'If You Want to Enjoy Paan...': In Singapore, PM Modi’s Unique ‘Invest In Kashi’ Message To Business Leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with top business leaders and CEOs in Singapore. (Image: X/@narendramodi)

PM Modi on the last day of his 2-day visit to Singapore announced the setting up of an 'Invest India' Office in the foreign country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday invited business leaders from around the world to invest in Kashi (Varanasi), the constituency he represents in the Lok Sabha, with a mention of ‘paan’, a traditional Indian treat made from a betel leaf which is famous in the historic city.

Addressing the Business Leaders’ Summit in Singapore, PM Modi said, “Whenever there is discussion of ‘paan’ in India, it remains incomplete without Varanasi. I am an MP from Varanasi.”

“If you want to enjoy eating ‘paan’, then you must invest in Kashi,” he added in a lighter tone at the meeting with top executives, reaching out to the business community in a unique message calling for global investment in India.

Banarasi paan, which gets its name from the Hindu holy city of Varanasi, is a famous delicacy that often finds itself on wedding menus. It has also made its way into India’s popular culture, including Bollywood films, with references in superhit songs.

The Prime Minister met with business leaders and CEOs of Singapore and underlined the reforms underway in India that will encourage investment and innovation.

‘Invest India’ Office in Singapore

In a bid to boost investment opportunities in India, PM Modi, during his last day of a 2-day visit to Singapore, announced the setting up of an ‘Invest India’ Office in the foreign country. It will be a hand-holding office for Singaporean investors in diverse areas, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi also met with H.E. Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of Singapore and thanked the latter for his country’s consistent support of the India – Singapore partnership.

Taking to X, the Prime Minister remarked, “Had a very good meeting with Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the President of Singapore. Our talks focused on the full range of bilateral ties between our nations. We discussed the key focus sectors like skill development, sustainability, technology, innovation and connectivity.”