PM Narendra Modi calls for collective global action against black money

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asserted that democratic nations have an obligation of collectively fighting the black money evil as it does not affect any country selectively, while warning that it can destabilise world peace and harmony.

A day after his return from a foreign tour, during which the issue of black money was flagged at the G-20 Summit in Australia, the Prime Minister wrote a blog saying that the country placed the issue of existence and repatriation of black money at the forefront of the world community.

Modi said he was glad that the world community took note of this because this was an issue that did not selectively affect one nation.

Warning that the menace of black money has the potential to destabilise world peace and harmony, the Prime Minister said, black money also brings with it terrorism, money laundering and narcotics trade.

Pitching for a united global fight against the menace, Modi said, "As democracies firmly committed to the rule of law, it becomes our obligation to collectively fight this evil and there was no better occasion than the G-20 to raise this."

Referring to the outcome of the G-20 Summit, the 64-year-old Prime Minister said, "Our efforts paid off with the official communique reflecting this issue."

Modi, who attended five Summits and met 38 world leaders during his 10-day tour of Myanmar, Australia and Fiji, said, "I noticed one thing - that the world is looking at India with renewed respect and immense enthusiasm! I see a global community that is tremendously keen to engage with India."

"With every leader, we discussed how we could make our relations more extensive, diverse and wide-ranging. Strengthening trade and commerce and drawing industry to India was a central part of the discussion," the Prime Minister wrote on the blog.

He added that the numerous leaders he met were very optimistic about our 'Make in India' initiative and were keen to come to the country and be a part of the extensive and diverse opportunities its has to offer.

"I see this as a positive sign, one that will bring several opportunities to India's youth and give them the right exposure that will make them shine," Modi said.

Observing that such exposure has become imperative keeping in mind the pace at which the world is developing, the Prime Minister said, several world leaders also showed keenness on the government's plans to create 'Next Gen Infrastructure' and smart cities.

He noted that his visit to Australia was the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 28 years and to Fiji after 33 years.

In an apparent dig at his predecessors, Modi wrote, on one hand, the IT and Communication revolution brought the world closer but on the other hand, we could not reach the shores of these two countries, each important in its own way, for almost three decades. I thought this must change.

He said he had 20 full bilateral meetings. "In fact, I had the opportunity to meet leaders from every part of the world! These meetings were frank, comprehensive and fruitful. We covered substantial ground on several issues. I met a wide range of business leaders as well," Modi wrote.

From his recent eastward travels, the Prime Minister said he noted what the world expects from India. "I saw in their eyes a desire to see India playing its part for a peaceful, stable and developed global community. I also saw a reflection of the energy of our youth, keeping pace with rapid changes across the world," Modi said.

"I am convinced, with even greater consciousness, of the positive difference India can make on the world stage," he said.

Contending that the world is looking at India with renewed enthusiasm, he said, "We must reciprocate with a renewed commitment to our shared values and goals. Together we shall script a better future for India and the rest of the world."