Modi Calls For Unity To Achieve Viksit Bharat

Addressing a gathering at the inauguration of the Noida International Airport in Jewar, he said achieving a “Viksit Bharat” would require collective effort and unity among 1.4 billion citizens. He also said the government is focused on improving convenience by saving time and reducing costs.

Calling for national unity in the face of global challenges, the Prime Minister said he had held detailed discussions in Parliament and with Chief Ministers on tackling the crisis arising from the ongoing conflict. He urged people to remain calm and patient, calling it a key strength of Indians.

He reiterated that the government’s policies and strategies would be guided solely by what is in India’s and Indians’ interests. He also urged political parties, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, to avoid making irresponsible statements during such times, warning that rhetoric harmful to the country would not be forgiven by the public.

Referring to the Covid period, he said some people had spread rumours and misinformation about vaccines, which were rejected by voters. He expressed confidence that political parties would support national unity in the current situation.

The Prime Minister noted that the ongoing conflict in West Asia has disrupted supplies of essential commodities such as food, fuel and fertilisers globally. He said India imports a large quantity of crude oil and gas from the region, and assured that the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the burden does not fall on ordinary families and farmers.

Highlighting continued development, he said Western Uttar Pradesh has seen several major projects recently, including a semiconductor plant in Noida, the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat train, Meerut Metro expansion and the inauguration of the Noida International Airport.

Recalling that the Jewar airport project was approved in 2003 by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he said the current government expedited construction and operationalised it.

He also highlighted the region’s emergence as a logistics hub, noting that Dadri serves as a key junction for freight corridors, improving connectivity to ports and global markets. This multi-modal connectivity, he said, is attracting investment.

The Prime Minister credited sugarcane farmers for boosting ethanol production, which has reduced crude oil imports. He said ethanol blending has saved about ₹1.5 lakh crore in foreign exchange and improved farmers’ financial conditions.

He added that airports are catalysts for development, noting that India now has over 160 airports and improved connectivity to smaller towns, with Uttar Pradesh alone having 17 airports.

He said infrastructure investment has increased significantly over the past decade, with ₹17 lakh crore spent on highways and expressways, expansion of railway electrification, improved port capacity and growth in inland waterways.

“India is progressing rapidly across sectors needed to achieve a Viksit Bharat,” the Prime Minister said.