Being A Gujarati, Commerce Is in My Blood, Says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Japan on an official visit, today said that he is a Gujarati and commerce is in his blood. "Being a Gujarati, money is in my blood...commerce is in my blood. Businesses do not need concessions. They only need the correct environment to flourish in," he said.

He also said that the "environment of disappointment" was over with the swearing-in of his government. He also promised quick clearances for the Japanese investors who invest in India.

He also announced to set up a special team in his office to deal with proposals from Japan and also offered membership in his new team to two people selected by Japan.

Modi also referred to the 5.7% economic growth achieved in the first quarter of FY2014-15. "It is a big jump. Now there is renewed hope," he said.

He also referred to China without directly naming it when he said, "There are 18th-century-style ways and thinking that involve expanding (geographically) by taking away the land of another nation and going into seas. If Asia is to become the leader in the 21st century, Japan and India should lead."