The new government's first three months in office have been marked by a period of high expectations and huge challenges both in foreign and domestic policy.
In this backdrop, Ananta Aspen Centre organised a session on '100 days of the new Indian government' with a panel of outstanding experts across diverse fields.
The session featured Dr. Shankar Acharya, honorary professor, ICRIER; Ambassador G Parthasarathy, former Indian Ambassador to Pakistan and Ashok Malik, senior columnist and author.
Senior columnist and public policy analyst Swapan Dasgupta steered the discussion.
The panel assessed the government's performance and reflected upon its future policy discourse to match the aspirations of a billion-strong India, especially in light of the ruling party's election slogan--"Achhe Din Aane Wale Hain" (Good days are about to come).
Opening the discussion, Ashok Malik opined, "In the past 100 days, there is a sense of reassurance that someone is in charge, which was lacking in the previous dispensation. The government has gained power and the authority of the Prime Minister's office is much stronger. However, big structural changes have not happened, like opening up FDI in defence. In some instances, we have seen that the Prime Minister's decision-making has been slower than expected."
Flagging energy and public sector banks as areas of concern, Dr. Shankar Acharya asserted, "When the new government came to power, the economy was in a bad shape. An enormous sense of confidence has now returned with the coming of the Modi government. But the July budget was a lost opportunity. People were looking for the practical economic vision of the new government that did not come through. This was a tactical error. The problem of fiscal looseness still continues. The energy sector is an area that is crying out for some resolution. The health of public sector banks is also a bit of a time bomb, which is more serious than the government thinks."
"Foreign Policy is determined by leadership at the highest level. Mr Modi as the Prime Minister has surprised the world. In my view, Mr Modi should have invited Myanmar at his swearing-in as well. Foreign Policy is also related to national security. We need 75% FDI in defence, and I hope the government will work towards this," said Ambassador Parthasarathy.
The 2014 Lok Sabha elections witnessed the emergence of BJP with a historic mandate under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His election campaign was replete with promises of taking India to the path of inclusive growth and development.
On assuming office, Prime Minister Modi reiterated his commitment to script a glorious future for India while seeking people's active participation towards this end.
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