I leave for Myanmar, Australia and Fiji tomorrow with a great sense of anticipation and fully conscious of the significance of the India-ASEAN Summit and East Asia Summit on November 12-13 in Myanmar`s capital Nay Pyi Taw, the G 20 Summit in Brisbane Australia, the bilateral visit to Australia and the visit to Fiji Islands, where I will also have the opportunity to meet leaders of the Pacific Islands.
During the course of these Summits and my bilateral visits, I will meet over 40 leaders from countries representing Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America and Pacific Region, as also heads of many multilateral institutions. These meetings are taking place at a time of multiple global challenges. I look forward to seeking a global environment that supports our aspirations for economic development and a peaceful world.
The ten-nation ASEAN community has the third largest population; it would be the seventh largest economy in the world; and, the third fastest growing economic unit this century. This dynamic region is our continental and maritime neighbor, linked by centuries-old ties. ASEAN is at the core of our Act East Policy and at the centre of our dream of an Asian century, characterized by cooperation and integration. I am looking forward to discussing with ASEAN leaders how to take our relationship to a new level, which will supplement our deepening bilateral ties with each member.
No region in the world embodies so much dynamism or faces so many challenges as the region spanning the Indian Ocean, continental Asia and Pacific Ocean. And, no other forum, perhaps, has as much potential to shape this region and the world`s future as the East Asia Summit. At the East Asia Summit, I look forward to discussing with ASEAN and seven global leaders how we can strengthen regional institutions, international norms and regional cooperation in pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity.
The G 20 Summit, which brings together countries that account for 85% of the world`s economic output, is a key forum for countries to coordinate their activities and pursue collective action to support global economic growth and stability, stable financial markets and global trading regimes and employment generation. I also intend to discuss how we can accelerate the creation of next generation infrastructure, which also includes digital infrastructure, and ensure access to clean and affordable energy. A key issue for me would be to highlight the importance of international cooperation against black money.
I look forward to meeting leaders from other countries at the summits in Nay Pyi Taw and Brisbane.
I am looking forward to my four-city, three-day visit to Australia with great enthusiasm. I am conscious of the fact that a Prime Ministerial visit from India is taking place after 28 years. While we have much in common with Australia, our political, strategic and economic relations have been below potential. A closer strategic partnership with Australia will support India`s economic goals; promote our security interests, including maritime security; and, reinforce our efforts to foster a climate of peace and stability in our extended continental and maritime neighbourhood.
It is in pursuit of the same goals as well our historical and ethnic links that will take me to Fiji Islands, 33 years after the last visit of Prime Minister. It will be my privilege to visit Fiji soon after the return of democracy in September 2014. We also owe them a debt of gratitude for hosting our scientists on the island in support of our Mars Mission. I am excited about visiting Fiji as also with the opportunity I will have of meeting leaders and representatives of 12 Pacific Island nations. I am grateful to them for coming to Fiji at short notice. We can build stronger economic cooperation and closer partnership in international and multilateral forums with our friends in Pacific Island. I look forward to a future of regular engagement and more robust cooperation with Fiji and other Pacific Island countries.
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!