'India is a Changed Country Now,' Says PM Narendra Modi to Germany

Pitching his 'Make in India' agenda in one of Europe's most powerful economies, PM Modi said at an Indo-German Business Summit that India has fast-tracked approvals in industry and infrastructure and added, "I am here to assure the German companies that India is now a changed country." (Highlights of PM's speech)

He also said that India has "removed lot of regressive taxation regimes," and that there is much more potential for India and Germany to do business. "Our economic partnership is not as much as what both nations would like to have," said PM Modi.

This morning, the PM inaugurated the India Pavilion at the Hannover Messe, the world's largest trade fair, along with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. He thanked Germany for inviting India to be a partner at the fair and noted that over 400 Indian companies are participating.

This year, 14 Indian states are participating at the fair, competing with each other to get investment. PM Modi said, "Demography, democracy and demand make India attractive to the world today."

Making a joint statement with Ms Merkel, PM Modi pitched India's potential as a manufacturing hub. The backdrop to the big stage at the India Pavilion is the lion logo of the 'Make in India' campaign. That is the focus of the PM's visit and he said yesterday, "I want to thank you for allowing us to unleash our lions in this city... the lions are a symbol of new India."

As the PM pushed for foreign investment, top Indian industrialist Sanjay Kirloskar said it is important for the government to make clear that India is a "secular, tolerant nation." He said, "Most investors in foreign countries are Christians" and cautioned that he saw "a slight concern" among foreign investors about a series of attacks on churches and other Christian buildings recently in India.

The PM left Hannover in the afternoon and arrived in Berlin where he will met members of the Indian community at a dinner hosted by Indian Ambassador Vijay Gokhale tonight.

Addressing the Indian community at the dinner, the PM asked Indian professions in Germany to act as a bridge between the two countries to help pitchfork India as a global manufacturing hub, promising a conducive atmosphere for it. "It is a win-win situation for both countries," the PM said.

45 celebrity chefs from India served mango lassi to Ms Merkel and prepared Gujarati treats like khandvis, dhoklas and khakras for Mr Modi on Monday morning. The two leaders also shared a cup of tea. "Indian tea. What better than a cup of tea from @teaboardofindia to end visit to Indian Pavilion at @hannover_messe," tweeted external affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin. (Read)

The two-day visit to Germany is the PM's second leg of a three-nation tour that began in France. He will head to Canada next.