Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a nine-day tour of France, Germany and Canada. He has already made a mark in foreign countries. Topping all was US President Barack Obama’s trip to India. Besides, Modi visited Japan and Chinese President Xi Jinping came to New Delhi. All this meant that India banked on recalibrating its image internationally. At the same time, Modi followed a vigorous policy to cement ties with neighbouring countries. France, Germany and Canada have a huge potential to contribute to India’s economic development. Modi’s foreign policy since he took office has been dovetailed with the pursuit of economic goals.
In Paris, Modi looked to strengthen India’s relationship with France to give a boost to the country’s economy. Pacts are likely to be on the way in the areas of nuclear energy, technology, tourism and smart cities. In Germany, his mission is to bring in dollops of investment to step up India’s economic growth. Delhi’s support to Russia on the Ukrainian crisis should not stand in the way. Canada has natural resources including uranium. Uranium can help India significantly in generating nuclear energy. India needs the assistance of all three countries to give a boost to the implementation of its economic agenda. But it will be possible only if the government of India eases business rules and processes at home. The country has to cut red tapism and simplify governance to persuade foreign partners to do business with it. It is encouraging that Moody’s has upgraded India’s rating from stable to positive.
