Modi pitches India as 'the' investment destination, says tax cut just beginning of long innings

Fresh from slashing the tax rate for companies to lowest in almost three decades, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday pitched India as 'the' investment destination for global investors, saying reforms by his government are just the beginning of a long innings.

Modi promised to personally act as a bridge for businesses and said India has a government which respects corporates and wealth creators.

"India's growth story has four important factors that are rare to find anywhere else in the world. These factors are democracy, demography, demand, and decisiveness," he said. "Democracy together with political stability, predictable policy and independent judiciary gives confidence of safety and security of investment and of growth."
"If you want to invest in a market where there is scale, come to India," Modi said. "If you want to invest in a market where the latest trends and features are appreciated, come to India. If you want to invest in start-ups with a huge market, come to India. If you want to invest in one of the world's largest infrastructure ecosystem, come to India."
"Thus if you want to invest in urbanisation, come to India," he said. "We have opened our defence sector like never before. If you want to Make in India, for India and for the world, come to India."
India, he said, is waiting for global investors. "India is your only destination. I am waiting to welcome you."
"Your desires and our dreams match perfectly. Your technology and our talent can change the world. Your scale and our skills can speed up global economic growth," he said. "Your prudent method and our pragmatic mind can write new stories in management. Your rational ways and our human values can show the path which the world is looking for."
"We have taken numerous decisions to increase investors confidence including scraping of 50 old laws which were coming in way of development," he said. "This is just the beginning. We have a long innings ahead. The world business has a golden opportunity to partner with India in this journey."
Modi said his government does not shy away from taking the biggest of steps to improve the business environment. "Today India has a government that respects businesses and wealth creators."