Narendra Modi addressed the opening plenary of the World Economic Forum’s 48th Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on 23 January 2018. His central message was that shared global threats require cooperation, even as countries turn inward. The address was delivered in Hindi; the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Press Information Bureau (PIB) publish English renderings.
When and where Modi spoke
Modi spoke on 23 January 2018, opening the plenary programme at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos. The meeting ran from 23 to 26 January under the theme “Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World.” The PIB’s announcement noted that H. D. Deve Gowda was the last Indian prime minister to visit Davos, in 1997; that is the PIB’s contemporaneous account.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Narendra Modi: A political Biography | $11.46 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Letters to Self | $12.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Narendra Modi A Biography Hardcover | $14.24 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
NARENDRA MODI: THE GREAT PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA: The Life, Leadership, Vision, Policies, and Legacy... | $11.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Narendra Modi: The Man, The Times | $18.99 | Buy on Amazon |
What Modi said the main global challenges were
WEF’s contemporaneous summary says Modi highlighted climate change, terrorism, and the inward-focused isolationism of countries as three foremost challenges. In the address’s broader argument, climate change and terrorism crossed national borders, while a turn toward self-interest made collective responses harder.
His argument about globalization
Modi argued that growing interconnectedness was not producing confidence in globalization. He warned that protectionism and inward-looking politics were gaining ground, and presented this as a reason countries should resist isolation and work together. In the MEA’s official English rendering of the Hindi speech, he said, “The sheen of globalization is reducing.” He also said, “We will have to accept that globalization is slowly losing its lustre.” These are translated quotations, not words spoken in English.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems#1 Best Overall
How he presented India’s role
Modi presented India as a potential contributor to a shared global future, pointing to its democratic institutions, economic reforms, young population, and openness to investment. Those points were part of his case for India’s role and appeal at the forum; they should be understood as claims and advocacy in the 2018 address, not as an independent evaluation of India’s economy or institutions today.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where to read the speech
The MEA and PIB publish English renderings of the address. The MEA page identifies the address as “Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World” and includes the speech text. WEF’s release is a concise event summary rather than the full transcript.
Rank #2
- MEA: Prime Minister’s opening statement at the World Economic Forum in Davos
- PIB: English rendering and announcement of Modi’s Davos participation
- WEF: contemporaneous summary of Modi’s opening address
The speech’s globalization remarks are Modi’s diagnosis of conditions in 2018, not a measured finding about globalization. The official sources cited here do not provide an independent assessment of the speech’s impact or the factual accuracy of its arguments.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →




