Rajkot, January 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that even in times of global uncertainty, India is moving forward with remarkable stability and trust. The mantra of reform, performance, and transformation has given a new direction to India’s development story, and today India is rapidly progressing towards becoming a developed nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said this on Sunday while inaugurating the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Summit for the Kutch and Saurashtra regions in Rajkot, Gujarat. He said that Vibrant Gujarat is not just a summit but a journey towards modern India in the 21st century, which started with a dream and has now transformed into an unshakable belief. Over the past two decades, Vibrant Gujarat has become a global benchmark and has held ten editions so far. This platform is no longer limited to investment but has become a hub for global development, international cooperation, and partnership.
He stated that the regional conference aims to showcase the untapped potential of various parts of Gujarat. Regions like Kutch and Saurashtra have unique strengths, such as a long coastline, industrial clusters, and a rich tradition of agriculture and animal husbandry, and the conference is focusing on these potentials.
The Prime Minister noted that India is rapidly progressing towards becoming the world’s third largest economy. Inflation is under control, agricultural production is at record levels, India ranks first in milk production, is the largest producer of generic medicines, and is also the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer. India is today the largest consumer of mobile data, UPI has become the world’s largest real-time digital payment platform, and the country is the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer.
Modi added that additionally, India boasts the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, is among the top three solar energy producers, has the third-largest aviation market, and has a leading metro network. India’s development journey is a testament to the success of the mantra of reform, perform, and transform.
He said the International Monetary Fund is calling India an engine of global growth, S&P has upgraded India’s rating after 18 years, and Fitch Ratings has praised India’s macro stability. This confidence is due to India’s political stability, policy continuity, and a growing neo-middle class.
The Prime Minister said that Kutch and Saurashtra have taught us that with honesty and hard work, any challenge can be turned into an opportunity. These regions, once plagued by earthquakes and droughts, have now become anchor regions in India’s development journey and are strengthening the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India) campaign.
He noted that Rajkot is home to over 250,000 MSMEs, producing everything from screwdrivers to aircraft and rocket parts. Alang is the world’s largest ship recycling center, and Morbi has gained global recognition for its tile industry.
Referring to the Dholera Special Investment Region, he said that the country’s first semiconductor fabrication unit is being established there. The world’s largest hybrid renewable energy park, with a capacity of 30 GW, is being developed in Kutch, which will strengthen India’s energy security.
The Prime Minister said that Kutch and Saurashtra are becoming major hubs for green energy, green hydrogen, battery storage, and port-based development. Last year, around 175,000 vehicles were exported from Gujarat’s ports. He said that in today’s times, along with infrastructure, an industry-ready workforce is the most pressing need. Gujarat has a strong ecosystem for skill development and higher education, offering assured talent availability along with investment.
The Prime Minister stated that India is rapidly progressing towards becoming a developed nation, and the Reform Express is a key vehicle for this journey. The country has implemented next-generation reforms through GST, insurance, labor, and income tax reforms. He assured investors that India’s reform journey will remain unstoppable, and every investment in Kutch-Saurashtra will accelerate the progress of Gujarat and the country.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, along with several Union Ministers, industry representatives, and foreign dignitaries were present on the occasion.