Modi hardsells GST to top American investors WASHINGTON AGENDA Ahead of PM-US President meeting, India firms up purchase of 2 dozen drones
India’s implementation of the complex Goods and Services Tax (GST) could be studied by US business schools, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, as he interacted with 20 top American CEOs prior to his landmark meeting with President Donald Trump.
Hardselling GST, the Prime Minister said the implementation of the GST (from July 1) shows India can take big decisions and implement them swiftly. The CEOs Modi lectured included Tim
Cook of Apple, Sunder Pichai from Google, John Chambers from Cisco and Jeff Bezos of Amazon.
The Prime Minister spoke of the recent reforms, and noted that the Union government alone has initiated 7,000 reforms. He said this indicates India's quest for global benchmarks. The PM mentioned his government's emphasis on efficiency, transparency, growth and benefit for all.
Pichai told reporters after the meeting that American businesses were excited about investing in India. Praising the steps being taken by the Indian government in the last three years, he said the US companies are looking forward to the roll out of the GST. “Good,” said Tim Cook as he emerged out of the meeting.
US-India Business Council (USIBC) president Mukesh Aghi said the CEOs praised the reforms being undertaken by the Prime Minister and underscore his efforts to make India a business-friendly destination.
Prime Minister Modi also said that if America becomes stronger, India will be a natural beneficiary. He also added that his country believes that a strong America is also good for the world. Modi sought enhanced attention from the CEOs in areas such as women empowerment, renewable energy, start-ups and innovation. He suggested linking sanitary practices, products and technologies with the requirements of school-going girls.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday for their first meeting as they look to discuss “strategic issues” including trade and counterterrorism. After their meetings, Modi and Trump will make statements in the Rose Garden. Modi will also have dinner with the president and first lady.
In advance of the meeting, the Trump administration approved India’s purchase of nearly two dozen unarmed surveillance drones. The deal, estimated to be worth about $2 billion, is still subject to congressional approval.