At home, in the world

A government that chooses to be a fence-sitter rather than a decisive authority in matters of security and law and order cannot promise a safe business environment

Speaking at Davos this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made promises, expressed concerns and painted India in colours that I wish were as bright as he made them out to be.

Three things stood out as he concluded his 50-minute-long address at the opening session of the World Economic Forum in the Alpine town: a poem on freedom that he quoted; the assurance he gave to potential investors from across the world; and the concerns he expressed about terrorism.

I marvelled at the confidence and conviction with which he spoke in front of nearly 70 heads of state and over