PRIME Minister Narendra Modi has said that India as the world’s largest democracy has demonstrated that it is possible for harmony to exist amid diversity and underscored the natural expectation of adjustments in the international system and institutions to give the country its rightful place. Modi told French newspaper ‘Les Echos’ in an interview that India’s young and skilled workforce is steeped in openness and democratic values, and is eager to embrace technology and adapt to the changing world.

 

“When many countries in the world are ageing and their populations are shrinking, India’s young and skilled workforce will be an asset for the world over the decades to come. As the world’s largest democracy with unparalleled social and economic diversity, our success will demonstrate that democracy delivers. That it is possible for harmony to exist amidst diversity,” he said. The progress of one-sixth of humanity will give the world a more prosperous and sustainable future, he said replying to a question on how India’s status changes globally with the country becoming the most populous country.

 

“Our deeply held values of peace, openness, harmony and co-existence; the success of our vibrant democracy; the extraordinary richness of our culture, traditions and philosophy; a consistent voice for the cause of a peaceful, fair and just world; and, our commitment to international law and peace, are the reasons that India’s rise is welcomed not feared in the world,” he said. Asked about his views of what are India’s soft power, he said the country’s exports have never been war and subjugation, but yoga, ayurveda, spirituality, science, mathematics, and astronomy.