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Warning that black money can destabilise world peace and harmony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asserted that democratic nations have an obligation of collectively fighting this evil as it does not affect any country selectively.
A day after his return from a foreign tour during which the issue of black money was flagged at the G-20 Summit in Australia, Modi wrote a blog saying that "India placed the issue of existence and repatriation of black money at the forefront of the world community."
The Prime Minister said he was glad that the world community took note of this "because this is an issue that does not selectively affect one nation."
Warning that "the menace of black money has the potential to destabilise world peace and harmony," Modi said, "black money also brings with it terrorism, money laundering and narcotics trade."
Pitching for a united global fight against the menace, he said, "As democracies firmly committed to the rule of law, it becomes our obligation to collectively fight this evil and there was no better occasion than the G-20 to raise this."
Referring to the outcome of the G-20 Summit, he said, "Our efforts paid off with the official communique reflecting this issue." Modi, who attended five Summits and met 38 world leaders during his 10-day tour of Myanmar, Australia and Fiji, said, "I noticed one thing - that the world is looking at India with renewed respect and immense enthusiasm! I see a global community that is tremendously keen to engage with India."
"With every leader, we discussed how we could make our relations more extensive, diverse and wide-ranging. Strengthening trade and commerce and drawing industry to India was a central part of the discussion," Modi wrote on the blog.
He added that the "numerous leaders I met were very optimistic about our 'Make in India' initiative and are keen to come to India and be a part of the extensive and diverse opportunities India has to offer.
"I see this as a positive sign, one that will bring several opportunities to India's youth and give them the right exposure that will make them shine," the Prime Minister said. Observing that "such exposure" has become imperative keeping in mind the pace at which the world is developing, he said, "several world leaders also showed keenness on our plans to create 'Next Gen Infrastructure' and smart cities."
He noted that his visit to Australia was the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 28 years and to Fiji after 33 years. In an apparent dig at his predecessors, Modi wrote, "on one hand, the IT and Communication revolution brought the world closer but on the other hand, we could not reach the shores of these two countries, each important in its own way, for almost three decades.
I thought this must change." He said he had 20 full bilateral meetings.
"In fact, I had the opportunity to meet leaders from every part of the world! These meetings were frank, comprehensive and fruitful. We covered substantial ground on several issues. I met a wide range of business leaders as well." From his recent "eastward travels," Modi said he noted what the world expects from India.
"I saw in their eyes a desire to see India playing its part for a peaceful, stable and developed global community. I also saw a reflection of the energy of our youth, keeping pace with rapid changes across the world," he said. "I am convinced, with even greater consciousness, of the positive difference India can make on the world stage," Modi said.
Contending that "The world is looking at India with renewed enthusiasm," he said, "We must reciprocate with a renewed commitment to our shared values and goals. Together we shall script a better future for India and the rest of the world."