Before Modi, here are other PMs who addressed industry bodies

In a first, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the doyens of Indian Industry at the Annual General Meeting of Federation Of Indian Chamber Of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

This is his first address to an AGM of a national business association after becoming the premier.

The AGM, with the theme 'Indian Business in a New India', was also addressed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

It has been customary, in the past, for Prime Ministers to attend the Annual General Meetings of business chambers. Here's what they have said:

Modi at FICCI 90th AGM meet, 2017: Addressing the 90th Annual General Meeting of industry chamber Ficci here, Modi said the government is working on strengthening the banking system of the country. "Rumours are being spread regarding FRDI. The government is working for securing interest of customers and protecting their deposits, but contrary news is being spread," Modi said.

PM's address to the FICCI Annual General Meeting in 2007: Amidst all the hype about accelerating growth and a buoyant market, we must not lose sight of the fact that we have to sustain a much higher rate of investment, keep inflation under control, generate more employment, impart a new element of dynamism to our agriculture and wage a decisive war against poverty, ignorance and disease. Like most other countries, are going through a difficult period. I know that business is deeply concerned about the slowdown in our economy. It is looking to the government to bring the economy back to a higher growth path. This, I believe, is a legitimate expectation and is also upper most in our mind.

Like most other countries, are going through a difficult period. I know that business is deeply concerned about the slowdown in our economy. It is looking to the government to bring the economy back to a higher growth path. This, I believe, is a legitimate expectation and is also upper most in our mind. “Industry and trade must eschew the temptation of seeking short-term gains and should cooperate with the government to ensure long-term stability of the growth process,” Singh said.

Prime Minister Manmohan SIngh tells industry to tighten belt for better tomorrow, CII, 2008: “Industry and trade must eschew the temptation of seeking short-term gains and should cooperate with the government to ensure long-term stability of the growth process,” Singh said.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee, reiterated his Government's commitment at CII: "Bad politics is the worst enemy of the economy and business. Similarly, the best friend of the economy and business is good governance. For good governance we need stability," Vajpayee said.

Vajpayee's at FICCI in 1998: The government proposes to abolish the existing provision requiring its prior approval for inter-corporate investments. Companies will be permitted to enhance acquisition limits as per the recommendations of the Bhagwati Committee on takeovers.