Washington: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday (native time) gave a befitting reply to the unfavorable Western `notion` of India on the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE) the place she was discussing the resilience and progress of the Indian financial system.
“I would think the answer for that lies with those investors who are coming to India, and they`ve been coming. And as somebody who`s interested in receiving investments, I would only say, come have a look at what`s happening in India, rather than listen to perceptions being built by people who have not even visited on the ground and who produce reports,” stated Sitharaman whereas responding to PIIE President Adam S Posen on perceptions affecting funding in India or capital flows.
Posen additionally questioned Sitharaman that there’s widespread reporting within the Western press about MPs within the opposition get together shedding standing, and about Muslim minorities in India being subjected to violence.
“India has the second-largest Muslim population in the world, and that population is only growing in numbers. If there is a perception, or if there`s in reality, their lives are difficult or made difficult with the support of the state, which is what is implied in most of these write-ups, I would ask, will this happen in India in the sense, will the Muslim population be growing than what it was in 1947?” stated the Finance Minister.
The situation of minorities is worsening in Pakistan and their numbers are declining by the day. Minorities in Pakistan are severely charged with minor allegations, resulting in punishments just like the loss of life penalty. Blasphemy legal guidelines, most often, are used to meet a private vendetta. Victims are instantly presumed responsible, even with out correct investigation and holding the trial beneath a jury.
“As opposed to, let us say, I take the name of the country and therefore the contrast can be sharper. As opposed to Pakistan, which was formed at the same time India was divided into two – Pakistan. Pakistan declared itself an Islamic country but however said minorities will be protected. Every minority has been dwindling in its number…..decimated in Pakistan. Even some of the Muslim sects have also been decimated,” stated Sitharaman.
Comparing the Muslims of Pakistan with India, she stated that Muslims in India are doing higher. “Violence prevails against Muhajirs, Shia and every other group you can name which is not accepted by the mainstream. I don`t know, Sunnis probably. Whereas in India you would find every strand of Muslims doing their business, their children getting educated. Fellowships are being given by the government,” she added.
Tearing into the alleged victimization of Muslims in India, she stated, “So across the board in India, if violence is happening to make Muslims get affected, itself is a fallacy as a statement. To say it`s all the blame of the Government of India, I would want to say then, tell me, between 2014 and today, has the population dwindled? Have the deaths been disproportionately high in any one particular community? So, I would rather invite these people, who write these reports to come to India. I host them. Let them come to India and prove their point.”
She additional said that rising markets like India do carry the burden of “you are the emerging market.”She stated, “You have every business to ask us for help, or every business to speak about, every issue on which you need to play a constructive role. But yet the prescriptions are ours. I would want to ask if human that`s not to say or not to even imply that I accept the perception that you`re referring to.”
She stated, “It`s the resilience of Indian people to take it upon themselves, to take the challenge and come out in their businesses despite tragedies at home, “on the revival of the Indian financial system post-pandemic.
She additional urged World Trade Organisation (WTO) to be extra progressive.”I would love WTO to be more progressive, a lot more listening to all countries, and more fair. It has to give space to voices of the countries which have something different to say and not just hear but also somewhat heed,” she added.Â
