New Delhi, Nov. 18 -- Presenting India as an emerging growth model for the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said development should be the highest priority for governments, whether at the Centre or in states ruled by any party.

Delivering the sixth Ramnath Goenka Lecture organized by The Indian Express newspaper in New Delhi late on Monday, Modi urged states to compete in making it easier to do business and in attracting investments. Goenka was a publisher of the newspaper and is seen as a doyen of Indian journalism.

The prime minister said that citizens place their trust in political parties that work with sincerity to fulfill their aspirations and prioritize development.

A statement from the Prime Minister's Office cited Modi call...