Seoul: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took another jibe at previous governments which practiced ‘Look East’ policy, saying India has had enough of it and it’s time to ‘Act East’.
“Earlier, it was ‘Look East Policy’. We have had enough of looking east. We now have ‘Act East Policy’ – a key component of my government’s foreign policy,” Modi told Indian diaspora during a community reception at the Kyung Hee University here in the South Korean capital.
Modi’s reference to ‘Look East’ and ‘Act East’ drew loud cheers from the assembled Indians.
‘Look East’ policy was first coined by the Narasimha Rao government in the 1990s and has been followed by the successive governments.
Modi also referred to economic experts saying that in the five-member BRICS grouping India was struggling but since last year (after his government came to power) things have changed.
“Since the last one year, the world is now saying that I (India) is an important segment of BRICS and the grouping can not be imagined without I (India),” said Modi, who arrived here from Mongolia today on the last leg of his three-nation tour which also took him to China. At a similar community reception in China’s economic hub Shanghai last week, Modi broke his silence on opposition criticism over his frequent foreign visits and took veiled digs at his critics back home, saying he was being attacked for “tireless” work and asserted that if it was a “crime” he would continue to do it.
Modi, who came under attack over his criticism of previous governments during his last trip to Germany, France and Canada, said: “People are asking why is Modi travelling to so many countries…If you work less, criticism is normal. If you keep sleeping, criticism is normal. But it is my bad luck that I am being criticised for working more.”
During his speech today, Modi pitched for his ‘Make in India’ initiative and said that he wants to make India a manufacturing hub using the world’s best technology.
He invited Indians settled abroad to come and invest in the country, saying the mood and the perception about India has changed in the last one year.
“World’s best technology should come to India,” he said, adding that India has to attain new heights of achievements.
“Today, people are excited to come to India. This is the mood that has changed. And after all, the people make the nation,” he said.
Modi said the path is tough but he knows how to leave an indelible mark. “We have embraced that path. The solution to all problems is development,” he said.
“There was a time when people left India saying country is of no good. These people are ready to come back. Mood has changed,” the Prime Minister said, adding that India is being seen as the fastest growing economy of the world.
“Your experiences are indispensable for Indian progress,” he told the Indian community, describing them as the real ambassadors of Indian history and culture in foreign lands. Drawing on ancient linkages between the two countries, Modi invoked the legendary Korean King Suro, who is believed to have married an Indian princess from Ayodhya centuries ago.
Citing Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, Modi described Korea as the “lamp of the east”.
Prime Minister Modi said human values and humanity should be the focal point of foreign policy and insisted that based on humanism his government has connected the SAARC countries. Referring to recent crises in India’s neighbourhood, Modi said five Indian fishermen were sentenced to death in Sri Lanka, but using the diplomatic missions his government was able to save them and bring home.
Stating that India stood firmly with Nepal after the devastating earthquake that hit the country last month, Modi said India rescued hundreds of people including those from 50 other countries.
He also made a reference to strife-torn Yemen from where India evacuated over 4,000 people including foreigners, saying it was because his government believes in humanity.
He said India sent drinking water by ships and planes and aided the Maldives when water crisis hit the island nation.
Modi also mentioned the Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh, crediting his government for resolving this vexed issue. He thanked all political parties for the passing of India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement.
Later, he drove down to Cheong Wae Dae, the office and official residence of the South Korean President, where he was given a ceremonial welcome.
Earlier, Modi drove down to the Seoul National Cemetery straight from the airport after arriving here to pay his tributes to Korean veterans. (PTI)