India's standing in the world has increased significantly : Norwegian diplomat Solheim on PM Modi's leadership
New Delhi, June 19
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed 12 years of tenure, Erik Solheim, Norwegian diplomat and former Minister of Climate and Environment of Norway, said that it has been a remarkable period during which India's standing in the world has increased significantly.
"I think it has been a remarkable period during which India's standing in the world has increased a lot. India is now much more at the centre stage of global events, and it has been a time of rapid economic growth as well as green leadership. The Prime Minister is leading an India that is going green at a very rapid pace...," the former diplomat told IANS on the sidelines of the second Foundation Day of the Chintan Research Foundation.
Talking about India playing an important role in the geopolitical situation, Solheim said, "There is no future of the planet where India will not play a much more important role. The Indian economy is growing and is expected to quadruple by 2050. India is the world's most populous nation and brings with it a rich culture and a civilisational legacy. So, for sure, India will play a much, much bigger role in global affairs than it did in the 20th century."
He also emphasised India's approach by saying, "I think India can play a role in many different ways, it's a peaceful nation. The peace is in the DNA... What a lesson for other nations in the world to replicate 'Operation Sindoor'. India has not been in a war with any nation except Pakistan for the last many decades. India is also a green leader, and India is making a very important contribution..."
The Norwegian diplomat also noted the achievements of Chintan Research Foundation by saying, "absolutely remarkable what the Chintan Research Foundation has achieved in just one year, becoming a centre for so many meaningful debates, bringing people together for dialogue, publishing newspaper articles, and much more. I am sure the future will bring even more good news."
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone from the US who has worked with Indian colleagues, I can see the shift. India is no longer just a back-office; it's a voice at the table. PM Modi has certainly put India on the map, but the real test will be sustaining that growth while tackling climate change. Good to see Norway's support.
Solheim's praise for 'Operation Sindoor' and India's peaceful nature is spot on. We've avoided major conflicts for decades, which is no small feat. But I wish he had also discussed the need for India to strengthen its relations with neighbors like Nepal and Bangladesh. Regional harmony is key.
Honestly, this feels like typical diplomatic flattery. India has potential, but we still have massive challenges—poverty, education, healthcare. Solheim's remarks about 'quadrupling by 2050' sound nice, but we need to ensure that growth benefits everyone, not just the rich. Let's focus on ground reality.
I'm a small business owner in Gujarat, and I can tell you that the global interest in India is real. More foreign investors are looking at us now. But we need simpler regulations to really benefit. Solheim's comment about green leadership is encouraging—we're doing solar and wind projects that are world-class.
Bravo to PM Modi and his team. From being called a 'third-world country' to being a key player in global forums—this is a big leap. However, I wish the article had mentioned more about India's cultural diplomacy. Our yoga, festivals, and cuisine are also soft power tools bringing the
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