Dream of 'new India' will be achieved by empowering youth with technology, says PM Modi in Dubai

Dubai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that 65 percent of India's population was under 35 and the dream of a 'new India' will be achieved by empowering the youth with technology.

In his keynote address at the World Government Summit in Dubai, PM Modi also voiced concern over massive global investment in missiles and bombs and warned against the misuse of technology, saying it must be used as a means to development and not destruction.

At the same time, he rued that even after all the development, poverty and malnutrition have still not been eliminated.

Technology for Development! In his keynote address on this theme at @WorldGovSummit, PM highlighted the importance of assimilating technology in the governance to ensure equitable growth and prosperity for all. PM emphasized the role technology was playing in India's development. pic.twitter.com/kNOHWIio8v — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 11, 2018

65% of India's population is under 35, the dream of a new India will be achieved by empowering the youth with technology, reveals Hon. @narendramodi#WorldGovSummit

— World Gov Summit (@WorldGovSummit) February 11, 2018

"It is a matter of pride for not only me but also the 125 crore people of India that I have been called as the chief guest at the World Government Summit," PM Modi said.

He added, "In terms of technology, a desert has been transformed. It's a miracle. We must make technology a means of development, not a means of destruction. Technology has empowered common man via minimum government, maximum governance. In E-governance, E stands for effective, efficient, easy, empower, and equity."

"Technology has fundamentally altered the existence of man for the better and has improved the quality of life. Some people are radicalising the cyberspace with the use of technology. Technology should be used for development, not destruction," the PM further said.

Listing the achievements of his government, the Prime Minister said, "India is focusing on the key sectors to empower 1.25 billion people, 1/6 of humanity, contributing to the development of mankind as a whole," and added, "India's satellite programme crossed the century mark, with some of the lowest costs in the world. The cost of our Mars orbital programme is 7 Rupees per km, less than the budget of a Hollywood film."

"The motto of the Indian government is Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas," he said.

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"We need to follow the six Rs that stand for reduce, reuse, recycle, recover, redesign and remanufacture and this will lead to rejoice meaning 'anand' (happiness)," PM Modi pointed out. 

Earlier on Sunday, PM Modi while addressing the members of the Indian community at the Dubai Opera House said that India's relations with the UAE were much more than that of a buyer and a seller as he hailed the country's growing ties with the Gulf countries as "deep, broad and vibrant."

Overwhelmed by the affection at the community programme, held at the iconic @DubaiOpera. Happy to have got the opportunity to interact with the Indian diaspora. Sharing my speech on the occasion. https://t.co/Xx2OsehL3w pic.twitter.com/B3DnVHlzJ6 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 11, 2018

"Today, be it the UAE or other Gulf nations, our relationship with them is not just that of a buyer and a seller. It has become much more," he said. The Prime Minister assured the Indian community that his government will work to bring to reality their dreams.

"India's leap in World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Rankings from 142 to 100 is unprecedented. But we are not satisfied at this, we want to do better. We will do whatever it takes to make it possible," he told the gathering.

PM Modi also hailed his government's bold decisions like demonetisation and implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

(With PTI inputs)