Ahmedabad, 24 November 2013

Yesterday as prelude to this article I shared why Narendra Modi is seen as great hope for countries keen to engage India as responsible global citizen.

Today I would like to share yet again unprecedentedly large coverage to Narendra Modi in Nikkei on 12th November 2013. 1264 worded article on International section for Nikkei mean a lot. It is even bigger than previous 900 worded, which announced red-carpet welcome for Modi in Japan.

The article can be read here. And is presented as excerpt of interview of BJP’s PM candidate Mr. Narendra Modi was conducted at Gandhinagar on November 11, 2013.

I am presenting few gist in English.

Article contents: ————

Gujarat Model for India:

Modi asserted that if BJP regains power after a decade in election to be held before May next year, he would like to implement growth model of Gujarat (economic development through quality infrastructure improvement) at national level. He looks forward to increased participation of FDI and his priority would be to revive manufacturing industry.

Narendra Modi has worked relentlessly and improved infrastructure (from roads to ports) since he took over as CM of Gujarat. His efforts especially in power sector improvement in making Gujarat “Zero Power Cut” is highly commendable. He has also successfully invited global names like TATA, FORD and SUZUKI to his state. Thanks to his policies, Gujarat is on its way to be “Next Generation Automotive Cluster”

During interview Mr. Modi asserts that “India has to be competitive globally and for that it is very imperative to upgrade India’s manufacturing capabilities. Automotive, High-tech and Health-care are areas with very high exports potential which can earn precious foreign exchange and help arrest Current Account Deficit.” When Govt led by Modi takes shape, this will be his priority.

FDI is an integral part of strengthening brand “Made in India”

He further sees FDI as an important piece in India’s growth story and would like to focus on stalled economic reforms to channelize FDI to help increase employment opportunity and more importantly strengthen “Made in India” brand globally. On a question is he against FDI in Retail proposed by current govt? Modi replied, “He personally has never opposed FDI but would like to see this sector opened in phased manner keeping above points in mind”.

Modi emphasized on “Revamping image of India” globally. Criticizing Singh Govt he said, “When need of an hour is “Minimum Government and Maximum Governance”, present Govt is marred by red-tapism and corruption stalling important policy decision and in turn harming economic reforms.”

India and the World:

He shared that this century Diplomacy is more defined and dictated by Economy and Trade rather than concerns of War. Even with China he felt mutual investments could benefit both the countries. He also stressed that Pakistan can surely gain with increased trade with India.

He envisioned special role for Japan. “I foresee a pivotal role for Japan in helping improve India’s Core manufacturing sector competency and competitiveness. When the regime change takes place, he shared his willingness to work closely. Already Japan is building industrial and integrated township in Gujarat, he looked forward to more public private investment from Japan in industrial and infrastructure projects across India.

Journey of a Hard working Tea-Boy who became Astute CM :

Article further notes his humble beginning and early life struggle. The article emphasises his hard-working nature as a tea-vendor who transformed his earthquake stricken state to one of India’s leading state. Nikkei lauds him as Astute CM with great administration skills as Chief minister. Interestingly the article chooses Narendra Modi v/s Rahul Gandhi as KURONIN v/s ONSOUSHI metaphor. They are Japanese words. KURONIN literally means “a man who understand other’s problem (because he had a hardtime himself). ONSOUSHI on other hand means Scion or heir inheriting throne. While how will muslim vote for Modi is mentioned, article feels this election is all about reviving Indian economy. Narendra Modi comes with stellar performance at his home state. Rahul Gandhi on the other hand leans on his family legacy, which does not give solution to people’s problems. Problem for Congress is they have no one but Rahul Gandhi to lean on as either way this is the last term for current PM Manmohan Singh.

—End–

If it is news not ask what? Ask why? And more importantly why now?

It’s a worth pondering over this eternal wisdom. The timing of this unprecedented big coverage to NaMo is quite significant. Shinzo Abe with whom Modi shares very cordial relationship is in the midst of reviving Japanese economy is a big fan of India. It was during his earlier stint as PM that DMIC was conceived. There was a period where Abe went incognito from political space for health reason. It was the same period where India was suffering from policy paralysis and things on this project hardly moved (from Japanese standard). Advent of Modi gives them a big hope on how to engage effectively. Both NAMO and ABE share a cordial relationship. Both of them were locked in their respective election last year. Interestingly media was hostile to both in spite of definite wave in their favour. ABE after resounding victory has not wasted any time and has been trying to figure out how to work even more closely with India. AS Abe sits down for cabinet review on India strategy, advent of Modi will be very much on his mind. Modinomics as I argued in part 1 would influence Abe administration surely.

FDI and Global Relationship

Even though Modi has said this many times, Nikkei still tries to extract reformist side especially on global relations. It was very interesting to learn what he had to say on China and Pakistan. The last is very important because of the perceived Muslim factor. Interestingly Nikkei also gets into his thoughts on FDI and Retail. Modi’s reply could also be music to people on the other side of the pacific.

Power of Words: Hardliner to “KURONIN” Hard-worker

For English press globally whenever BJP is mentioned the word hardliner Hindutva party is attached by default. If you are wondering why, please do read a book named Breaking India. First time Nikkei deviates from serotypes and puts his tea-selling childhood into his bio-data. Our pundits back home may not find it very appealing and this was considered useful for winning votes in UP and Bihar. But Nikkei links it with word KURONIN. As defined above Kuronin is someone who understands other’s pain beacuase they have gone through it themselves. For me when I hear word KURONIN first image comes to mind is that of Ninomiya Kinjiro Sontoku. In Japan you will find many statue of his. As picture depicts, this was his childhood picture. He had to collect wood to support family but he continued to study hard and rise to very qualified administrative position under Samurai. His reforms and acumen to handle famine situation are well appreciated. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninomiya_Sontoku you may read here more. For people not familiar with Japan, another iconic figure that will perfectly fit the bill for KURONIN could be Abraham Lincoln. Who rose against all odds.

For once poor and aspiring voters of India and global stakeholders sees their hope converge in one man. Narendra Modi.

First article of this series:#MITOA goes global, prospects of Narendra Modi as PM, part -1