'The Eyes of the World are on Asia,' Says PM Modi in Masdar

Masdar, UAE:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in an investors’ meet in the smart, zero-carbon city of Masdar.

Here are the highlights of what he said:

• It took 34 years for an Indian PM to come here.


• I promise, it won’t take this long again.


• It needs to be said that the big countries of the ‘first world’ have begun to falter.


• The eyes of the world are now on Asia.


• I believe India is a land of possibilities.


• 125 crore people aren’t just a ‘market’. They are a power.


• India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world.


• Asia is incomplete without UAE.


• We want to see Asia do well in the future.


• India’s potential, and UAE’s power can help shape India’s future.


• I have inherited a few troubles – government’s lethargy, indecision and the image that it has created.


• I want to fix all that.


• After 30 years, a government with a full mandate has come to power.


• We have decided to allow 100 per cent FDI investment in railways.


• When it comes to defense manufacturing, we want to join hands with you in this. The sky is the limit.


• In the insurance sector, 49 per cent FDI.


• In the real estate sector, there are lots of possibilities.


• When India will celebrate its 75th year of Independence, by then we want to make 50 million low-cost houses.


• There are many countries in the world that don’t have 50 million houses.


• But my government has to add that many, in just seven years.


• We want better technologies for low-cost housing.


• For that I know, I must upgrade existing infrastructure.


• In the agricultural sector, I want to build a huge network based on cold storage and warehousing.


• To waste agro products is a crime.


• We realize we are a bit behind in public-private partnerships.


• For the world, India can perform miracles.


• I want to carry it forward.


• You have compelled the world to come and visit your desert.


• Then India has much to offer.


• We want the world at our doorstep as well.


• I want to extend my hand in friendship.


• If we move one step ahead, we solve 1/6th of the world’s problems.


• We hold that kind of power.


• We have a stable, decisive government in India.


• Have felt ashamed why we wasted 34 years in coming here.


• I want to fill 34 years’ void while I’m here.