PM Modi highlights Act East Policy, says India improved connectivity to boost ties

Addressing a function to observe Suvarna Jayanti or the Golden Jubilee of the Aditya Birla Group in Bangkok, Mr Modi said, "This is the best time to be in India".

"India is now one of the world's most attractive economies for investment and the country is undergoing transformative changes. The country has stopped working in a routine and a bureaucratic manner," he said.

"For investment and easy business, come to India. To innovate and starting up, come to India. To experience some of the best tourist sites and warm hospitality of people, come to India. India awaits you with open arms," he said.

Prime Minister said commerce and culture have 'inherent powers' to unite and maintained that "For centuries, monks and merchants ventured out to places far and wide".

"They have traveled far from home, and mixed with many cultures," he said adding the bonds of culture and commerce will certainly keep bringing the world closer in times to come.

The Prime Minister, who is in Bangkok to attend ASEAN-related and RCEP Summit meets, said India has many success stories in last five years.

"India is now pursuing another dream- to become a five trillion dollar economy. When my Government took over in 2014, India's GDP was about two trillion dollars," he said pointing out while on one side in 65 years, India's economy stood at two trillion, in just five years, it has been increased to nearly three trillion dollars. 

"In today’s India, the contribution of the hard working tax payer is cherished. One area where we have done significant work is taxation. I am happy that India is one of the most people-friendly tax regimes. We are committed to further improving it even more....," he said, adding that "All of what I have said just now makes India one of the world's most attractive economies for investment".

Modi said India received 286 billion US dollar FDI in the last five years. "This is almost half of the total FDI in India in the last twenty years".
He further said: "We are now starting face-less tax assessment so that there is no scope for discretion or harassment".

In the regional and global context, the Prime Minister said when India prospers, the world prospers. "Our vision for India's development is such that it also leads to a better planet".

Modi also said, "If there is one thing I am specially proud of, it is India's talented and skilled human capital. No wonder India is among the world’s largest start-up ecosystems".

Meanwhile, MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar also tweeted saying: "Underscoring support to Indian entrepreneurship. PM Narendra Modi congratulated the Aditya Birla Group family as they celebrate the Golden Jubilee of their presence in Thailand. From humble roots, the Group proudly flies the Indian flag in 34 countries".