India has ignited new hope in world, seen as bright star: PM

Riyadh: India has strengthened its economy despite the adverse global conditions and has ignited a “new hope” in the world, with some describing it as a “bright star”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Saturday.
He said India has a lot to give to the world, particularly in terms of talented workforce with modern skills, and his government is working in this direction with the mantra of ‘sabka sath, sabka vikas’ (with all, development for all).
Addressing a gathering of Indian community here on the first day of his two-day visit, Modi said India was earlier “one of the countries” in the world but now it has become “very important country”.
“Despite adverse conditions globally, India has strengthened its economy.... Today, India is progressing economically and the world is looking at us...The country of over a crore people can do a lot,” he said.
The prime minister said that India has ignited “new hope” and “new excitement” because of its democratic values and the government’s mantra of ‘sabka sath, sabka vikas’. He said the World Bank and all the rating agencies say that the economic development in India has generated a “ray of hope” and some say India is a “bright star”.
Modi said one of the reasons for the country’s economic progress is the political stability.
He noted that India now has a government with full majority after 30 years. He said India’s youth is the country’s strength.
“The world needs a workforce that is talented and well versed with technology,” the prime minister said, adding India is making strides in agriculture, industry and services sector.
Reaching out to expatriates, Modi announced a 24X7 multi-lingual helpline for them and said a move to regularise migration was in the offing through an online programme. Asserting that the expatriates could count on the Indian government in the times of crisis, he said they could use the avenues like the MADAD portal to reach the government for help.
Specifically for Indians in Saudi Arabia, he announced the setting up of worker resource centres in Riyadh and Jeddah to provide them with all necessary help.
Addressing a gathering of L&T workers who are constructing metro rail here, he said the country was proud of their contribution which has enhanced India’s image abroad and opened doors for overseas employment opportunities for their compatriots.
“Whenever any good news regarding you people comes, I feel as happy as your family. When there is news of some concern regarding you, I feel the pain like your family would because you are my family,” Modi said, adding that he shared their happiness and sorrow.
“Government has started a programme called e-migrate. In the coming days, we are working to regularise migration,” he said.
“In the coming days, we plan to establish worker resource centres in Riyadh and Jeddah to meet your needs and there will also be a 24X7 helpline. A call centre will be established whose facilities can be availed in different languages and through this helpline you can share your problems,” Modi said.
He asked them to use forums like MyGov website and ‘Narendra Modi Mobile App’ “through which you can reach me and I can communicate with you.”
“By using this I will be in your pocket all the time. When you can have your prime minister in your pocket, what more do you want,” Modi said, evoking peals of laughter.
“I am free 24 hours. I have no work. I have the work of over 125 crore people. I have no work of my own,” he said.
He said the government has been trying to address the problems of the Indians abroad and cited the example of evacuation undertaken in Yemen.
In this context, he praised External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj saying she and her team are giving priority to these issues.
“The MEA, the entire team of officials, Sushmaji...they are always helping Indians who face any problems overseas,” the prime minister added.