This refers to the article "Maggi imbroglio: The big picture" by T Thomas (June 12). The author has expressed his concern on the negative image created in the minds of foreign investors who are planning massive investments in India. This negativism is the by-product of the frontal attack by the press on Nestle, on the detection of harmful elements - such as monosodium glutamate and lead - in their Maggi noodles product by the health authorities of the government of India.
According to Thomas, this kind of initiative and punitive action by the government is contrary to the invitation being extended to foreign investors by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his trips to foreign countries.
As one of the fastest emerging economies, which is slated to register 7.4 per cent gross domestic product growth (according to a World Bank report), no multinational can ignore the Indian market. We should be proud of the bold and people-friendly stand taken by the state and central governments, which will force these multinational corporations to do business on our terms. There are numerous examples of double standards followed by multinationals in different countries.
These actions by the authorities will send a strong message to the foreign investors and corporates that we do not believe in doing business and making profits at any cost.
Ravindran Menon, Pune
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201 · E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number
