Modi US Visit: An Eminent Journalist Writes

Shekhar Gupta very well known journalist and TV anchor write on Modi's visit to US on UN Annual General Assembly Meet. 

In my own words..... 

The crux of the visit for the first time has shifted to business rather then petty issues. The euphoria created by his visit should be tempered stating the fact the globally stronger country leaders get more attention...as was the case with the Chinese and Russian heads of states.  Hence we have to be an economic powerhouse in order to come closer to them. Though highly successful, his achievement were much appreciated by Indian diaspora and those with interest in the country economically.       

Further Mr.Gupta states that we declare ourselves victorious in haste.  We are inclined to lay too much stress on few failures and suffer from depression as well as get elated by little bit of success. 

Since Indira Gandhi he is our globally best leader. Albeit India is growing fast the economy is minuscule compared to major power and on per capita basis it is dismal. 

The greatest threat that India is facing now is not the tilt to the left but more so because messy politics and the emergence of right wing. Both are antithesis for the goals which we wish to achieve. All the best India big brand, modern technology, education and entrepreneurship.      

I would further add that for US we have become a major arm purchase which is not the make in India campaign aims for.

But remember with the rising popularity as Mr.Gupta states, the warts gets publicity too, corruption of sickening level, crime against women, pollution, caste based discrimination, poor hygiene and yes our ban culture.

Modi: Business and Trade

Since the time he was elected, the premier and his team are making a sincere effort to bring about a paradigm shift as to how India conducts business. The decadent era  of absolute stillness well almost needs a magnanimous effort in the right direction if the country has to move in tandem with the developed World.  

No easy task this, the first signal of intent was brought to notice whence the government decided to bring around a change in the stagnating labor laws. These laws have not seen the daylight since the days of the Raj. Albeit heavily in favor of the work force they did not provide even an iota of encouragement to the business fraternity.         

It is not easy to go about rectifying stagnancy in the governance but nevertheless the Damocles sword that hanged over business practice in India hindered growth out of  draconian penal fear and uncertainty.  However much the developed World pressurizes for level playing field, keeping the ground situation is mind the turn about should come in a reasonable time...after all pros and cons have been taken into consideration.

The emergence of a right lobby is looming over the head and challenging secular and liberal promises made in our constitution. This is detrimental to our image abroad. Investors not only keep business propositions in mind but also the atmosphere prevailing in the country. Hence the direction the Nation is moving towards is of utmost importance for those willing to invest large sum of money and secure the future of their enterprise.      

Most of the policies and systems are based with heavy flavors of socialism shaped during the cold war. The CEO fraternity belonging to major corporate views with much reservation the opening up of India. This was evident in the recent visit of the Prime Minister and subsequent meetings with them in USA.

The red tape, bureaucratic arrogance and lethargy, inherent corruption, inexplicable delays and abeyance of futuristic imperatives  have discouraged direct foreign investment in the country. This is further acerbated by frequent strikes, irrational political opposition and the skewered attitude prevailing in the arena towards  governance.          

No party is unaffected by the populist measures required to please various aspects that keep a party in power. To really stem the rot the Government has to look askance and take step amenable to conduct business in India .     

Albeit labor welfare cannot be neglected, but at least the atmosphere should create a malleable ambiance. This is imperative for a fast growing economy if it has to stay that way. I hope the present Government at least does away with the paralysis that historically evolved since independence...without pointing a finger at any element.