirk Hoke. The PM invited everyone to speak and sought suggestions, responded to each query, addressing each CEO personally, said those who attended.
- PM Modi said he was "moving from ease of doing business to ease of living", his new focus would be "less conflict with government."
- PM Modi's first engagement in Davos last evening was a bilateral with Swiss President Alain Berset. "Productive discussions on steps to further deepen our bilateral cooperation," the foreign ministry said in a tweet after the meeting.
- India which aims to showcase its potential as a driver of global economic growth also hosted a reception at the Congress Center - the main venue of the World Economic Forum attended by nearly 1,500 delegates. Participants at the reception got a glimpse of India's rich culture and a taste of Indian cuisine that included samosa and kachaudi.
- The Indian presence this year is the largest in the 48-year history of the WEF. Two yoga teachers from India will hold daily classes at the summit, which has attracted 70 heads of state and government, including US President Donald Trump as well as celebrities, chief executives and top bankers.
- Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan was felicitated yesterday along with Hollywood actress Cate Blanchett and music legend Elton John at the 24th Annual Crystal Awards. "Power needs a reversal more than anything in the world," Mr Khan said in his acceptance speech. The awards honour "artists who have shown exemplary commitment to improving the state of the world".
- There has been heavy snowfall in Davos, leading to some pre-summit meetings being cancelled or delayed as many delegates waded through snow-blanketed streets with luggage, looking for their hotels, or had to wait for road crews to dig their limousines out of drifts.
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