21st century will belong to India: Modi

Manila, Nov 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India had no intention of
grabbing or snatching any other’s land as all its energy was directed at achieving a level playing field with the world. 

Speaking at a reception hosted by the Indian Ambassador in Manila, the Prime Minister said once Indians achieved a level playing field, nobody could stop it from surging ahead of all. Difficulties are encountered only in initial stages, and once that stage is crossed then there is no looking back, he said. 'People are talking of 21st century belonging to Asia, but I say 21st century could be of India, and three years of my being in power give me confidence to say that this is quite possible,' he said. The Prime Minister, who arrived here yesterday for the 31st ASEAN Summit, said this was his first visit to the Philippines, and he considered this region very important as is proved by his government’s emphasis on the ‘Act East’ policy from the very beginning. He said India had great great affinity and emotional binding with this region due to the reasons of heritage and history. 'Everybody here seems to be familiar with Ram and Buddha. It’s a great heritage, in conserving which the Indian community can do a great job,' he said. He said he was very happy that today Indians all over the world were being proud of being Indians.  Mr Modi said his government has been trying to channelize the energies of 1.25 bn people and all the countries natural resources to take India to new heights. 'History shows we did not do any wrong to any one. We did not grab anyone’s land. We are not snatchers but givers,' he said, adding that 1.50 lakh Indian soldiers were martyred in the World War I and II just for 
the cause of peace. UNI