Modi takes dig at UPA government during Seoul visit

SEOUL: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took a dig at the previous UPA government over its foreign policy, saying we have had "enough of looking east". "Earlier, it was 'Look East Policy'. We have had enough of looking east. We now have 'Act East Policy' - a key component of my government's foreign policy," PM Modi said in Seoul.'Look East' policy was first coined by the Narasimha Rao government in the 1990s and has been followed by the successive governments.READ ALSO: World's perception of India has changed, PM Modi saysAddressing the Indian community in Seoul after his arrival here, Modi also said that the 'I' of BRICS — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — had begun teetering and almost collapsed, but under his government, India has regained its stature and importance."The world has realized that BRICS cannot be imagined without India," the PM said.At a similar community reception in China's economic hub Shanghai last week, Modi broke his silence on opposition criticism over his frequent foreign visits and took veiled digs at his critics back home, saying he was being attacked for "tireless" work and asserted that if it was a "crime" he would continue to do it.Modi, who came under attack over his criticism of previous governments during his last trip to Germany, France and Canada, said: "People are asking why is Modi travelling to so many countries...If you work less, criticism is normal. If you keep sleeping, criticism is normal. But it is my bad luck that I am being criticised for working more."During his speech on Monday, Modi pitched for his 'Make in India' initiative and said that he wants to make India a manufacturing hub using the world's best technology.He invited Indians settled abroad to come and invest in the country, saying the mood and the perception about India has changed in the last one year."World's best technology should come to India," he said, adding that India has to attain new heights of achievements."Today, people are excited to come to India. This is the mood that has changed. And after all, the people make the nation," he said.(With inputs from agencies)