Life is never free of contradictions

I have always believed India is a country blessed by God with enormous entrepreneurial skills.

We have to walk on two legs. We have to create conditions in which manufacturing and services - the economy outside agriculture - move and move fast enough. And at the same time the working force that is available must have skills which will fit the kind of jobs which will be in demand.

Protectionism has to be avoided. Protectionism is not only on goods but also in the area of services. Financial protectionism is also bad and should be avoided.

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.

India has remained a full, functioning democracy.

India's infrastructure has to be modernized, has to be expanded at a rate which will I think be consistent with the growth requirements.