Time for expansionism is over, this is the era of development: PM Modi

Published By : Admin | July 3, 2020 | 14:37 IST
I pay my tributes to the martyred soldiers in the Galwan valley: PM Narendra Modi
Through display of your bravery, a message has gone to the world about India’s strength: PM Modi
Your courage is higher than the heights where you are posted today: PM Modi

Bharat Mata ki Jai!
Bharat Mata ki Jai!

Friends, your courage, valour, and dedication to protect Mother India's honour are incomparable. Your spirit is unparallel in the world. The difficult conditions and the height in which you work as a shield to protect and serve the motherland, no one can beat that!

Your courage is greater than the heights where you are posted. Your determination is stronger than the valley you walk on daily. Your arms are as strong as the rocks around you. Your willpower is as strong as the surrounding mountains. I can feel it being present amidst you today. I can see it with my own eyes!

Friends,

The responsibility of the country's safety and protection is in your hands and your strong determination, so there is an unwavering confidence. Not just me, the whole nation reposes an unwavering confidence and the country is reassured. Your presence on the border motivates every countryman to work day and night for the country. The resolve of self-reliant India becomes stronger because of you, your sacrifice and efforts. And now you and your friends with their bravery have given out the message to the whole world about India's strength.

Right now I can also see women soldiers in front of me. In the battlefield, this scene on the border in itself is a source of inspiration.

Friends, the national poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar ji wrote-

जिनके सिंहनाद से सहमी। धरती रही अभी तक डोल।।

कलम, आज उनकी जय बोल। कलम आज उनकी जय बोल।।

So, today I salute you and hail you with my words! I once again pay tributes to my brave soldiers who were martyred in Galwan Valley. Heroes from every corner of the country i.e. from the east, the west, the north, and the south, have shown their valour. This land is still hailing them for their valour. Today every Indian is bowing down before you and saluting the brave soldiers of the country. Today, every Indian is proud of your bravery and valour.

Friends,

This land has become auspicious due to the blessings of the Indus. This land has assimilated within it the stories of bravery and valour of the brave sons. From Leh-Ladakh to Kargil and Siachen, from the snowy peaks of Rezang La to the cold water stream of Galwan valley, every peak, every mountain, every corner, every pebble is a testimony to the might of the Indian soldiers. Everyone knows about the stories of valour of the 14 Corps. The world has seen your indomitable courage. Your heroic stories are echoing from house to house and the enemies of Mother India have seen your fire and your fury as well.

Friends,

The entire Ladakh, the crown of India, is a symbol of respect for 130 crore Indians. This land is the land of the patriots who are always ready to sacrifice for India. This soil has produced great patriots like Kushok Bakula Rinponche. It was Rinponche ji who had mobilized the local people against the nefarious designs of the enemy. Every conspiracy to create secession here has been foiled by the patriotic people of Ladakh led by Rinpoche. As a result of his inspiring efforts, the country and the Indian Army were inspired to create an infantry regiment called Ladakh Scout. Today, the people of Ladakh are making wonderful contributions to strengthen the nation at every level - be it in the army or while performing the duties of ordinary citizens.

Friends, there is a saying-

खड्गेन आक्रम्य वंदिता आक्रमण: पुणिया, वीर भोग्य वसुंधरा

That is, a brave-heart protects the motherland with the power of his weapons. This land is for the brave. Our support, strength and resolve for its defence and security are as high as the Himalayas. I can see this ability and resolve in your eyes right now. It is clearly visible on your faces. You are the heroes of the same land that has repulsed the attacks and atrocities of many invaders for thousands of years. This is our identity. We are the people who worship Lord Krishna who plays flute. We are also the same people who follow Sudarshan Chakradhari Krishna as an ideal. With this inspiration, India has emerged stronger after every attack.

Friends,

Everyone believes that peace and friendship are important for the progress of the nation, the world and humanity. But we also know that the weak can never bring peace. The weak cannot initiate peace. Bravery is the precondition for peace. If India is growing its power at all levels i.e. water, land, sky and space, then the goal behind it is human welfare. India is manufacturing modern weapons today and getting all modern technologies for the Indian Army; and this is the spirit behind it. If India is building modern infrastructure at a fast pace, then the message behind it is the same.

Whether it is a world war or a peace keeping effort - the world has seen the valour of our heroes and their efforts for world peace whenever needed. We have always worked for the protection of humanity. All of you are the leaders who have established this goal, tradition and this glorious culture of India.

Friends, the great Saint Thiruvalluvar Ji had said hundreds of years ago-

मरमानम मांड वडिच्चेलव् तेट्रम
येना नान्गे येमम पडईक्कु

That is, valour, honour, the tradition of dignified behaviour and credibility are the four qualities that are the reflections of an army of any country. Indian forces have always followed this path.

Friends, the era of colonial expansion is over; this is the era of evolution. Evolution is only relevant in rapidly changing times. It is an opportunity for development and development is also the basis for the future. In the previous centuries expansionism has done the greatest harm to humanity and has tried to destroy humanity. The obsession with expansion has always posed a threat to world peace.

And friends, let's not forget, history is a witness to the fact that such forces have been erased or have forced to relent. The world has always had this experience and on the basis of this experience, the whole world now has made up its mind against the policy of expansion. Today the world is devoted to development and is welcoming the open competition for development.

Friends,

Whenever I think of a decision related to the defence of the nation, I first remember two mothers - firstly Mother India, and secondly those brave mothers who have given birth to mighty warriors like you. This is the criterion of my decision. Following this criterion, the nation gives the highest priority to your honour, the honour of your families and the safety of Mother India.

We have been paying a lot of attention to all the modern weapons for the armies or the equipment needed by you. Now the expenditure on border infrastructure in the country has been almost tripled. This has also led to the development of border area and construction of roads and bridges along the border at a rapid pace. One of the biggest benefits of this is that now the goods reach you in a short time.

Friends,

For better coordination in the armed forces, which had long been expected - be it the formation of the post of Chief of Defence or the creation of the National War Memorial or the decision of One Rank One Pension or the continuous work for the right arrangements ranging from the care of your family to education, the country has been strengthening its forces and soldiers at every level today.

Friends, Lord Gautam Buddha has said-

Courage is about commitment and conviction. Courage is compassion. Courage is what teaches us to stand boldly and steadfast for the truth. Courage is what gives us the strength to say and do what is right.

Friends,

The indomitable courage shown by the valiant sons of the country in the Galwan valley is the depiction of utmost might. The country is proud of you. Along with you, our ITBP personnel, BSF partners, BRO and other organizations, engineers and other workers are working under difficult conditions. You all are doing an amazing job! Everyone together is dedicated to protecting and serving Mother India.

Today, the country is fighting many disasters simultaneously and with great persistence due to your hard work. Seeking inspiration from all of you, let us together keep conquering every challenge, the most difficult challenges. All of you are protecting the country at the borders. We will together build the India of our dreams. We will build the India of your dreams. I have come to assure you today that the 130 crore countrymen will not stay behind. We will create a strong and a self-reliant India and we will do so! And after getting inspired by you, the resolve of a self-reliant India becomes even more powerful.

I once again congratulate all of you from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much! Say aloud with me-

Bharat Mata ki Jai!

Bharat Mata ki Jai!

Vande Mataram - Vande Mataram - Vande Mataram!!

Thank you!

Explore More
78મા સ્વતંત્રતા દિવસનાં પ્રસંગે લાલ કિલ્લાની પ્રાચીર પરથી પ્રધાનમંત્રી શ્રી નરેન્દ્ર મોદીનાં સંબોધનનો મૂળપાઠ

લોકપ્રિય ભાષણો

78મા સ્વતંત્રતા દિવસનાં પ્રસંગે લાલ કિલ્લાની પ્રાચીર પરથી પ્રધાનમંત્રી શ્રી નરેન્દ્ર મોદીનાં સંબોધનનો મૂળપાઠ
Google creates ‘DPI in a Box’; What is this ‘Digital India’ toolkit for the world and more

Media Coverage

Google creates ‘DPI in a Box’; What is this ‘Digital India’ toolkit for the world and more
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
...
Text of PM’s address at third edition of Kautilya Economic Conclave in New Delhi
October 04, 2024
Today, India is the fastest growing major economy:PM
Government is following the mantra of Reform, Perform and Transform:PM
Government is committed to carrying out structural reforms to make India developed:PM
Inclusion taking place along with growth in India:PM
India has made ‘process reforms’ a part of the government's continuous activities:PM
Today, India's focus is on critical technologies like AI and semiconductors:PM
Special package for skilling and internship of youth:PM

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ji, President of the Institute of Economic Growth N K Singh ji, other distinguished guests from India and abroad at the Conclave, ladies and gentlemen! This is the third edition of the Kautilya Conclave. I am delighted to have the opportunity to meet you all. There will be numerous sessions here, discussing various economic issues over the next three days. I am confident that these discussions will help accelerate Bharat’s growth.

Friends,

This Conclave is being held at a time when two major regions of the world are in a state of war. These regions are crucial for the global economy, especially in terms of energy security. Amidst such significant global uncertainty, we are gathered here to discuss ‘The Indian Era.’ This shows that trust in Bharat today is unique... It demonstrates that Bharat’s self-confidence is exceptional.

Friends,

Today, Bharat is the fastest-growing major economy in the world. Bharat is currently the fifth largest economy in terms of GDP. We are number one in terms of global fintech adoption rates. Today, we are number one in smartphone data consumption. We are the second largest internet user base globally. Nearly half of the world’s real-time digital transactions are taking place in Bharat today. Bharat now has the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem. In terms of renewable energy capacity, Bharat is ranked fourth. When it comes to manufacturing, Bharat is the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. Bharat is also the largest producer of two-wheelers and tractors. And not just that, Bharat is the world's youngest country. Bharat has the third-largest pool of scientists and technicians globally. Whether it’s science, technology, or innovation, Bharat is clearly in a sweet spot.

Friends,

By following the mantra of ‘Reform, Perform, and Transform,’ we are continuously making decisions to drive the nation forward at a rapid pace. This is the impact that has led the people of Bharat to elect the same government for the third consecutive time after 60 years. When people’s lives change, they gain confidence that the country is moving on the right track. This sentiment is reflected in the mandate of the Indian public. The trust of 140 crore citizens is a great asset for this government.

Our commitment is to continue making structural reforms to make Bharat a developed nation. You can see this commitment in the work we have done in the first three months of our third term. Bold policy changes, a strong commitment to jobs and skills, a focus on sustainable growth and innovation, modern infrastructure, quality of life, and the continuity of rapid growth are reflected in the policies of our first three months. During this period, decisions amounting to over 15 trillion rupees i.e. 15 lakh crore rupees have been made. In these three months alone, work on numerous mega infrastructure projects has begun in Bharat. We have also decided to create 12 industrial nodes across the country. Additionally, we have approved the construction of 3 crore new houses.

Friends,

Another notable factor in Bharat’s growth story is its inclusive spirit. It was once believed that with growth comes inequality. But the opposite is happening in Bharat. Along with growth, inclusion is also taking place in Bharat. As a result, 250 million i.e. 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty in the last 10 years. Along with Bharat’s rapid progress, we are ensuring that inequality is reduced and that the benefits of development reach everyone.

Friends,

The confidence in Bharat’s growth predictions also shows the direction we are heading in. You can see this in the data from recent weeks and months. Last year, our economy performed better than any prediction. Whether it’s the World Bank, the IMF, or Moody’s, all have upgraded their forecasts for Bharat. All these institutions are saying that despite global uncertainty, Bharat will continue to grow at a 7+ rate. We Indians are confident that we will perform even better than that.

Friends,

There are solid reasons behind this confidence in Bharat. Be it manufacturing or the service sector, the world today sees Bharat as a preferred destination for investment. This is not a coincidence but a result of major reforms over the past 10 years. These reforms have transformed Bharat’s macroeconomic fundamentals. One example is Bharat’s banking reforms which have not only strengthened the financial conditions of banks but also increased their lending capacity. Similarly, the GST has integrated various central and state indirect taxes. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) has developed a new credit culture of responsibility, recovery, and resolution. Bharat has opened sectors such as mining, defence, and space for private players and our young entrepreneurs. We have liberalized the FDI policy to create more and more opportunities for investors around the world. We are focusing on modern infrastructure to reduce logistics costs and time. Over the past decade, we have significantly scaled up investments in infrastructure.

Friends,

India has integrated process reforms into the government’s ongoing initiatives. We have eliminated over 40,000 compliances and decriminalised the Companies Act. Numerous provisions that previously made business operations difficult have been amended. The National Single Window System has been introduced to simplify the processes of starting, closing, and obtaining clearances for companies. Now, we are encouraging state governments to accelerate process reforms at the state level.

Friends,

To boost manufacturing in Bharat, we have introduced Production Linked Incentives (PLI), the impact of which is now visible across many sectors. Over the past three years, PLI has attracted investments of approximately ₹1.25 trillion (₹1.25 lakh crore). This has resulted in the production and sales amounting to about ₹11 trillion (₹11 lakh crore). Bharat's progress in the space and defence sectors is also remarkable. These sectors have only recently been opened up, yet more than 200 start-ups have already emerged in the space sector. Today, our private defence companies account for 20 percent of the country’s total defence manufacturing.

Friends,

The growth of the electronics sector is even more remarkable. Just 10 years ago, Bharat was a major importer of most mobile phones. Today, over 330 million or more than 33 crore mobile phones are manufactured in Bharat. In fact, no matter which sector you look at, there are exceptional opportunities for investors in Bharat to invest and earn high returns.

Friends,

Bharat is now also focusing on critical technologies such as AI and semiconductors, and we are investing significantly in these areas. Our AI mission will enhance both research and skills development in the AI field. Under the India Semiconductor Mission, investments totalling ₹1.5 trillion (₹1.5 lakh crore) are being made. Soon, five semiconductor plants in Bharat will begin delivering 'Made in India' chips to every corner of the world.

Friends,

You are all aware that Bharat is the leading source of affordable intellectual power. A testament to this is the presence of more than 1,700 global capability centres of companies from around the world operating in India today. These centres employ over two million i.e. 20 lakh Indian youth, who are providing highly skilled services to the world. Today, Bharat is placing an unprecedented focus on maximising this demographic dividend. To achieve this, special attention is being devoted to education, innovation, skills, and research. We have introduced a significant reform in this area with the implementation of the New National Education Policy. In the past 10 years, a new university has been established every week, and two new colleges have been opened each day. During this period, the number of medical colleges in our country has doubled.

And friends,

We are focusing not only on expanding access to education but also on improving its quality. As a result, the number of Indian institutions in the QS World University Rankings has more than tripled over the past decade. In this year's budget, we announced a special package for skilling and interning millions of young people. Under the PM Internship Scheme, 111 companies registered on the portal on the very first day. Through this scheme, we are supporting 1 crore youth with internships at major companies.

Friends,

Bharat's research output and patent filings have also seen rapid growth in the past 10 years. In less than a decade, Bharat has risen from 81st to 39th in the Global Innovation Index rankings, and we aim to advance further. To bolster its research ecosystem, India has also created a research fund worth ₹1 trillion.

Friends,

Today, the world has high expectations from Bharat regarding a green future and green jobs, and there are equally significant opportunities for you in this sector. You all followed the G20 Summit held under Bharat's presidency. One of the many successes of this summit was the renewed enthusiasm for the green transition. During the G20 Summit, the Global Biofuel Alliance was launched at Bharat's initiative, and G20 member countries strongly supported Bharat's development of green hydrogen energy. In Bharat, we have set a target to produce 5 million tonnes of Green Hydrogen by the end of this decade. We are also advancing solar power production at the micro level.

The Government of India has launched the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, a large-scale Rooftop Solar Scheme. We are providing funding to every household for setting up rooftop solar systems and assisting with solar infrastructure installation. So far, more than 13 million i.e. 1 crore 30 lakh families have registered for this scheme, meaning these households have become solar power producers. This initiative will save an average of ₹25,000 per family. For every three kilowatts of solar power generated, 50-60 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions will be prevented. This scheme will create approximately 1.7 million (17 lakh) jobs, producing a vast workforce of skilled youth. Therefore, numerous new investment opportunities are emerging for you in this sector as well.

Friends,

The Indian economy is currently undergoing a significant transformation. With strong economic fundamentals, India is on a path of sustained high growth. Today, Bharat is not only striving to reach the top but is also making concerted efforts to stay there. The world today offers immense opportunities across every sector. I am confident that your discussions will provide many valuable insights in the days to come.

I am confident that in the coming days, many valuable insights will emerge from your discussions. I extend my best wishes for this endeavour, and I assure you that this is not merely a debating forum for us. The discussions that take place here, the points raised, the do's and don'ts—those that prove beneficial—are diligently integrated into our governmental system. We incorporate them into our policies and governance. The wisdom you contribute during this churning process is what we utilise to shape a brighter future for our country. Your participation is, therefore, of immense importance to us. Every word you offer holds value for us. Your thoughts, your experience—they are our assets. Once again, I thank you all for your contribution. I also congratulate N. K. Singh and his entire team for their commendable efforts.

With warmest regards and best wishes.

Thank you!