'Focus less on margins': PM Modi says private sector 'critical' for Viksit Bharat, offers strong advise - top quotes

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the private sector will play a decisive role in driving India’s next phase of economic transformation, as he highlighted reforms, digital growth and defence modernisation while sharply criticising the previous UPA government’s record.

He said bold investments by industry in innovation and capacity will be key to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat.In an exclusive interview with news agency PTI, Modi said reform has been a core commitment of his government “in letter and spirit”, asserting that policy continuity and decisive governance have driven large-scale progress.Here are the top quotes from the interview"Private sector critical for next phase of economic transformation, requests 'decisive response' from them.

As productivity rises, private sector owners must share gains fairly with workers.""Next leap to Viksit Bharat will depend on bold investment by private sector in innovation, long-term capacity, global competitiveness.""Private sector must focus less on protecting margins and invest aggressively in R&D supply chain, quality.""Reform is the commitment of the govt, something it has shown in letter and spirit."

"The government has a duty to modernise defence sector in line with current realities.""Government will do whatever it take to support the country's defence forces and strengthen them.""Political stability, political predictability restored investor confidence in India.""During UPA rule, talks would begin and then breakdown; a little real substance achieved despite long negotiations,"