His Excellency, President Ashraf Ghani, members of the media,
I am delighted to welcome President Ghani and his delegation to India.
We are meeting in the shadow of the horrible calamity in Nepal. President Ghani and I speak for our two countries, South Asia and the world to the people of Nepal: Your courage and humanity has earned the respect of the world. And, you are not alone at this moment of tragedy and trial.
We will do everything possible with rescue and relief. And, we will certainly be there when you rebuild your lives and reconstruct your homes and heritage.
President Ghani and I discussed the historic efforts to rebuild his nation. We in India admire the courage and resolve of the Afghan people to seek a future of peace and prosperity. They are succeeding against huge challenges.
The relationship between India and Afghanistan is not just between two countries or governments. It is a timeless link of human hearts.
We deeply value the friendship and the goodwill of the Afghan people. Every Indian, in turn, holds the Afghan people in the highest affection and esteem.
This is why we stand with the people of Afghanistan, as they build a united, stable, democratic and prosperous nation.
This comes from the responsibility of our friendship. It also stems from our commitment to regional peace and progress.
Fourteen years ago, we started a new chapter in our relationship, in a new era for Afghanistan, under the leadership of President Karzai. The partnership has blossomed despite barriers of geography and hurdles of politics.
We will continue this journey in partnership with President Ghani and his National Unity Government with Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah Abdullah.
And, it will not be limited to the period of transition or the decade of transformation. This is an enduring commitment.
The peaceful democratic transition last year is a great boost for Afghanistan's progress. It reflected the faith in democracy of the brave Afghan people and great wisdom of the nation's political leadership. Preserving the mandate and political unity will be important for the country's future.
I conveyed our support for President Ghani's vision for peace and stability in Afghanistan.
We have a shared interest in the success of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process. This should be conducted within the framework of the Constitution of Afghanistan, without the shadow of violence.
It should reinforce the political, economic and social progress of the last fourteen years. And, it should protect the rights and aspirations of all sections of the society, including Afghan women.
Its success requires a positive and constructive approach from neighbours, including an end to support for violence.
We share Afghanistan's pain over persisting terrorism and extremist violence that destroy lives and derail progress.
I thank him for our cooperation against terrorism.
We are deeply grateful to the Afghan security forces, who protect our people in Afghanistan as they would their own.
President Ghani shared his impressive vision for Afghanistan's prosperity, based on its talent, resources and location. We believe that Afghanistan's direct surface link to India and the rest of South Asia and increased to seacould turn Afghanistan into a hub that connects Asia's diverse regions and beyond.
We are ready to welcome Afghan trucks at the ICP Attari. We are also prepared to join the successor agreement to Afghan Pakistan Trade and Transit Agreement. This will re-establish one of the oldest trading routes of South Asia. I also reaffirmed my commitment to take the Chahbahar Port project in Iran forward. We will also quickly conclude a bilateral Motor Vehicles Agreement.
We will expand our development partnership, which includes infrastructure, agriculture, connectivity, human resource development, community projects and humanitarian assistance. We will explore new trade and investment opportunities.
Afghan children have a special focus in our efforts. Today, I conveyed fresh support for Habibia School in Kabul, the Indira Gandhi Child Health Care Hospital and Red Crescent Society Fund for treatment of children with congenital heart disease.
We are prepared to continue our support for capacity building of Afghan security forces. I am pleased that we have delivered three Cheetal Helicopters to Afghanistan, which will add to the growing capabilities of the valiant Afghan Forces.
Excellency, Afghanistan's success is a much deserved destiny of Afghan people. But, it is also vital for the world. In the troubles of our times, it has acquired added importance.
India will walk shoulder to shoulder with you and the Afghan people in a mission of global importance.
Your visit has added new momentum to our partnership.
Today, Uttar Pradesh and the entire country are witnessing a new era of world-class infrastructure: PM Modi in Meerut
February 22, 2026
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Today, Uttar Pradesh and the entire country are witnessing a new era of world-class infrastructure : PM
The inauguration of the Meerut Metro, Namo Bharat train and the new section of the RRTS will make the lives of people in the NCR even simpler, smoother and more convenient: PM
Our work culture is such that once the foundation stone of a task is laid, day and night are merged to complete it, that is why now projects do not remain pending like before: PM
Be it Namo Bharat or the metro service, I had the opportunity to lay the foundation stone for both, and today I have also been fortunate to inaugurate them: PM
It is happening for the first time in the country that Namo Bharat and Metro rail will operate on the same station and on the same track: PM
From the very same platform, one will be able to travel within the city, and from that same station, one can also commute directly to and from Delhi: PM
Many developed countries of the world are today signing trade agreements with India: PM
Today, developed countries are eager to partner with India. This is because they see their own future in India’s development and they see hope in India’s youth power: PM
Today, the world feels that India is that power which can provide solutions to the challenges of the 21st century: PM
The Meerut-Hapur region has long witnessed Chaudhary Charan Singh ji’s vision. It has been our government’s privilege to confer the Bharat Ratna upon him: PM
Bharat Mata ki Jai
Bharat Mata ki Jai
Bharat Mata ki Jai
Respected and popular Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath ji, my colleagues in the Union Cabinet Pankaj Chaudhary ji and Jayant Chaudhary ji, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Brajesh Pathak ji, ministers of the UP government, my fellow Members of Parliament, legislators, and my beloved brothers and sisters who have gathered here in such large numbers!
On this sacred land of Baba Augharnath, on the revolutionary soil of Meerut, today a new energy is being infused into the vision of a developed Uttar Pradesh and a developed India. For the first time, from the same stage, both the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail and the Metro service are being inaugurated on the same day. This is a magnificent glimpse of what connectivity in a developed India will look like. Metro for travel within the city, and Namo Bharat, a modern train, to accelerate the vision of twin cities. I am satisfied that this milestone has been achieved in Uttar Pradesh.
Brothers and sisters,
Today’s program also reflects the working culture of the BJP’s double-engine government. And what is our working culture? Our working culture is that once a foundation stone is laid, we dedicate ourselves day and night to completing the project. That is why projects no longer remain stuck or delayed as they used to. Both the Namo Bharat and the Metro service were inaugurated by me earlier, and today I have had the privilege of dedicating them to the nation.
Friends,
A short while ago, I traveled in the Meerut Metro. During the journey, I interacted with many young students and other passengers. Everyone said they had never imagined such a wonderful facility. They recalled the old days, and especially the women and daughters told me that just a few years ago, as evening fell, silence and fear would grip the entire route. Now, on one hand, law and order has improved, and on the other, people have a safe and convenient means of travel.
And friends,
I am happy that the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail has also become a symbol of women’s empowerment. In this service, train operators, station control staff, and many other roles are being led by our daughters. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you, to Uttar Pradesh, and to the people of Delhi for the country’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail service and the Meerut Metro.
Friends,
I have a special bond with the land of Meerut. In the 2014 elections, the 2019 elections, and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, my campaign began from Meerut itself. The people of Meerut, the farmers here, the entrepreneurs, the workers of small industries, the artisans, and the shopkeepers have always showered me with blessings.
And friends,
Even then, I had told Congress and SP-BSP to abandon their poisonous politics and compete with us on the issue of development.
Friends,
These parties did not change their poisonous politics, but the BJP made development its highest priority in its policies, its approach, and its intent. The Meerut Metro itself is an example of this.
Friends,
Before 2014, the expansion of metro services in India was extremely slow. Under the Congress government, metro trains were running in only 5 cities. But today, under the BJP government, metro trains are running in more than 25 cities across the country. India has now become the third largest metro network in the world. In Uttar Pradesh too, apart from Meerut, work on metro projects is underway in several cities.
Friends,
In the past 11 years, dozens of cities have been connected with metro services because the BJP government wants to provide convenience to the people, to give citizens high-speed travel free from traffic jams and pollution. That is why today modern semi-high-speed trains like Namo Bharat are running, and Vande Bharat trains are also operating.
Friends,
When Congress and SP had their government in Delhi, none of this was possible. At that time, infrastructure projects would get lost in scams. Even technologies related to metro systems had to be imported from abroad. We stopped the scams and moved the country forward on the path of self-reliance. Because the BJP’s priority is the development of the nation, the convenience and prosperity of its citizens. Just look here—how the lives of the people of Meerut and western UP are about to change. At Sarai Kale Khan, Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad, and Meerut, railway stations, metro stations, and bus terminals have been interconnected. For the first time in the country, Namo Bharat and Metro Rail will run on the same station, the same track. This means from one platform you can travel within the city, and from the same station you can go directly to Delhi. Thousands of people from Meerut who travel daily to Delhi for studies, jobs, or other work will benefit. Those who work in Delhi but live in Meerut will no longer be forced to rent houses in Delhi.
Friends,
Today, the BJP’s double-engine government is spending so much money on modern infrastructure, and this not only saves your money but also creates jobs for the youth. Just look here in western UP—new expressways are being built, dedicated freight corridors are being developed, an international airport is coming up in Jewar. These projects provide employment during construction, and later they bring new industries, new businesses, which also generate jobs.
Friends,
This land of Uttar Pradesh is the land of labor, the land of creation. Farmers, livestock keepers, small entrepreneurs, weavers, artisans—all are realizing the mantra of heritage and development. When India’s strength grows, all these companions of Uttar Pradesh also benefit.
Friends,
You can see nowadays how much faith the world has in India, how hopeful people are. Many developed countries are signing trade agreements with India. There was a time when Congress governments could not make agreements with developed nations, even if they wanted to. Because the Congress government was infamous for scams, the world hesitated to deal with them. But today, developed countries are eager to partner with India. They see their future in India’s development, they see hope in India’s youth power. Today the world believes India is the force that can provide solutions to the challenges of the 21st century.
Friends,
In recent years, the agreements made by the BJP government will greatly benefit small and cottage industries. This will help sports goods manufacturers of Meerut, scissors from Meerut, crockery from Khurja, brassware from Moradabad, home furnishings from Baghpat, wood carving from Saharanpur, as well as industries related to leather, textiles, and jewelry. All these small and cottage industries will gain immensely. The BJP’s priority is to take the strength of small and big cities of India to every corner of the world, to enhance the identity of different districts of UP.
Friends,
Our Meerut and this entire region are major centers of small industries and MSMEs. In this year’s Union Budget, we announced a special fund of 10,000 crore rupees for small industries. This will make it much easier for MSMEs in UP to get loans. In the budget, we also announced the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Yojana for the textile industry and the weaver community. This will help khadi, handloom, and handicrafts reach global markets.
Friends,
Earlier, small artisans could only send goods worth up to 10 lakh rupees by courier. Now this limit has been completely removed. This means weavers and small entrepreneurs from Meerut and across UP can easily send their products to customers in America or Europe through online apps.
Friends,
The Meerut-Hapur region and surrounding areas have witnessed the vision of Chaudhary Charan Singh ji from the very beginning. It has been the good fortune of our government to confer the Bharat Ratna on Chaudhary Charan Singh ji. The BJP’s double-engine government is continuously working to increase farmers’ incomes, following his vision. For this, a strong emphasis is being placed on food processing. The PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi funds are also proving very useful for small farmers. So far, farmers of UP have received nearly 95,000 crore rupees under PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi. Farmers of Meerut alone have received about 800 crore rupees.
Brothers and sisters,
On one hand, citizens are working day and night to make India developed. But there are some political parties in the country that cannot digest India’s success. You just saw, the world’s largest AI conference was held in India. Representatives from more than 80 countries came to Delhi. Heads of state from nearly 20 countries came to India. Lakhs of people from across the country gathered in Delhi. Such a conference has never been held in any developing country before. I want to ask the people of Meerut—did you feel proud of this AI conference or not? Say it with full strength—did you feel proud or not? Did your head rise high or not? Did your chest swell with pride or not? Was this done for India or not? Was this done for India’s youth or not? Was this done to change India’s destiny or not? Was this done to take leadership in the 21st century or not? The whole country was filled with pride. But what did Congress and its ecosystem do?
Friends,
Congress turned India’s global event into an arena for its dirty and shameless politics. At the venue, in front of foreign guests, Congress leaders arrived stripping off their clothes. I ask the Congress people—everyone already knows you are politically naked, then what was the need to remove your clothes? What Congress leaders did there shows how ideologically bankrupt and impoverished the country’s oldest party has become.
Friends,
No one can imagine this. We are the kind of people who, when there is a wedding in a village, the entire village comes together wholeheartedly to make it successful, so that the guests leave with a good impression of the village. But Congress is busy defaming its own country.
Friends,
Congress leaders hate Modi. They want to dig my grave, they have no hesitation in insulting my mother, they oppose the BJP, they oppose the NDA. Fine, if that is necessary for their politics, we can understand and tolerate it. But Congress should have remembered that the AI Global Summit was not a BJP event, nor was any BJP leader present there. It was a national event, a matter of national pride, built on the sweat of the people. Yet Congress broke all boundaries of decency. The entire country is condemning Congress’s conduct. But unfortunately, instead of feeling ashamed, the leaders of such an old party are shamelessly cheering those who insulted the nation. This behavior of Congress is continuous. Look at what they did in Parliament—unable to perform themselves, they don’t let their allies speak, they don’t let Parliament function. And the biggest loss is suffered by Congress’s allies. They now understand this. The shamelessness Congress displayed in Delhi shocked all their allies, who have now distanced themselves.
I also want to humbly request the country’s media. I pray to God to give me strength to endure everything from the media. But today I request them—when we criticize such actions, please don’t make headlines like “Modi slammed the opposition.” Stop these tricks to protect Congress. By calling it “the opposition,” you save Congress, while other opposition parties suffer. Congress commits the sin, but others pay the price. Congress’s ecosystem always plays this game—Congress sins, criticism is directed at Congress, anger is directed at Congress, but in the media only the word “opposition” appears, not Congress. Why are you protecting Congress? By doing this, you neither save Congress nor force it to improve. If you start writing clearly that it is Congress’s fault, then see the difference. In Delhi, did TMC commit any sin? No. Did DMK commit any sin? No. Did BSP commit any sin? No. Did Farooq Abdullah’s party commit any sin? No. Only reckless Congress leaders are bent on destroying the nation. If you want to sit in the Prime Minister’s chair, first you must win the hearts of the people. By sending women MPs to forcibly occupy seats, you cannot become Prime Minister. Why are you compelled to push mothers and sisters forward like this? Have you become so hollow?
Friends,
Congress has become a burden on the nation. I am satisfied that after the incident in Delhi, all of Congress’s allies had the courage to strongly criticize Congress. I publicly thank these opposition allies for standing with the truth and with the pride of the nation.
Friends,
For the BJP government, the development of the nation and of Uttar Pradesh is paramount. But remember, ten years ago, what was UP known for? Everyone talked about riots in Meerut, gangs of criminals in western UP, bad roads, power cuts, and backwardness. Films were made about western UP’s crime. The SP government had reduced UP to this state. But today UP is known for development. Today our UP is known for BrahMos, for mobile phone manufacturing, for airports, for increasing tourist facilities. UP is also building its identity in the sporting ecosystem. Work on the Sports University in Meerut is progressing rapidly.
Friends,
In SP’s rule, criminals roamed fearlessly. Today, under Yogi ji’s government, they are spending their days in jail. No one dares to insult our daughters coming out of colleges.
Friends,
When law and order improves, an environment is created for trade, business, and shops. That is why today UP’s economy is witnessing tremendous growth. Under Yogi ji’s leadership, UP is becoming a major manufacturing hub of the country. Just yesterday, I had the opportunity to lay the foundation stone of UP’s first semiconductor factory. With this factory, UP’s strength will increase even more. It will create extraordinary opportunities for new investments and new jobs. I assure you, the BJP’s double-engine government will continue working to make UP the largest economy in the country. When UP develops, only then will India develop. Once again, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you for the Namo Bharat train and metro project. We are celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram. Say with me—
