Under attack over land ordinance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the government was instituting a "rational framework" for acquisition of land, without causing distress to farmers and other landowners.

"We are instituting a rational framework for acquisition of land without causing distress to farmers and other landowners," he said in Hannover while wooing global investors to India during his address at the inauguration of Hannover Fair.

He did not elaborate, but was clearly sending out a message to the business community that land acquisition would not be a problem. "We are creating a predictable and transparent environment approval process that will protect our natural heritage...With transparency and speed, we have resumed long-stalled projects and allocation of resources. This is adding new momentum to our economy," the PM said.

His remarks on the land acquisition ordinance assume significance as the Opposition is stepping up a joint campaign against the government over the issue.