Towards a safe and secure India

Published By : Admin | March 10, 2014 | 13:12 IST

What happens when…

Those who set out to defend India are beheaded?

An innocent fisherman who goes out to catch fish does not come back with fish, but what comes back is his dead body?

Foreign powers arm-twist the world’s largest democracy for their selfish interests?

Welcome to the India of 2014. Gone are the days when India conducted Nuclear Tests in Pokhran under the leadership of Shri AtalBihari Vajpayee, overcoming foreign pressure and economic sanctions. Gone are the days when a Prime Minister got a neighbouring country to its knees in the Summer of 1999, when intruders entered the Indian territory, and following which India gave a fitting response.

Today’s India is different. A Jawan goes to the border but his wife does not know whether he will come back alive or not. A fisherman goes out to catch fish but his little children don’t know whether they will see their father alive or will two foreigners come and brutally kill him.

Here is a Government whose Foreign Minister first calls Chinese incursions ‘minor acne’ and then says he would not mind settling in Beijing. Here is a Government whose Defence Minister, on being asked whether Pakistan beheaded our Jawans, says - they may have been terrorists dressed in Pakistan uniform.

We have a Government that has all the time to misuse official machinery to target political opponents but has no time to give a fitting answer to terrorists and Maoists. Pakistan gives us humiliation but we give its leaders delicious Chicken Biryani. Smaller nations like Maldives and Sri Lanka raise fingers at us but those in Delhi are in glorious slumber.

India wants to break free from this humiliation. India wants to be a global trendsetter, continuing its centuries-old-tradition of living in harmony with the world, and at the same time it wants its self-respect and dignity firmly protected.

Towards a safe and secure India

After a dark decade of despondency and helplessness, India awaits a ray of hope and that ray of hope is Narendra Modi.

Ballot, not the Bullet: A firm message to Maoists

Time and again, Shri Narendra Modi has stated that there is no place for the bullet in our democracy and that youngsters inspired by Maoism should leave their guns and embrace the pen and the plough to create better lives for themselves and for society. India must be coloured by the colours of progress, not the colour of blood.

The UPA’s response towards Maoism has been tepid at best and confused in spirit. The result is that a handful people have been able to create disturbances among the forest areas, causing inconvenience to people.

The wonderful work done by BJP Chief Ministers in states with significant tribal population (Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh) suggests how good and inclusive governance harnesses aspirations and mitigates the fears of the tribal communities. It is the NDA and Shri Modi that can provide a pro-people solution to the Maoist problem.

Zero Tolerance to Terrorism

A NDA government would ensure that there is no tolerance with terrorist activity on Indian soil. It was Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Government that had introduced POTA, keeping in mind the national security requirements. Shri Modi is determined to ensure that people of India don’t have to suffer the evils of terrorism but will taste the fruits of development.

Sending back of illegal immigrants of Bangladesh

Illegal immigration from Bangladesh has become a major concern in parts of Eastern and Northeastern India. To make matters worse, illegal immigration from the border has been encouraged by vested political interests only to fill their ballot boxes. The sufferers in this are the people of the Northeast, whose resources and rights are being snatched away.

The Prime Minister has represented Assam for over two decades now but he has done nothing to solve this problem. Today, the people are seeing a ray of hope in Shri Narendra Modi, who has called for the sending back of illegal migrants to Bangladesh.

Similarly, he has spoken out against the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh and said that India needs to welcome them in a way that each state embraces a few Hindus from Bangladesh so that there is no strain on the resources of only one particular state. In the era of compromising national security for votebank politics, this is a whiff of fresh air.

Becoming Self-Sufficient in Defence Production

From Bofors to Augusta Chopper Scam, it is amply clear that the ways and means of the Congress Party are not going to change. Defence deals are not seen as ways to strengthen the nation but are seen as a method to enrich the pockets of a select few.

Narendra Modi has repeatedly given the solution to this- become totally self-sufficient in defence production. Our nation has all the talent, what is needed is rock-solid determination and the will to move in this direction. Shri Modi will leave no stone unturned to ensure that India becomes self-sufficient in defence production so that the pride and honour of the nation is not auctioned to the highest bidder and so that we can give a strong answer to anti-national forces.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

If you go by track record, then Shri Modi’s actions demonstrate the steps he would take to ensure the safety and well-being of Indians across the world.

In 2011, Shri Modi had sought a speedy trial for diamond workers who were stranded in China. Shri Modi’s efforts bore fruit as China did release some of the traders, who were then able to breathe the air of freedom in their own Motherland. Similarly, it was Shri Narendra Modi who took up the cause of the Indian workers stuck in Angola, even as the Centre remained indifferent.

When an Indian diplomat was ill-treated in USA, Shri Modi refused to meet a USA delegation and raised the issue with the American Ambassador during their meeting.

Believer in Global Peace and Co-operation

Shri Modi believes that for India to grow and reach its destined role as the world leader, India must engage with the world and keep up with changing trends. That explains why Gujarat has forged successful relationships with several nations across the world.

He himself has visited China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, African countries and Switzerland to name a few. Likewise, Ambassadors from Asia, Europe, USA, Canada, South America and Australia have visited Gandhinagar and met Shri Modi. The real gainers of these initiatives are the people,who benefit from the investments, trade exchanges etc.

Therefore, through his actions and proven track record, Shri Modi promises a proactive India, committed to global peace, tolerance and at the same time an India that will never bow down to any other nation. India’s security won’t be compromised, soldiers won’t be killed, and killers of poor fishermen won’t be spared. Thus, India will engage with the world, but on its own terms, protecting the dignity and honour of its billion people.

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Today, North East is emerging as the ‘Front-Runner of Growth’: PM Modi at Rising North East Investors Summit
May 23, 2025
QuoteThe Northeast is the most diverse region of our diverse nation: PM
QuoteFor us, EAST means - Empower, Act, Strengthen and Transform: PM
QuoteThere was a time when the North East was merely called a Frontier Region.. Today, it is emerging as the ‘Front-Runner of Growth’: PM
QuoteThe North East is a complete package for tourism: PM
QuoteBe it terrorism or Maoist elements spreading unrest, our government follows a policy of zero tolerance: PM
QuoteThe North East is becoming a key destination for sectors like energy and semiconductors: PM

My colleagues in the Union Cabinet Jyotiraditya Scindia ji and Sukanta Majumdar ji, Governor of Manipur Ajay Bhalla ji, Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma ji, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu ji, Chief Minister of Tripura Manik Saha ji, Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma ji, Chief Minister of Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang ji, Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio ji, Chief Minister of Mizoram Lalduhoma ji, all industry leaders, investors, ladies and gentlemen!

On this grand podium of Rising Northeast, I feel a sense of pride, warmth, belonging, and above all, immense confidence in the future. Just a few months ago, we celebrated the Ashtalakshmi Festival here at Bharat Mandapam. Today, we are celebrating a festival of investment in the Northeast. So many industry leaders have gathered here. This shows the enthusiasm, excitement, and new dreams that everyone has for the Northeast. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the ministries and the state governments for this achievement. Your efforts have created an excellent environment for investment there. On behalf of myself and the Government of Bharat, I wish you all the very best for the success of the North East Rising Summit.

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Friends,

Bharat is considered the world’s most diverse nation, and our Northeast is the most diverse part of this diverse nation. From trade to tradition, from textiles to tourism, the diversity of the Northeast is its greatest strength. Northeast means bio-economy and bamboo; Northeast means tea production and petroleum; Northeast means sports and skill; Northeast is emerging as a hub of eco-tourism; Northeast represents a new world of organic products; Northeast is a powerhouse of energy. That is why, the Northeast is our Ashtalakshmi (eight forms of prosperity). With the blessings of this Ashtalakshmi, every state in the Northeast is saying—we are ready for investment, we are ready to lead.

Friends,

It is essential for Eastern Bharat to develop for the building of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). And the Northeast is the most important part of Eastern Bharat. For us, EAST is not just a direction—it stands for Empower, Act, Strengthen, and Transform. This is our government’s policy for Eastern Bharat. This same policy, this same priority, has brought Eastern Bharat—and our Northeast—to the centre stage of growth.

Friends,

The transformation that the Northeast has seen in the last 11 years is not just about numbers—it is change that can be felt on the ground. We have not just built a connection with the Northeast through government schemes—we have built a bond from the heart. You might be surprised to hear this: ministers from our central government have visited the Northeast more than 700 times. And it wasn’t just about visiting and leaving—the rule was to stay overnight. They experienced the land, they saw the hope in people’s eyes, and they turned that trust into a development-driven policy. We did not view infrastructure as just bricks and cement—we made it a medium for emotional connection. We moved beyond the Look East policy to embrace the mantra of Act East, and today, we are seeing the results. There was a time when the Northeast was only referred to as a frontier region. Today, it is becoming the front-runner of growth.

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Friends,

Good infrastructure makes tourism more attractive. Where there is strong infrastructure, investors also gain greater confidence. Better roads, robust power infrastructure, and an efficient logistics network are the backbone of any industry. Trade thrives where there is seamless connectivity—in other words, quality infrastructure is the foundation and first requirement of any kind of development. That’s why we have initiated an Infrastructure Revolution in the Northeast. For a long time, the Northeast remained neglected. But now, the Northeast is becoming a land of opportunities. We have invested hundreds of thousands of crores of rupees in connectivity infrastructure in the Northeast. If you go to Arunachal Pradesh, you’ll see infrastructure projects like the Sela Tunnel. In Assam, you’ll witness mega projects like the Bhupen Hazarika Bridge. In just one decade, we have built 11,000 kilometres of new highways in the Northeast. Hundreds of kilometres of new railway lines have been laid. The number of airports in the Northeast has doubled. Waterways are being developed on the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers. Hundreds of mobile towers have been installed, and not just that—a 1,600-kilometre-long pipeline, the Northeast Gas Grid, has also been established. This ensures reliable gas supply for industry. In short—highways, railways, waterways, and i-ways—connectivity in every form is being strengthened in the Northeast. The ground has been prepared in the Northeast. Our industries must step forward and take full advantage of this opportunity. You must not miss out on the First Mover Advantage.

Friends,

In the coming decade, the trade potential of the Northeast is set to grow manyfold. Today, the trade volume between Bharat and ASEAN is around $125 billion. In the coming years, it will surpass $200 billion, and the Northeast will become a strong bridge for this trade—a gateway to ASEAN. We are rapidly developing the necessary infrastructure to support this vision. The Bharat-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway will establish direct connectivity to Thailand through Myanmar. This will ease Bharat’s connectivity with countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. Our government is also working swiftly to complete the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project, which will connect the Kolkata Port to Sittwe Port in Myanmar, and further link the rest of the Northeast via Mizoram. This will significantly reduce the distance between West Bengal and Mizoram and prove to be a major boon for industry and trade.

Friends,

Today, cities like Guwahati, Imphal, and Agartala are being developed as multi-modal logistics hubs. In Meghalaya and Mizoram, Land Customs Stations are now giving a new boost to international trade. With all these efforts, the Northeast is emerging as a new name in trade with Indo-Pacific countries. That means a whole new sky of possibilities is opening up for you in the Northeast.

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Friends,

We are working to establish Bharat as a global health and wellness solution provider. Our mission is to make the mantra “Heal in India” a global mantra. The Northeast is not only rich in nature, but it is also a perfect destination for an organic lifestyle. Its biodiversity, its climate—they work like natural medicine for wellness. That is why I urge you to explore the Northeast for investment opportunities in the Heal in India mission.

Friends,

Music, dance, and celebration are woven into the very culture of the Northeast. That makes it a fantastic destination for global conferences, concerts, and destination weddings. In many ways, the Northeast is a complete package for tourism. Now that the benefits of development are reaching every corner of the Northeast, we are also seeing a positive impact on tourism. The number of tourists has doubled, and this is not just about numbers—home stays are being built in villages, youth are getting new opportunities as guides, and a full tour and travel ecosystem is developing. Now we must take this to even greater heights. In eco-tourism and cultural tourism, there are plenty of new investment opportunities waiting for all of you.

Friends,

For the development of any region, the most important requirement is peace and law & order. Whether it is terrorism or Maoist insurgency, our government follows a zero-tolerance policy. There was a time when the Northeast was associated with bombs, guns, and blockades. Just the mention of the Northeast brought these images to mind. And this caused immense loss to the youth of the region—countless opportunities slipped away from their hands. Our focus is on the future of the youth of the Northeast. That’s why we have signed one peace agreement after another, giving young people the chance to join the mainstream of development. In the last 10–11 years, over 10,000 youth have chosen the path of peace by laying down their arms. Today, the youth of the Northeast are getting new opportunities for employment and self-employment right in their own region. Through the MUDRA Yojana, millions of youth in the Northeast have received financial assistance worth thousands of crores of rupees. The growing number of educational institutions is helping these youths enhance their skills. Now, the youth of the Northeast are not just internet users—they are becoming digital innovators. With more than 13,000 kilometres of optical fiber, 4G and 5G coverage, and emerging opportunities in technology, young people are now launching large-scale start-ups from their own towns. The Northeast is becoming Bharat’s digital gateway.

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Friends,

We all know how important skills are for growth and a better future. The Northeast provides a favourable environment for this as well. The central government is making massive investments in the education and skill development ecosystem of the region. In the last decade, over 21,000 crore rupees have been invested in the Northeast’s education sector. Around 850 new schools have been established. The first AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) in the Northeast is now operational. Nine new medical colleges have been built. Two new IIITs (Indian Institutes of Information Technology) have been established in the region. A campus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication has been set up in Mizoram. Approximately 200 new skill development institutes have been established across the Northeast. The country’s first Sports University is also being built there. Under the Khelo India program, projects worth hundreds of crores of rupees are underway in the Northeast. There are 8 Khelo India Centres of Excellence and over 250 Khelo India Centres in the region alone. This means the best talent across all sectors is available in the Northeast. You must make the most of this opportunity.

Friends,

Today, the global demand for organic food is rising. There's a growing inclination toward holistic healthcare, and I have a dream — that every dining table in the world should have at least one Indian food brand. The Northeast has a crucial role to play in fulfilling this dream. In the last decade, the scope of organic farming in the Northeast has doubled. Our region is known for products like tea, pineapples, oranges, lemons, turmeric, and ginger — and their taste and quality are truly exceptional. The demand for these products is increasing globally, and this growing demand opens up great opportunities for all of you.

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Friends,

The government is working to make it easier to set up food processing units in the Northeast. Improved connectivity is already helping, and in addition to that, we are building mega food parks, expanding the cold storage network and establishing testing laboratories. The government has also launched the Oil Palm Mission. The soil and climate of the Northeast are highly suitable for oil palm cultivation. This can become a significant source of income for our farmers, and it will also help reduce Bharat’s dependency on imported edible oils. Palm oil farming is a big opportunity for our industries as well.

Friends,

Our Northeast is emerging as a key destination for two more sectors: energy and semiconductors. Whether it's hydropower or solar power, the government is making major investments in every state of the Northeast. Projects worth thousands of crores of rupees have already been approved. You not only have investment opportunities in plants and infrastructure, but also a golden opportunity in manufacturing. Whether it's solar modules, cells, storage, or research, we need greater investments. This is our future — and the more we invest in it today, the less dependent we will be on foreign countries. Today, the Northeast — especially Assam — is playing a significant role in strengthening the country’s semiconductor ecosystem. Very soon, the first Made-in-India chip from a semiconductor plant in the Northeast will be available to the country. This plant has opened the doors of opportunity for the semiconductor sector and other cutting-edge technologies in the region.

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Friends,

Rising Northeast is not just an investors' summit — it is a movement. It is a call to action. The future of Bharat will rise to new heights through the bright future of the Northeast. I have complete faith in all the business leaders. Come, let us together make our Ashtalakshmi an inspiration for a ‘Viksit Bharat’. I am fully confident that today’s collective efforts, your enthusiasm, and your commitment are turning hope into belief. And I am certain that by the time we hold the second Rising Northeast Summit, we will have achieved remarkable progress. Wishing you all the very best.

Thank you very much!