‘India Was a Slave, Now Leading the World’: PM Modi Addresses Indians in Munich

The prime minister is slated to participate in discussions on key issues including health and gender equality.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Munich.

(Photo: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Germany on Sunday, 26 June, to attend the G7 Summit.

Later, addressing Indian diaspora in Munich, he said that in the last century, Germany and other countries took benefit from the industrial revolution.

"India was a slave back then that's why it couldn't leverage benefits. But now India will not be left behind in the 4th industrial revolution, it's now leading the world," he said.

(Photo: PTI)

(Photo: PTI)

(Photo: PTI)

(Photo: PTI)

Earlier, he shared that he landed in Munich and is looking forward to 'fruitful discussions' with world leaders during the summit.

The prime minister is attending the summit following an invitation by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The focus of the G7 Summit is said to be on the Ukraine crisis that has caused geopolitical turmoil along with a worldwide food and energy crisis.

"During the sessions of the Summit, I will be exchanging views with the G7 countries, G7 partner countries and guest International Organisations on topical issues such as environment, energy, climate, food security, health, counter-terrorism, gender equality and democracy," Modi said in a statement ahead of his visit.

The prime minister's office shared visuals of him being welcomed by a Bavarian band upon his arrival in Munich, Germany.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared 'glimpses' from the special welcome in Munich in his tweet.

The prime minster's statement further said that he will be meeting the Indian diaspora during his stay in Germany.

He said:

"While in Germany, I also look forward to meeting members of the Indian Diaspora from across Europe, who are contributing immensely to their local economies as also enriching our relations with European countries."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi address to Indians in Munich

‘Emergency a Black Spot in India’s Democracy’: PM Modi

Speaking in Munich, PM Modi said that Emergency was a black spot in India's "vibrant" democracy.

"Today is 26 June which is also known for the day when India's democracy, that's is in DNA of every Indian, was trampled and suppressed 47 years ago. Emergency was a black spot on the vibrant history of India's democracy," he said.

PM Modi also said that in the last century, Germany and other countries took benefit from the industrial revolution.

"India was a slave back then that's why it couldn't leverage benefits. But now India will not be left behind in the 4th industrial revolution, it's now leading the world," he said.

"Today, every village in our country is open defecation free, has electricity and 99 percent of the villages also have clean cooking fuel. India is providing free ration to 80 crore poor people since last 2 years. In India now we have a unicorn every 10 days".

Stating that climate change is not just a matter of policies in India, PM Modi said, "Sustainable climate practices have become a part of the lives of India's people."

"We had put an ambitious target of 10 percent ethanol blending in petrol. We achieved this five months before the target. India is now ready for progress, for development, and for the fulfillment of its dreams," he said.

India Out of the ‘It Happens’ Mindset, Says PM

"There was a time when India was nowhere in the race of startups. Today, we are the third largest startup ecosystem. Similarly, we used to import even the simplest phones, today, we are the second largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world," Modi said.

Modi said that drone technology is being used which is unprecedented. In India's many places, fertilisers are being sprayed using drones, he said. He also said that India has started the Swamitwa Yojana under which land's mapping in Indian villages is being made through drones only.

"In Information technology, digital technology, India is making its presence felt. 40 percent digital transactions in the world are from India. India is making new records in data consumption. India is among the countries where data is cheapest,” he said.

"Today's India has come out of the mentality of ‘It happens, it runs like this'. Today India takes a pledge to 'have to do', 'have to do' and 'have to do on time.'”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

"We have brought 21st century policies for the youth of New India. Today, our youth will be able to complete their education in their own mother tongues," the prime minister said.

The prime minister added that India is now no longer lamenting over global problems, instead India is leading the charge and providing sustainable solutions to the world.

Modi also said that with initiatives such as the PLI Schemes, India has now enhanced its manufacturing capabilities significantly, and the world is also looking at India as a reliable supply chain partner.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra had said on Friday that Modi will hold bilateral meetings and discussions with the leaders of the G7 and also those of guest countries on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.

Besides India, Germany, the host of the G7 Summit, has also invited Argentina, Indonesia, Senegal, and South Africa as guests for the summit, to recognise the democracies of the global south as its partners.

From Germany, Modi will travel to the United Arab Emirates on 28 June to pay his condolences on the passing away of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the former president of the Gulf nation.

Sheikh Khalifa passed away on 13 May after battling illness for the last several years.