India will be global growth engine: PM

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence in India's future as an economic powerhouse and highlighted his vision of making India the world's growth engine during a programme marking the 20th anniversary of the 'Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit' in Ahmedabad.

Modi stated, "When we started Vibrant Gujarat, our intention was that this state should become the growth engine of the country's progress. The country has seen this vision become reality." He emphasised that India's goal of becoming the world's growth engine is gaining recognition among international agencies and experts, and India is now the fastest-growing economy globally.

He urged industrialists to focus on sectors that will create new opportunities for India and encouraged discussions on boosting the startup ecosystem, agri-tech, food processing, and agriculture.

Modi noted that 'Vibrant Gujarat' began at a time when the previous central government was indifferent to the state's industrial progress. He highlighted how 'Vibrant Gujarat' events have become an institution and have inspired other states to organise their investment summits.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the next 20 years are crucial for India's development and self-reliance. He urged the country to create a roadmap to become a developed nation by 2047, coinciding with India's centenary of independence.

During his visit, Modi inaugurated an exhibition at Science City to mark the 20th anniversary of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. He also visited various attractions at Science City, including an aquarium, a robotic gallery, and a nature park.

Additionally, Modi launched various development projects worth over Rs 5,000 crore in Bodeli, a tribal-dominated town in Chhotaudepur district, Gujarat. He highlighted the government's efforts to provide housing for the poor and emphasised that these initiatives aim to provide dignity to the poor.

During another event in Vadodara, organised by the ruling BJP to thank him for the passage of the women's reservation bill in Parliament, Modi accused Opposition parties of obstructing the bill for three decades and attempting to divide women along caste and religious lines now that it has been passed.