I think the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

The Chinese have certain advantages. The fact that it's a single party government. But I do believe in the long run the fact that India is a functioning democracy committed to the rule of law. Our system is slow to move but I'm confident that once decisions are taken they are going to be far more durable.

Jawaharlal Nehru wanted India to develop close ties with China and learn from its experience.

Economic policy and decision making do not function in a political vacuum.

We are a coalition government, and that limits our options in some ways. Privatization happens to be one such area.

We need multiculturalism, respect for diversity, tolerance, respect for diverse faiths.

India is this great experiment of a billion people of such great diverse persuasions working together, seeking their salvation in the framework of a democracy. I believe it will have some lessons for all the multicultural societies.