During the sidelines of the ongoing G20 summit in Hangzhou, China, US President Barack Obama praised the recent passing of GST bill. While shaking hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Obama termed the passage of the GST bill as a bold policy move. Obama appreciated the efforts taken by Modi government as significant especially in a difficult global economic scenario.
It was Modi who took the initiative to meet Obama briefly. He reportedly met Obama when there were onstage to pose for a family photograph at the G20 summit venue. However, both leaders also got an opportunity to interact with each other during an informal evening program.
Obama praises Modi over passage of GST bill
During his interaction with Modi, Obama lauded the efforts taken by the NDA government. He praised Modi for the recent tax reform measures. Obama termed it as a classic example of bold policy in a difficult economic situation.
In fact, Modi had to convince all the political parties and stakeholders to pass the long-pending GST bill. Interestingly, strongly anti-Modi parties like Communist offered unconditional support to the bill.
Landmark GST Bill passed on August 8
Both houses of Parliament cleared the landmark Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill, 2014, on the Goods and Services Tax on August 8. Expected to be rolled out on April 1, 2017, the GST is touted to be the biggest tax reform since independence.
Prime Minister Modi meets various leaders
During the G20 summit, Modi also met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Modi, who arrived from Vietnam, also met Deputy Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammad bin Salman. There are reports that both leaders interacted the various ways by which bilateral ties can be enhanced.
Modi stressed the need for deeper ties and partnership with Saudi Arabia in sectors such as maritime, infrastructure, low-cost housing, and energy sector.
Modi will also meet British counterpart Theresa May and Argentinian President Mauricio Macri before returning to Delhi.
