Governor of Rajasthan, Shri Haribhau Bagade ji, the popular Chief Minister of the state, Shri Bhajanlal ji Sharma, ministers of the Rajasthan government, Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, industry colleagues, various ambassadors, embassy representatives, other dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen.
Today marks another significant day in Rajasthan's development journey. A large number of delegates and investors from across the country and the world have gathered here in the Pink City. Many colleagues from the industrial sector are also present. I welcome you all to the Rising Rajasthan Summit. I would like to congratulate the BJP government of Rajasthan for organizing this magnificent event.
Friends,
Today, every expert and investor around the world is highly optimistic about Bharat. Following the mantra of Reform-Perform-Transform, Bharat has achieved remarkable growth that is visible across all sectors. In the seven decades after independence, Bharat could become the 11th largest economy in the world. In contrast, over the past ten years, Bharat has moved from being the 10th largest economy to the 5th largest economy. During these 10 years, Bharat has nearly doubled the size of its economy. Exports have also almost doubled in the past decade. Compared to the decade before 2014, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has more than doubled in the past decade. Additionally, Bharat has increased its infrastructure spending from approximately 2 trillion rupees to 11 trillion rupees during this time.
Friends,
The power of democracy, demography, digital data, and delivery is evident from Bharat's success. In a diverse country like Bharat, democracy is not only thriving but also becoming increasingly stronger, which is a significant achievement in itself. While remaining democratic, Bharat's philosophy is centred on the welfare of humanity, which is intrinsic to its character. Today, the people of Bharat, through their democratic rights, are voting for a stable government.
Friends,
These ancient values of Bharat are being carried forward by its demographic strength- its ‘Yuva Shakti’ (youth power). For many years to come, Bharat will remain one of the youngest countries in the world. Along with having the largest pool of young people, Bharat will also have the most skilled youth. To harness this potential, the government is making a series of strategic decisions.
Friends,
In the past decade, the youth of Bharat have added a new dimension to their potential. This new dimension is Bharat’s tech power and data power. You are all aware of how critical technology and data are in every sector today. This is a tech-driven, data-driven century. Over the last decade, the number of internet users in Bharat has grown nearly fourfold. Digital transactions are setting new records, and this is just the beginning. Bharat is demonstrating the true power of democracy, demography, and data to the world. Bharat has shown how the democratization of digital technology benefits every sector and every community. Platforms like UPI, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes, GeM (Government e-Marketplace), and ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) showcase the strength of Bharat's digital ecosystem. This digital transformation is set to create a significant impact in Rajasthan as well. I firmly believe that the development of states leads to the development of the nation. As Rajasthan reaches new heights of growth, it will contribute to elevating the entire country.
Friends,
In terms of area, Rajasthan is the largest state in Bharat, and the hearts of its people are just as vast. The hard work, honesty, determination to achieve even the toughest goals, the spirit of prioritizing the nation above all, and the inspiration to do anything for the country — these qualities are ingrained in every grain of Rajasthan’s soil. However, after independence, the priorities of the governments were neither the development of the nation nor the preservation of its heritage. Rajasthan has borne a significant brunt of this neglect. But today, our government is working with the mantra of both ‘Vikas’ (development) and ‘Virasat’ (heritage), and Rajasthan is reaping substantial benefits from it.
Friends,
Rajasthan is not only Rising but also Reliable. It is Receptive and knows how to refine itself with time. Rajasthan symbolizes facing challenges head-on and creating new opportunities. In this R-Factor of Rajasthan, a new dimension has been added. The people of Rajasthan have given a resounding mandate to the responsive and reformist BJP government here. In a very short span, Bhajan Lal ji and his entire team have demonstrated remarkable results. The state government is also about to complete its first year soon. The efficiency and commitment with which Bhajan Lal ji is working for the rapid development of Rajasthan are truly commendable. Whether it is the welfare of the poor, the well-being of farmers, creating new opportunities for youth, or ensuring roads, electricity, and water — all aspects of development are progressing rapidly in Rajasthan. The promptness with which the government is controlling crime and corruption has brought new enthusiasm among citizens and investors alike.
Friends,
To truly experience the rise of Rajasthan, it is essential to realize its real potential. Rajasthan is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, a modern connectivity network, a rich heritage, vast landmass, and a dynamic youth force. From roads to railways, hospitality to handicrafts, farms to forts, Rajasthan has a wealth of opportunities. This potential makes Rajasthan a highly attractive destination for investment. Rajasthan has a unique quality — the ability to learn and enhance its strengths. That’s why even the sand dunes here are now bearing fruit, with the cultivation of crops like olives and jatropha expanding. Jaipur's Blue Pottery, Pratapgarh's Thewa Jewellery, and Bhilwara's textile innovations hold distinct prestige. Makrana marble and Kota Doria are recognized worldwide, while Nagaur's fenugreek has a fragrance like no other. The current BJP government is actively identifying and harnessing the unique strengths of each district.
Friends,
As you know, a significant portion of Bharat's mineral wealth is found in Rajasthan. The state boasts reserves of zinc, lead, copper, marble, limestone, granite, and potash, forming a robust foundation for Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). Rajasthan is also a major contributor to Bharat's energy security. Bharat has set a target to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by the end of this decade, and Rajasthan is playing a critical role in this mission. Some of the largest solar parks in the country are being developed right here.
Friends,
Rajasthan serves as a vital link between two major economic hubs, Delhi and Mumbai. It also connects the ports of Maharashtra and Gujarat with Northern India. Consider this: 250 kilometres of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) pass through Rajasthan, which will benefit districts such as Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa, Sawai Madhopur, Tonk, Bundi, and Kota. Similarly, 300 kilometres of the Dedicated Freight Corridor traverse Rajasthan, covering districts like Jaipur, Ajmer, Sikar, Nagaur, and Alwar. These extensive connectivity projects position Rajasthan as an excellent destination for investment, particularly in the dry ports and logistics sectors. We are developing multi-modal logistics parks here, alongside nearly two dozen sector-specific industrial parks. Additionally, two air cargo complexes have been established, making it easier to set up industries and enhance industrial connectivity in Rajasthan.
Friends,
Tourism holds immense potential for Bharat's prosperous future. Bharat offers limitless opportunities in nature, culture, adventure, conference, destination weddings, and heritage tourism. Rajasthan stands as a key focal point on Bharat's tourism map. It is home to a rich history, magnificent heritage, vast deserts, and beautiful lakes. Its music, cuisine, and traditions are beyond comparison. Everything the tourism, travel, and hospitality sector needs can be found in Rajasthan. Rajasthan is one of the world's most sought-after destinations for making life events, like weddings, truly memorable. The state also offers tremendous scope for wildlife tourism, with places like Ranthambore, Sariska, Mukundra Hills, and Keoladeo National Park serving as havens for wildlife enthusiasts. I am pleased to see the Rajasthan government enhancing connectivity to its tourist destinations and heritage centres. The Indian government has also introduced schemes tied to various themed circuits. Between 2004 and 2014, around five crore foreign tourists visited Bharat. From 2014 to 2024, despite the Corona pandemic affecting nearly three to four years, over seven crore foreign tourists have visited. Tourism had come to a standstill during the Corona pandemic. Despite that, there has been a remarkable growth of tourists visiting Bharat. Bharat’s provision of e-visa facilities to tourists from numerous countries has greatly benefited international visitors, making their travel experience more convenient and hassle-free. Domestic tourism in Bharat is also reaching new heights. Schemes such as UDAAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), Vande Bharat trains, and the PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) program are greatly benefiting Rajasthan. Programs like Vibrant Villages are further aiding the state's development. I have called upon citizens to adopt "Wed in India," and Rajasthan is set to gain significantly from this initiative. There are vast opportunities to expand heritage tourism, film tourism, eco-tourism, rural tourism, and border area tourism in Rajasthan. Your investment in these sectors will not only strengthen Rajasthan's tourism industry but also ensure robust growth for your business.
Friends,
You are all familiar with the challenges related to global supply and value chains. Today, the world needs an economy that remains robust even in the face of major crises and operates without disruptions. For this, it is essential to establish a broad manufacturing base in Bharat. This is not just important for Bharat but also for the global economy. Recognizing this responsibility, Bharat has committed to self-reliance in manufacturing on a significant scale. Under the ‘Make in India’ program, Bharat is emphasizing low-cost manufacturing. The country's petroleum products, pharmaceuticals and vaccines, and electronic goods are examples of record-breaking manufacturing efforts that are benefitting the world. Rajasthan itself contributed significantly to this effort, with exports amounting to approximately 84,000 crore rupees last year. 84,000 crore rupees! This includes engineering goods, gems and jewellery, textiles, handicrafts, and agro-food products.
Friends,
The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has been playing an increasingly important role in boosting manufacturing in Bharat. Sectors like electronics, specialty steel, automobiles, auto components, solar photovoltaics, and pharmaceutical drugs have seen remarkable enthusiasm. As a result of the PLI scheme, investments worth 1.25 lakh crore rupees have come, approximately 11 lakh crore rupees worth of products have been manufactured, and exports have increased by 4 lakh crore rupees. Moreover, millions of young people have gained employment opportunities. In Rajasthan, a strong base for the automotive and auto-component industries has already been established. The state holds immense potential for electric vehicle manufacturing, and the infrastructure necessary for electronics manufacturing is also readily available. I urge all investors to explore Rajasthan’s manufacturing potential and seize the opportunities.
Friends,
One of the key strengths of Rising Rajasthan is its MSME sector. Rajasthan ranks among the top five states in Bharat in terms of MSMEs. This summit will also host a dedicated conclave on MSMEs. With over 27 lakh small and micro enterprises employing more than 50 lakh people, Rajasthan's MSMEs have the potential to transform the state's destiny. I am pleased to see that the new government in Rajasthan introduced a fresh MSME policy soon after coming into power. The Government of Bharat, through its policies and initiatives, is also consistently empowering MSMEs. Bharat’s MSMEs are not just strengthening the domestic economy but are also playing a crucial role in the global supply and value chains. We witnessed this during the Corona pandemic when disruptions in the global pharma supply chain emerged, and Bharat's robust pharma sector stepped up to assist the world. This was possible because Bharat had built a strong foundation in the pharmaceutical sector. Similarly, we aim to establish a robust base for the manufacturing of various other products, where MSMEs will play a pivotal role.
Friends,
Our government has redefined the parameters for MSMEs to provide them with greater growth opportunities. Approximately five crore MSMEs have been integrated into the formal economy, simplifying their access to credit. We have also introduced a Credit Guarantee Linked Scheme, which has provided nearly 7 lakh crore rupees in support to small industries. Over the past decade, credit flow to MSMEs has more than doubled. In 2014, this stood at around 10 lakh crore rupees, but today it has surpassed 22 lakh crore rupees. Rajasthan has been a significant beneficiary of this growth. The rising strength of MSMEs will elevate Rajasthan’s development to new heights.
Friends,
We have embarked on a new journey towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India). This ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ mission has global aspirations and a global impact. At the government level, we are moving forward with a whole-of-government approach. For industrial growth, we are promoting every sector and every factor in unison. I firmly believe that this spirit of ‘Sabka Prayas’ (collective effort) will build a ‘Viksit Rajasthan’ (Developed Rajasthan) and a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
Friends,
This summit has welcomed delegates from across the country and the world. For many of you, this might be your first visit to Bharat or Rajasthan. Before you return home, I encourage you to explore Rajasthan and Bharat. Experience the colourful markets, the lively spirit of the people, and the unmatched charm of this land—it will be an experience you will cherish forever. Once again, I extend my best wishes to all investors and commend everyone for their commitment to the vision of Rising Rajasthan.
Thank you!
