QuoteToday, people of the country are working towards creating a strong India, in line with Netaji's vision: PM Modi
QuoteRoss Island would now be named Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep; Neil Island would be known as Shaheed Dweep; Havelock Island would be renamed as Swaraj Dweep: PM
QuoteEfforts are being made to make the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as self-sufficient as possible: PM Modi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, visited Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands today. In Port Blair, he laid a wreath at the Martyrs Column, and visited the Cellular Jail. At Cellular Jail, he visited the cells of Veer Savarkar, and other freedom fighters. He hoisted a high mast flag and offered floral tributes at the Statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

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At a public event to mark the 75th anniversary of the hoisting of Tricolour on Indian soil by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the Prime Minister released a commemorative postal stamp, coin, and First Day Cover.

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He also unveiled a series of development projects related to the energy, connectivity and health sectors. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are not just a symbol of India's natural beauty, but are also like a place of pilgrimage for Indians. He said the Andaman and Nicobar Islands remind us of the collective resolve of our freedom fighters.

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He said the Union Government is committed to empowering and developing the islands. He said the development projects unveiled today would further this objective in the field of education, health, connectivity, tourism and employment.

He mentioned his visit to the Cellular Jail, and the point where Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had hoisted the tricolour 75 years ago. He said that the Cellular Jail, where thousands of freedom fighters suffered, is no less than a place of worship for him. He said the nation will never forget the sacrifices of the freedom fighters.

Recalling Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the Prime Minister said that on Netaji's call, many youth from the Andamans had dedicated themselves to the freedom of India. He said the flag on the 150 feet high mast, is an attempt to preserve the memory of this day in 1943, when Netaji unfurled the tricolour.

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On this occasion, he announced that Ross Island would now be named Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep; Neil Island would be known as Shaheed Dweep; and Havelock Island would be renamed as Swaraj Dweep. The Prime Minister said that today, Indians are working towards creating a strong India, in line with Netaji's vision.

The Prime Minister said that the Government is working towards strengthening connectivity across the country. He said that remembering and honouring our heroes, helps strengthen our feeling of integration. He said the Union Government is making efforts to highlight every glorious chapter of our history. In this context he mentioned the Panchteerth related to Babasaheb Ambedkar, the National Police Memorial, and the Statue of Unity. He said National Awards have also been announced in the names of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and Sardar Patel.

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The Prime Minister said that the New India that is being built with the inspiration of these great leaders, has development at its core.

He said the Government is committed to developing the Islands in accordance with the requirements of the environment. He said special attention will be given to sectors such as tourism, food processing and information technology, as part of industrial development.

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The Prime Minister said efforts are being made to make the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as self-sufficient as possible. He spoke of the expansion of Port Blair dockyard, which will enable maintenance of big ships. He called for a report on the condition of rural roads in the Islands within two weeks, and said that once the report has been examined, the Union Government will give whatever assistance is possible.

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The Prime Minister said that a new Integrated Terminal Building is coming up at Veer Savarkar International Airport. He said the undersea optical fibre cable from Chennai, once completed, would provide good internet connectivity. He also spoke of development works in areas such as water, power, clean energy, and health.

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Click here to read full text of speech

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While building a healthy planet, let us ensure that no one is left behind: PM Modi at World Health Assembly
May 20, 2025
QuoteThe theme of the World Health Assembly this year is ‘One World for Health’, It resonates with India’s vision for global health: PM
QuoteThe future of a healthy world depends on inclusion, integrated vision and collaboration: PM
QuoteThe health of the world depends on how well we care for the most vulnerable: PM
QuoteThe Global South is particularly impacted by health challenges, India’s approach offers replicable, scalable and sustainable models: PM
QuoteIn June, the 11th International Day of Yoga is coming up, This year, the theme is ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’: PM
QuoteWhile building a healthy planet, let us ensure that no one is left behind: PM

Excellencies and Delegates,Namaste. Warm greetings to everyone at the 78th Session of the World Health Assembly.

Friends,

The theme of the World Health Assembly this year is ‘One World for Health’. It resonates with India’s vision for global health. When I addressed this gathering in 2023, I had spoken about ‘One Earth, One Health’. The future of a healthy world depends on inclusion, integrated vision and collaboration.

Friends,

Inclusion is at the core of India’s health reforms. We run Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest health insurance scheme. It covers 580 million people and provides free treatment. This programme was recently extended to cover all Indians above the age of 70 years. We have a network of thousands of health and wellness centres. They screen and detect diseases such as cancer, diabetes and hypertension. Thousands of public pharmacies provide high-quality medicines at far less than the market price.

Friends,

Technology is an important catalyst to improve health outcomes. We have a digital platform to track vaccination of pregnant women and children. Millions of people have a unique digital health identity. It is helping us integrate benefits, insurance, records and information. With telemedicine, nobody is too far from a doctor. Our free telemedicine service has enabled over 340 million consultations.

Friends,

Due to our initiatives, there has been a heartening development. The Out-of-Pocket Expenditure as percentage of Total Health Expenditure has fallen significantly. At the same time, Government Health Expenditure has gone up considerably.

Friends,

The health of the world depends on how well we care for the most vulnerable. The Global South is particularly impacted by health challenges. India’s approach offers replicable, scalable and sustainable models. We would be happy to share our learnings and best practices with the world, especially the Global South.

Friends,

In June, the 11th International Day of Yoga is coming up. This year, the theme is ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’. Being from the nation which gave Yoga to the world, I invite all countries to participate.

Friends,

I congratulate the WHO and all member states on the successful negotiations of the INB treaty. It is a shared commitment to fight future pandemics with greater cooperation. While building a healthy planet, let us ensure that no one is left behind. Let me close with a timeless prayer from the Vedas. सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः। सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चिद् दुःखभाग्भवेत्॥ Thousands of years ago, our sages prayed that everyone should be healthy, happy and free from disease. May this vision unite the world.

Thank You!