Tuesday 20 May 2014

Modi as a major partner of Europe

It has been a bit of a mere footnote in the European media, but I think we have to pay greater attention to the political change that is taking place in India. Narendra Modi´s overwhelming electoral victory cannot be ignored. It is, in many ways, an expression of a new India that wants more economic development, concrete results in terms of improved living conditions, and less cronyism and paternalism. Congress Party had become too complacent and too distant from the daily concerns of the people. That´s why they have been voted out. Modi brings a powerful argument with him: the changes he has achieved in his own home State of Punjab. His challenge now is to be able to respond to the aspirations of the ordinary citizen. And also to be able to send a strong signal to the Muslim population. The Indian Muslims need to believe the new Prime Minister is there for all.

EU should engage the new government in Delhi soonest. At the highest level possible, from the European side. Europe has to see Modi and his team as essential partners. 

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