PM Modi Tells States To Be Ready To Attract Companies Willing To Exit China Due To COVID-19: Report

While addressing a meeting with the state chief ministers (CMs), Prime Minister Narendra Modi is learnt to have suggested them to look out for possibilities of attracting companies looking to exit China following the COVID-19 pandemic that started in Chinese city of Wuhan, The Times of India reported.

PM Modi told the CMs at the meet that state governments should attract investment and be prepared to host industries in their states. He also highlighted that India with its significant manpower skill and an improved infrastructure had the potential to offer an alternate destination to the manufacturing sector.

“As you all know, several industries will be exploring options beyond China after the coronavirus crisis. We all should work on a comprehensive plan for possibility of investments in the states,” a source quoted Modi as telling the CMs.

Earlier, the PM had hinted at the will of turning India into a better host to industries that are exploring options beyond China by saying that India should “become self-reliant to cope with the challenges like COVID-19”, the report said.

The remarks also point towards India’s willingness to speak about the Chinese links to the pandemic and the origin of the virus.