Modi’s reforms enthuse top global CEOs

Forty-two CEOs of Fortune 500 companies with a combined net worth of $ 4.5 trillion were “upbeat” after a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and expressed happiness and satisfaction at the changes being spearheaded by the government, officials who participated in the interaction said on Friday. Andrew Liveris, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Dow Chemical Company, said Mr. Modi “came across as a practical guy, and demonstrating the experience of running a state for several years.” On demands made by the participants at the gathering, he said: “We will want many changes not only in India, but here in the U.S. and in the entire world. But the general sense is that the government of India is taking earnest measures to improve the ease of doing business.” U.S. media leaders want faster 4G rollout Prime Minister Narendra Modi told media leaders here that “digital technology can help in innovation, empowerment and democratisation.” Vikas Sarup, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, told the media on Friday that there was no discussion on altering the FDI caps in new media industry in India at the meeting, organised by NewsCorp headed by the Murdoch family. “The PM urged them to include democracy and development narratives in their businesses.” Arne Sorenson, CEO of Marriott International Inc, said: “The direction of changes in India was encouraging, but the changes could be faster.” Indian Ambassador to U.S. Arun K. Singh said the role of digital technology in helping India leapfrog into an orbit of high growth was emphasised.