Pithoragarh (Uttrakhand): Accusing the Congress of "failing" to contain inflation in the country, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that the party made the life of "aam aadmi very difficult" economically during its rule.
Addressing his first election rally in Uttrakhand, Modi alleged that the Congress has not been able to address the problems of the poor as its leaders have never experienced such hardships and "they talk about the poor while sitting in the air-conditioned rooms".
"Having never seen poverty, Sonia Gandhi cannot understand the plight of crores of people in the country, who go to bed every night without meal," the BJP leader alleged.
Modi said that in the last 60 years of independence, Congress has ruled the country for 55 years,"but thousands of villages in the country are still waiting for drinking water and medical facilities and Rahul Gandhi talks of poverty while sitting in air condition rooms."
On the issue of the black money stashed in foreign banks, Modi cited former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's statement that out of every rupees spent by Centre for the poor, only 10 paise reaches to them.
"The remaining 85 paise which went to the corrupt officers and leaders during the last 60th years are lying in foreign banks. If it comes back to the country, it can change the lives of crores of people," he claimed.
Modi attacked the Congress and UPA for its "failure to check terrorism in the country" and alleged the government did not understand the plight of families that have sacrificed their children to protect the country from the terrorists.
The BJP leader alleged that "while 'SRP'(Sonia, Rahul, Priyanka) are always after me and taking note of my every activity, they have not been able to implement the 20-point programme launched by late Rajiv Gandhi even in the Congress ruled states."
The Gujarat Chief Minister claimed that his state stands first in the implementation of the programme.
India is the springboard for Japanese businesses to the Global South: PM Modi in Tokyo
August 29, 2025
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Your Excellency Prime Minister Ishiba, Business leaders from India and Japan, Ladies and Gentlemen, Namaskar
Konnichiwa!
I just arrived in Tokyo this morning. I am very happy that my trip is starting with the giants of the business world.
I personally know many of you. Whether it was during my time in Gujarat, or after moving to Delhi. I’ve had close connections with many of you. I’m really glad to have this opportunity to meet you all today.
I especially thank Prime Minister Ishiba for joining this forum. I congratulate him for his valuable remarks.
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Friends,
Japan has always been a key partner in India’s growth journey. Whether it’s metros, manufacturing, semiconductors, or start-ups, our partnership in every area reflects mutual trust.
Japanese companies have invested more than $40 billion in India. In the last two years alone, there has been private investment of $13 billion. JBIC says India is the most 'promising' destination. JETRO says 80 percent of companies want to expand in India, and 75 percent are already profitable.
Which means, in India, capital does not just grow, it multiplies!
Friends,
You are all familiar with the remarkable changes India has experienced in the last eleven years. Today, we have political and economic stability, and clear and predictable policies. India is now the fastest-growing major economy in the world, and very soon, it will become the world’s third-largest economy.
India is contributing to 18% of global growth. The country’s capital markets are giving good returns, and we have a strong banking sector. Inflation and interest rates are low, and foreign exchange reserves stand at around $700 billion.
Friends,
Behind this change is our approach of ‘Reform, Perform, and Transform.’ In 2017, we introduced "One Nation–One Tax”, and now we are working on bringing in new and bigger reforms in it. A few weeks ago, our Parliament has also approved the new and simplified Income Tax code.
Our reforms are not limited to the tax system alone. We have emphasized on ease of doing business. We have established a single digital window approval for businesses. We have rationalized 45,000 compliances. A high-level committee on de-regulation has been formed to speed up this process.
Sensitive sectors like Defence and Space have been opened up to the private sector. Now, we are also opening up the nuclear energy sector.
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Friends,
These reforms reflect our determination to build a developed India. We have the commitment, the conviction, and the strategy, and the world has not just recognized it but also appreciated it. S&P Global has upgraded India's credit rating after two decades.
The world is not just watching India, it is counting on India.
Friends,
The India-Japan Business Forum report has just been presented, detailing the business deals between our companies. I congratulate all of you for on this remarkable progress. I would also like to humbly offer a few suggestions for our partnership.
The first is manufacturing. Our partnership in the auto sector has been extremely successful. And the Prime Minister described it in great detail. Together, we can replicate the same magic in batteries, robotics, semi-conductors, ship-building and nuclear energy. Together, we can make a significant contribution to the development of the Global South, especially Africa.
I urge all of you: Come, Make in India, Make for the World. The success stories of Suzuki and Daikin can become your success stories too.
Second, is technology and innovation. Japan is a "Tech Powerhouse". And, India is a "Talent Powerhouse". India has taken bold and ambitious initiatives in AI, Semiconductors, Quantum computing, Biotech, and Space. Japan's technology and India's talent together can lead the tech revolution of this century.
The third area is the Green Energy Transition. India is quickly moving towards 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. We also aim for 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047. From solar cells to green hydrogen, there are huge opportunities for partnership.
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An agreement has been reached between India and Japan on Joint Credit Mechanism. This can be used to cooperate in building a clean and green future.
Fourth, is Next-Gen Infrastructure. In the last decade, India has made unprecedented progress in next generation mobility, and logistics infrastructure. The capacity of our ports has doubled. There are more than 160 airports. Metro lines of a 1000 km have been built. Work is also underway on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail in cooperation with Japan.
But our journey does not stop here. Japan's excellence and India's scale can create a perfect partnership.
Fifth is Skill Development and People-to-People Ties. The talent of India's skilled youth has the potential to meet global needs. Japan can also benefit from this. You could train Indian talent in Japanese language and soft skills, and together create a "Japan-ready" workforce. A shared workforce will lead to shared prosperity.
Friends,
In the end I would like to say this - India and Japan’s partnership is strategic and smart. Powered by economic logic, we have turned shared interests into shared prosperity.
India is the springboard for Japanese businesses to the Global South. Together, we will shape the Asian Century for stability, growth, and prosperity.
With these words, I express my gratitude to Prime Minister Ishiba and all of you.
