New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his first interview since he took over the office spoke on several issues ranging from India's bid for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), Indo-Pak relations and much talked about Raguram Rajan's exit.
Here are the main highlights of PM Modi's exclusive interview so far:
Raghuram Rajan's exit (Rexit):
"RBI Chief Raghuram Rajan's patriotism is 'no less than any of ours'. He adds in his interview to Times Now, “Wherever Rajan is and whatever post he holds he will continue to serve the country. Those who create controversies are being unjust to Rajan,”said PM Modi.
Firebrand BJP MP Subramanian Swamy
"Without taking Swamy's name, he said "If anybody considers himself above the system then it is wrong. Whether it is in my party or not, still I think such things are inappropriate. This fondness for publicity is never going to do any good to the nation. People should conduct themselves with utmost responsibility. If anybody considers himself above the system, it is wrong."
Indo-Pak relations
"Our continual efforts to have dialogue with Pakistan has played a huge role in the world understanding India's terrorist problem. Because of these efforts the whole world now accepts what India has been saying about terrorism, he said.
Pakistan's silence, too, speaks volumes, he added.
On Corruption
"There are many things which are not visible. One who is working there only knows the amount of dirt when it comes to corruption. I can not deny the Agusta Westland scam, I must say that those who are involved in it must be very experienced. And one can also do this big a scam without any big support, which means that there were big hands behind it".
On China
"We have an ongoing dialogue with China. Its not necessary that we hold similar views, when it comes to foreign policy. I can say that China has been cooperating with India in finding out solutions. But the important thing is that we can speak to China eye-to-eye. We are a govt that takes care of its interests".
What is the lakshman rekha for Pakistan?
"India will have to be alert. There can never be laxity in it. But outcome of my continuous efforts is that the world is now recognising our efforts and appreciating it. We have never been obstacle. World knows our intentions."
On Black Money
"After our govt was formed, the cabinets first decision was to make an SIT, since then there have been continuous efforts to bring back black mney. In G20 summit, I kept this issue before the table on unaccounted money. Switzerland is the place where black money is kept, thirdly Mauritius route. We hold a dialogue with Mauritius govt."
On GST: Do you feel optimistic that it will be passed or not?
"Not having GST means loss for poors. GST is beneficial for the poor. Because states will benefit from the passing of GST."
