In a historic moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has achieved a remarkable distinction: he is set to become the first Indian Prime Minister to grace the cover of the prestigious Newsweek magazine. This honor places him alongside the legendary Indira Gandhi, who was featured on the cover of Newsweek’s April 1966 issue.
The Exclusive Interview
Newsweek’s cover story features an exclusive interview with PM Modi, where he candidly discusses a wide range of topics. Let’s delve into some of the key highlights:
1. India’s Global Standing
PM Modi emphasizes India’s role as a democratic polity and a global economic growth engine. He asserts that India, with its transformative economic reforms, is a natural choice for those seeking to diversify their supply chains. Notable reforms include the Goods and Service Tax (GST), corporate tax reduction, bankruptcy code, labor law reforms, and relaxed foreign direct investment (FDI) norms. These measures have significantly improved India’s ease of doing business.
2. Manufacturing Hub and Domestic Market
India’s strengths lie in its encouragement of businesses, entrepreneurship, and world-class infrastructure. PM Modi proudly states that major global manufacturing entities are now setting up operations in India. The vast Indian domestic market, coupled with skilled talent, makes India an attractive destination for manufacturing high-quality goods at competitive costs.
3. Upcoming Lok Sabha Polls
As India stands on the cusp of historic elections, PM Modi expresses confidence in his government’s track record of fulfilling promises. Unlike many other governments, which tend to lose support over time, popular backing for PM Modi’s administration has continued to grow. Over 600 million people voted in the 2019 General Elections, and soon, over 970 million eligible voters will exercise their franchise. India, indeed, stands tall as the mother of democracy.
4. Democracy in Our Genes
In a poignant statement, PM Modi declares, “We are a democracy, not only because our Constitution says so, but also because it is in our genes.” His words resonate with the essence of India’s democratic spirit, where millions of voices converge to shape the nation’s destiny. This sentiment underscores the significance of PM Modi’s appearance on Newsweek’s cover, symbolizing India’s unwavering commitment to democratic values.
A Conversation Beyond Boundaries
Newsweek’s interview with PM Modi began with written questions and evolved into a 90-minute conversation. The New York-based magazine recognized India’s global influence and chose to feature our Prime Minister prominently. As the world watches, PM Modi’s vision for India continues to inspire and captivate—a testament to his leadership and the nation’s resilience.
In the pages of Newsweek, PM Modi’s words echo across continents, bridging cultures and ideologies. His journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of global recognition exemplifies the spirit of India—a nation that thrives on diversity, democracy, and determination.
As the cover image of Newsweek immortalizes this moment, we celebrate PM Modi’s historic achievement. The man who once sold tea by the railway tracks now graces the world stage, leaving an indelible mark on history.