Modi to hard sell GST reforms in Europe

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a four-nation Europe tour on Monday where he will hard sell the GST reforms to attract more investments.Modi will also pitch for India’s inclusion in the export control regimes.

The prime minister’s first stop would be Germany where he and Chancellor Angela Merkel are expected to chart out the future roadmap of cooperation with focus on trade and investment, security and counter-terrorism, urban infrastructure, railways and civil aviation.

The topics under discussion complement the Modi government’s focus areas for development where improving air connectivity, modernising railways and creating smart cities top the charts.

“German competencies fit well with my vision for India’s transformation,” Modi said in a statement on the eve of his four-nation visit that includes visits to Spain, Russia and France. During the visit, Modi is expected to hard sell the GST as an example of India’s commitment to carry out structural reforms to make it a better investment destination.

On Tuesday, Modi will be in Spain for the first visit by an Indian prime minister in 30 years. Modi will call on King Felipe VI and hold talks with President Mariano Rajoy to enhance technology partnerships in areas such as infrastructure, defence, renewable energy and digital economy.

The first meeting of the India-Spain CEOs Forum will be held on the sidelines of the prime minister's visit.

“In a first meeting of its kind, I will also have the opportunity to engage with governors from various Russian regions to further broad base bilateral cooperation and more actively involve states/regions and other diversified stakeholders,” Modi said about the opportunity to address the SPIEF.