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India.com
6 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
Modi Is The Moment: UK's Indian Diaspora Sees PM As Bridge To Global Power
London: London buzzed with anticipation as members of the Indian diaspora gathered to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Enthusiasm met him at every turn. They spoke with warmth. Gehna Gautam recalled the moment. 'I just met the PM. He walked past us. It was a surreal moment. I got to shake his hand. He is so dynamic. It was an amazing experience. The enthusiasm and energy of the people around here is on another level,' she said. Sanjay shared a similar excitement. 'I am very happy to meet PM Modi. He has come here for a very important job. We wish him and Bharat good luck. He is doing a great job,' he said. Bhavya called it unforgettable. 'The prime minister shook my hand and gave me 'Ashirwad' (blessing). It was the best feeling ever,' she said. Shivani felt truly blessed, 'We shook hands twice and he also blessed me on my head. It is my pleasure to meet him. We are very blessed to have him over here. We are really very happy today.' From the Dawoodi Bohra community, voices expressed pride too. 'As Dawoodi Bohras, we are very proud of the relationship that the prime minister has with our community. He has been a friend of our community for many years. And as a proud Dawoodi Bohra and as a British citizen, we welcome him to the United Kingdom and look forward to meeting him.' Another Bohra added, 'I am very excited. This is my first time personally meeting PM Modi. He is a great friend to the Dawoodi Bohra community. It will always be a pleasure to meet him. We welcome him and we hope that one day he will visit us at our mosque in the UK as well.' Preena, a diaspora leader, said, 'I am so excited to see PM Modi. My family and I are huge fans of PM Modi. He has done so much for India's progress. He made India a Vishwaguru. He made India very powerful on the world stage.' Modi landed in London for a two-day visit beginning Wednesday. His agenda includes talks toward a Free Trade Agreement. In a departure statement, he said that India and the United Kingdom share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He listed the scope – trade, investment, technology, innovation, defence, education, research, sustainability, health and people-to-people ties. Modi will meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and also pay respects to King Charles III. The aim is to spur economic growth, create jobs and raise trade to USD 120 billion by 2030. This marks Modi's fourth voyage to the United Kingdom since 2015. His previous visits came in 2015, 2018 and 2021 for COP26 in Glasgow. He and Starmer met twice recently at the G20 in Rio and the G7 in Kananaskis. India-UK ties saw an upgrade in 2021 when they adopted Comprehensive Strategic Partnership status. High-level visits followed. Both nations signaled firm commitments to deepen cooperation. Next on Modi's journey is Maldives.
Hindustan Times
8 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
PM Modi arrives in London, key India-UK trade deal on agenda
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in London on Thursday for two-day visit to the United Kingdom. Announcing his arrival, PM Modi says the visit would advance the economic partnership between India and the UK. PM Modi has arrived in London.(X/@narendramodi) "The focus will be on furthering prosperity, growth and boosting job creation for our people. A strong India-UK friendship is essential for global progress," a part of his tweet read. What's on agenda? The formal signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the UK would be the key highlight of PM Modi's visit. He will hold a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and discuss the bilateral ties between the two countries. The agreement was signed on May 6 and will reportedly be signed by the commerce ministers of India and UK, Piyush Goyal and Jonathan Reynolds, respectively. The FTA will help India massively in terms of tariff, with 99 per cent Indian exports likely to benefit from tariff. As part of the trade deal, it will also be easier for British firms to export whisky, cars and other products to India. While in the UK, PM Modi will be hosted by Starmer at Chequers, the British PM's residence located 50 km northwest of London, people familiar with the matter earlier said. The Prime Minister's visit aims at both India and the UK reviewing the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). Trade and economy, technology, defence, climate, health and education will be some of the focus areas. Besides, PM Modi will also meet King Charles III, before heading to the Maldives for his visit on July 25-26. Interaction with Indian community Upon his arrival in London, PM Modi interacted with some members of the Indian community there, who had been waiting for him. The Indian diaspora expressed joy upon meeting the Prime Minister, and wished him well for the visit. "I just met the PM. He walked past us. It was a surreal moment. I got to shake my hand. He is so dynamic... It was an amazing experience," Gehna Gautam, an Indian diaspora member was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. "The Prime Minister shook my hand and gave me 'Ashirwad'. It was the best feeling ever...," said Bhavya, another member. Some members of the Dawoodi Bohra community also seemed excited to meet the PM. As Dawoodi Bohras, we are very proud of the relationship that the Prime Minister has with our community. He's been a friend of our community for many years. And as a proud Dawoodi Bohra and as a British citizen, we welcome him to the UK and look forward to meeting him..." a member said. Catherine West, UK Foreign Office Minister in charge of the Indo-Pacific, received PM Modi at the London airport. Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami and British High Commissioner to New Delhi Lindy Cameron accompanied her, reported news agency PTI.
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Business Standard
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Business Standard
EV maker Ola opposes auto firms' plea to reduce duty on traction motors
Electric two-wheeler maker Ola Electric has struck a divergent note with the auto industry, which has appealed to the government to cut the basic Customs duty (BCD) on traction motors by half due to the ongoing export restrictions placed by China on standalone magnets. While the industry has asked the ministry of heavy industries (MHI) to reduce the basic customs duty on traction motors to 7.5 per cent from the current 15 per cent, Ola has opposed the move saying that 'there is no global supply chain crises in electric magnets in the auto sector'. The Bengaluru-based firm has reasoned that it was not in favour of any reduction in duty as this would have an adverse impact on those companies which are making the motors in India, and only importing the rare earth motors (like them). The industry, represented by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam), has however, said that they have made the request because due to the restrictions on import of standalone magnets (which had a duty of 7.5 per cent) from China, full assembly and sub-assemblies will have to be imported at 15 per cent which would lead to the increase in the cost of the vehicle. The company has argued that it has procured stocks of rare earth magnets from alternative non-Chinese sources in South East Asia and Europe and also plans to introduce 'ferrite motor' powered vehicles by Q3 of 2026, which are as efficient as rare earth powered motors. So they have already worked out an alternate plan of action. In its communication with the MHI, the industry has also sought exemption for traction and wheel rim hub mounted motors which were to be manufactured in the country under the phased manufacturing program for eligibility in the PM e-drive subsidy scheme. That apart, they have also asked for exemption from another condition to get subsidy, that import of PMP components and all other components for electric-2 and 3 wheelers from a single supplier should not be permitted. In the case of PLI, it has requested that additional import costs in sourcing motor assemblies, sub-assemblies, components and electronic throttle will be exempted from the computation of domestic value addition and the import content declared in the techno commercial audit issued before the restrictions by China was imposed will be calculated for DVA has also made it clear that they are not in favour of any change in the domestic value addition norms of PLI as well as the phased manufacturing program as requested by many auto companies. The industry has also pointed out to MHI that while they are committed to the 'Make in India' vision, under the prevailing scenario there is need for the government to provide them with some flexibility to ensure the momentum of growth in EV penetration.
Hans India
14 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
UK: Lord Rami Ranger lauds PM Modi's leadership, welcomes FTA with India
London: British Indian businessman Lord Rami Ranger on Wednesday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership while terming the possible signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as "a major development" and a "win-win situation" for both India and the United Kingdom. Speaking exclusively with the IANS just ahead of PM Modi's arrival in the country on a two-day visit, Ranger, an Indian-origin member (Peer) of the upper house of the UK, spoke highly of the development that has taken place in India over the past decade. He emphasised that the UK's economy will also witness a jump after collaborating with India. "It will be a very significant day as the Prime Minister will sign a Free Trade Agreement with the country that ruled over India for 200 years. We were once their colony, and today we stand as equals. This is a major development and it is the result of Prime Minister Modi's leadership. We are witnessing development in India in the past 10 years, like the 'Make in India' initiative. There will be transfer of technology along with the Free Trade Agreement. The FTA is made in heaven and a win-win situation benefitting many nations. The British economy will also jump after plugging in with the Indian economy. Whole world will benefit from it," said the 78-year-old Ranger. He mentioned that the Free Trade Agreement will bring stability to the markets of both countries and help traders on both sides. Earlier in the day, PM Modi departed on a two-day visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of his British counterpart Keir Starmer. It will be PM Modi's fourth trip to the UK since assuming office. During the visit, PM Modi will meet Starmer and also call upon King Charles III. In May, PM Modi and Starmer announced the successful conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-UK FTA, which is expected to double the trade between the two countries to $120 billion by 2030. Under the agreement, 99 per cent of Indian exports to the UK will get the benefit of zero duty, an official statement detailed. "We all are very excited and extremely happy that Prime Minister Modi is coming to London. I only wish he had more time for everyone, for all Indians, because they are eagerly waiting to celebrate with him... What he is doing for our nation, we are really proud of him," said London based businessman, Ramesh Arora. Over the years, the historical ties between India and the UK have transformed into a robust, multi-faceted, mutually beneficial relationship. The relationship was elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021. There has been enormous growth across all sectors including trade and economy, defence and security, climate, green energy, health, education, people-to-people ties. On PM Modi's UK visit, Jayu Shah of Friends of India Society International (FISI), UK said, "We will warmly welcome PM Modi in the UK. The trade agreement negotiations have been going on for 20 years. Now, PM Modi has managed to make the deal and the two nations will sign it. India is 'Vishwaguru', the superpower and all nations need it. India is the largest investor in the UK, businesswise". PM Modi, in his departure statement, highlighted that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has witnessed significant progress in recent years witnessing growth in a wide range of sectors, including trade, investment, technology, innovation, defence, education, research, sustainability, health and people-to-people ties. "During my meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, we will have the opportunity to further enhance our economic partnership, aimed at fostering prosperity, growth and jobs creation in both countries. I also look forward to calling on His Majesty King Charles III during the visit," he added.
News18
20 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Crystallising The Global South: PM Modi's Vision For A New World Order
The Modi Doctrine does not speak of India's prosperity and progress alone; it advocates shared prosperity and a shared future Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recently concluded foreign tour, from July 2 to 9, covering two continents and five nations, was the longest such trip undertaken in ten years. The pace was unchanged. It was relentless and focused on realising India's strategic and national interest goals. Apart from the many gains it made for India and for her global partnerships at many levels, this trip was crucial and symbolic on an important count. It served to reiterate and crystallise the philosophy and vision of the 'Global South", consistently articulated by PM Modi over the last five years. Pursuing India's strategic and foreign policy goals and articulating a vision for a new global discourse and paradigm went hand in hand during PM Modi's interactions and addresses on this long tour. The hard interests and dealings were not neglected. In fact, under Modi in the last decade, they have never been given up or jettisoned, while the deeper vision that can effectuate a global shift and change in the emerging new order was also stated through PM Modi's emphasis on the 'Global South" paradigm. In the last decade, PM Modi has retrieved Indian diplomacy from this mindset which saw national interest as a secondary concern. He has made national interest the driving force and the touchstone of India's diplomacy. 'Protection and promotion of national interests" has become the primary focus of India's diplomacy under PM Modi. It is, as we argued in our assessment of PM Modi's foreign policy in 2016, just two years after he assumed office, the foundational pillar of the 'Modi Doctrine." It signified a definite paradigm shift from Panchsheel to Panchamrit. Jawaharlal Nehru's Panchsheel was not backed by force and conviction; it was driven by defenseless pacifism. Modi's Panchamrit is backed by strength, is dynamic and aims to see India emerge as a major power — a power that matters. It is the foundation of PM Modi's diplomacy. PM Modi's Panchamrit foreign policy, as we had argued, stands on five pillars: Samman (dignity and honour), Samvad (greater engagement and dialogue), Samriddhi (shared prosperity, Suraksha (regional and global security), Sanskriti evam Sabhyata (cultural and civilisational linkages). It is a crystallised foreign policy doctrine and has had an effect and visibility on the ground. Let us look at some of these dimensions. Operation Sindoor reiterated PM Modi's commitment to the 'Suraksha" dimension. Surgical strikes in response to the Uri terror attack in September 2016, Pulwama in 2019, and Pahalgam in 2025 have seen a quantum leap in technique and resolve. The ability and willingness to strike — as distinct from the strike itself — had left the world watching. No country disputed India's right to strike to safeguard her security imperatives. It displayed the effectiveness of the Suraksha dimension and the commitment to it in the Modi Doctrine-driven foreign policy. The Suraksha dimension has been clearly visible in India's response to Chinese adventurism in Doklam and Galwan. India dug in her heels and held her ground. Eventually, Samvad over the last few years, held on India's terms, has seen a movement forward on the China front. The resumption of the Kailas Mansarovar Yatra is one of the signs of that renewed momentum. The emphasis on Suraksha in the Modi Doctrine is also visible in India's determined and persistent stand that terrorism and its sources need to be called out globally. Prime Minister Modi's unambiguous stand on international forums has elicited wide global support. His emphasis that condemnation of terrorism 'must be our principle, not a mere convenience" at the recently held BRICS summit received endorsement. The Rio de Janeiro 'Declaration – Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance" came out strongly against the Pahalgam terror attack and spoke of combating terrorism in all forms, 'including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens." It also urged all members to ensure 'zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering terrorism." The Sanskriti and Sabhyata – cultural and civilisational linkages – dimension has been most visible of late in the mega 'Dhammayatras" with Lord Buddha's sacred relics, undertaken over the last few months in the Buddhist countries of Southeast Asia. After a massive congregation in Thailand in February 2024, the sacred relics Dhammayatra in Vietnam in May 2025 saw over 14 million people congregate across various cities and from neighbouring countries to venerate and worship. Never since Samrat Ashoka's time has India undertaken such a civilisational Dhammayatra of such magnitude. With PM Modi's personal involvement, in pursuit of the vision of the 'Asian Century" inspired by the legacy and message of Buddha, such a Dhammayatra reflects India's aspiration to renew special civilisational linkages and of her emergence as Viswamitra. PM Modi's visit to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Temple at Anuradhapura in April this year demonstrated the commitment in the Modi Doctrine to renewing and relaying civilisational and cultural linkages under a new rubric. These symbolise India's commitment to relationships defined by compassion, prosperity, and possibilities — a commitment to partnerships that are beneficial and non-exploitative. PM Modi's vision of the 'Global South" is driven by the essence of the Viswamitra narrative. The Modi Doctrine does not speak of India's prosperity and progress alone; it advocates shared prosperity and a shared future. It envisages shared zones of prosperity. During his five-nation tour, PM Modi consistently spoke of the voice of the 'Global South." It was a tour that, among other things, further crystallised the 'Global South" framework for engagement over the next decade. He had earlier defined its core philosophy when he argued that 'Most of the global challenges have not been created by the Global South. But they affect us more" and that 'the search for solutions also does not factor in our role or our voice." In this pan-continent tour, PM Modi reiterated this message of the need to search for global solutions by factoring in the role of the 'Global South" — which is perhaps the most defining and future-oriented global narrative that can shape and influence the emerging new order. In the last decade, the narrative of the 'Global South" is thus among the most crucial additions to the Modi Doctrine. The author is chairman, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation, and a member of the National Executive Committee, BJP. The views expressed are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. tags : pm narendra modi view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 23, 2025, 14:51 IST News opinion Opinion | Crystallising The Global South: PM Modi's Vision For A New World Order Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
