Political stability behind India's development strides: Modi

Riyadh, Apr 2: India has made major strides towards development in a short span of time because of "political stability" and the country has ignited a "new hope" in the world despite the economic slowdown with some describing it as a "shining star", Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today.

Modi made the comments while addressing a gathering of Indian community some of whom welcomed him by forcefully chanting "Bharat Mata Ki Jai".

Talking about India's economic resilience, Modi said the country is marching forward rapidly on the path of development as a government with full majority has come to power after a gap of 30 years. He said agriculture, industry and services sectors have been moving forward confidently under his government. "In a short span of time, India has once again ignited a new hope.

Otherwise we were also one among many countries. Today the world is recognising India as an important country. And the reason behind it is political stability in India. After a gap of 30 years, a government of full majority has come." "The whole world is today going through economic crisis.

And be it IMF, World Bank or credit rating agencies, everybody is looking at India as a ray of hope. Some are looking at it as shining star," Modi said in his brief address at the event attended by over 600 Indians.

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). Modi said India has ignited "new hope" and "new excitement" because of its democratic values and the government's mantra of 'sabka sath, sabka vikas'.

"A country of 125 crore people can give a lot to the world and can do a lot for the world," he said, adding that a hope has arisen that by following democratic values and human values prosperity can be achieved.

The Prime Minister said India has around 800 million people under the age of 35 and they are an asset to the world and can make a huge difference. A section of the audience again chanted 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' when Modi ended his address. The Prime Minister interacted with the audience and posed for photographs with them.

PTI