India, Feb. 28 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India has discovered its inherent strength in the last 12 years and, following this rising self-confidence, developed nations are coming forward to sign trade deals with the country.

Addressing the News18 Rising Bharat Summit, Modi said even after Independence, some people ensured that the colonial mindset remained for their own benefits.

"No country would have done trade deals with us had we not discovered our inherent strength and strengthened our institutions. Because of this, the developed countries have come forward to sign trade deals (with India)," he said.

The prime minister also said that capability does not come suddenly to any country; it is built over generation...