The News Freedom
New Delhi, December 21
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed unwavering confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) re-election bid for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, hailing his government’s “solid record of change” as the key to victory. In an exclusive interview with the Financial Times, the Prime Minister asserted, “I am very confident of victory…Today, the people of India have very different aspirations from the ones they had 10 years back. They realize that our nation is on the cusp of a take-off. They want this flight to be expedited, and they know the best party to ensure this is the one which brought them this far.”
Addressing his critics and naysayers, Modi drew parallels with India’s post-independence journey, stating, “In 1947, when India became independent, the British who left made a lot of very dire predictions about India’s future. But we have seen that those predictions and preconceptions have all been proven false. Those who today similarly doubt my government will also be proven wrong.” His remarks reflect a strong nationalist tone, emphasizing India’s self-reliance and determination to chart its own course.
In this extensive interview with @FT, I have spoken about a wide range of issues, both local and global. https://t.co/d68jbhqk3h
I have talked about the development strides in India, how India is growing at a record pace, exponential rise in StartUps the unique people powered…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 21, 2023
Outlining his government’s foreign policy approach, Modi highlighted “national interest” as the guiding principle. He emphasized “engaging with various nations in a manner that respects mutual interests and acknowledges the complexities of contemporary geopolitics.” This statement suggests a pragmatic and flexible approach to international relations, prioritizing India’s own strategic goals.
The Financial Times interview covered some of the most pressing issues facing India, including the situation of the Muslim minority, tensions with the US and Canada, and the government’s record on the economy and democracy. While Modi dismissed several criticisms, including those related to extrajudicial killings and constitutional amendments, he also acknowledged and engaged with certain concerns, particularly regarding closer ties with the US.
Prime Minister Modi outlined ambitious aspirations for the country, stating, “We envision a system where anyone from around the world feels at home in India, where our processes and standards are familiar and welcoming. This kind of inclusive, global-standard system we aspire to build.”