Modi thanks diaspora for support on demonetisation

Hitting out at opponents of demonetisation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday termed those opposed to the move ‘political worshippers of black money’ (Black money ke rajnitik poojari).

Black money and corruption had been slowly eating into the country’s economy, politics and society, and the government took the responsibility of fighting these, the Prime Minister said at the end of his 40-minute speech at the inauguration of the 14th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention here. “It is unfortunate that some political worshippers of black money are terming our move anti-people,” he said.

“It is very sad to see some black money supporters maligning the moves against corruption,” Mr. Modi said, while thanking the Indian diaspora for supporting demonetisation. “For me, FDI has two meanings. One is the foreign direct investment and the other ‘First Development of India’.”

On Sunday, the Prime Minister also met French Foreign Minister Jean Marc Ayrault, who began his three-day visit from the city, and discussed bilateral cooperation in the area of nuclear energy, space and ‘Make in India’ programme.

In another interaction with Suriname Vice-President Micheal Ashwin Adhin, Mr. Modi promised to help the country become a hub for Ayurveda in South America. Both countries reaffirmed support for India’s bid for permanent membership of the expanded U.N. Security Council, the MEA spokesperson said, adding that Mr. Modi also discussed bilateral issues with a delegation from Malaysia.