Any talk of amending the Constitution is meaningless, asserts PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi categorically rejected the feasibility of engaging in discussions concerning constitutional amendments, asserting that such discourse lacks substantive merit.

“Any talk of amending the constitution is meaningless,” PM Modi told the Financial Times in an interview published on December 21. The PM went on to highlight the remarkable measures taken by his government, citing initiatives such as the nationwide “Clean India” toilet-building campaign and the digital public infrastructure push that connected nearly 100 crore people online.

PM Modi attributed these transformative accomplishments to strong public participation, vehemently refuting any notion that constitutional amendments were a prerequisite for achieving these milestones.

Also Read: No discrimination towards any religious minority, says PM Modi

Regarding the future of the Muslim minority in the country, PM Modi drew attention to the economic prosperity of India's Parsis, characterising them as a “religious micro-minority” within the country. He pointed out that despite experiencing persecution in other parts of the world, the Parsis community has found refuge in India, where they not only reside securely but also thrive economically.

The PM said that the success of religious minorities, exemplified by the Parsis, serves as a testament to the absence of discrimination within Indian society.

PM Modi highlighted that the country has experienced significant transformations over the past decade, adding that there is a widespread acknowledgment among the people of India regarding the potential for further progress. He asserted that there is a strong desire for an accelerated trajectory of development, underscoring that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that has steered the nation to its current juncture is perceived as the most capable entity to facilitate and lead the ongoing advancement.

Also Read: PM Modi responds to assassination claims

The PM articulated New Delhi's nuanced foreign policy by emphasising the interconnectedness and interdependence of the world.

"Our foremost guiding principle in foreign affairs is our national interest. This stance allows us to engage with various nations in a manner that respects mutual interests and acknowledges the complexities of contemporary geopolitics," the PM told the UK-based business daily.

Also Read | Israel-Hamas conflict: PM Modi holds 'productive' talks with Benjamin Netanyahu

He underscored the positive momentum in India's ties with America, despite recent allegations made by US prosecutors. These allegations said that an Indian government official orchestrated a plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent Sikh separatist leader holding dual citizenship in America and Canada.

“Today, the India-US relationship is broader in engagement, deeper in understanding, warmer in friendship than ever before,” the PM added.