During his visit to Singapore on September 5, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with leading business figures and extended a unique invitation to invest in his hometown, Varanasi. In a lighthearted yet strategic pitch, Modi playfully suggested to Singaporean CEOs, “If they want to savor Banarsi Paan, they need to invest in Kashi,” referring to Varanasi. This blend of humor and diplomacy has drawn attention for its inventive approach to attracting international investments to India.
The comment, made during a media interaction following a roundtable with Singaporean business leaders, quickly went viral, highlighting Modi’s engaging style. His mention of the renowned “Banarsi Paan” captivated the audience and underscored his commitment to promoting Varanasi as a key investment destination.
PM Modi’s visit to Singapore, at the invitation of Singapore’s new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, aimed to fortify the strategic ties between India and Singapore. This trip, following Modi’s visit to Brunei, focused on exploring ways to enhance bilateral relations, especially in the economic sector. The discussions centered on investment opportunities across various industries in India, with a special emphasis on Varanasi, Modi’s parliamentary constituency.
India and Singapore have maintained a robust strategic partnership, with Singapore being a significant investor in India. The countries have collaborated in diverse fields such as fintech, technology, trade, and education. Modi’s visit sought to deepen this collaboration and explore new opportunities in areas like smart cities, green energy, and infrastructure development.
Varanasi, one of India’s ancient cities and a cultural and economic hub, was highlighted as a prime investment opportunity. By inviting Singaporean businesses to invest, Modi aims to enhance the city’s infrastructure and services, further promoting it as a center for tourism, trade, and culture. His playful yet purposeful invitation reflects his vision for transforming Varanasi into a vibrant economic and cultural destination.
