In Malaysia, PM Modi extols virtues of Indian economy; calls Asean 'natural partner' for India

  Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India was doing well in almost every economic indicator. “By almost every economic indicator, India is doing better than we (NDA government) took office 18 months ago,” Modi said in his address to the Asean Business and Investment Summit on the first day of his four-day visit to Malaysia and Singapore. [caption id=“attachment_2512874” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of PM Narendra Modi. Reuters[/caption] He said India and Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) were natural partners. “Our ties date back to ancient times,” he said. “I have been saying that the 21st century belongs to Asia. I say this because of the track record of Asean countries,” Modi said amid loud applause. He added that India is committed to protect intellectual property rights of all innovators. “IIP (Index of Industrial Production) in current year shows a distinct improvement over the last year. We are working in all ways to make India global manufacturing hub,” he said in his address to the Asean Business and Investment Summit on the first day of his four-day visit to Malaysia and Singapore. Going further, I want to assure you that India is committed to protect the intellectual property rights of all innovators," Modi said. Modi will attend the 13th Asean-India Summit later on Saturday and the 10th East Asia Summit on Sunday.   IANS