Indian Prime Minister unveils plan to transform country into a "developed nation" by 2047
New Delhi, Aug 15 (KUNA) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled an “ambitious plan” today on Saturday to transform his country into a “developed nation” by 2047, through seven pillars aimed at accelerating economic and technological reforms.
Speaking to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of India’s independence from British rule, Modi said, “Today, from the walls of the Red Fort, I present to the nation the seven pillars of strength,” noting that they relate to (manufacturing), (agriculture and food), (technology and innovation), (connectivity and communication), (defensive capabilities), (the green economy), and (soft power).
On the importance of establishing an integrated manufacturing ecosystem, Modi stated, “We must move forward in this area, as we need components, full-scale manufacturing, and the final product as well. From the design stage to manufacturing, India must emerge as a trusted hub in the global supply chain.”
He also called for advancing the food processing sector, “especially since Indian farmers can now access global markets,” adding that “thanks to free trade agreements, we have gained access to very large markets, and we must seize this opportunity.”
On the other hand, the Indian prime minister urged his citizens to make India a center for innovation, pointing to the opening of new frontiers in sectors such as (artificial intelligence), (quantum technology), (space and robotics), and (data centers). He added, “We must focus on achieving seamless and rapid connectivity across the country, linking our cities with high-speed rail networks. We also need modern highways, inland waterways, airports, and multi-modal logistics systems.”
He noted, “We should not view our ports merely as places for loading and unloading cargo or just as berthing stations for ships. Instead, we must propel them toward a port-led development and growth model.”
Regarding the defense sector, the Indian prime minister called for strengthening the country’s capabilities in this field, adding, “As countries around the world increasingly focus on their own interests, India cannot afford to be merely a market for the world. We must achieve self-reliance in the defense sector.”
Speaking about the green and blue economies, he said, “We must achieve global progress in areas such as green hydrogen, renewable energy, energy storage, green mobility, and green manufacturing.”
On the topic of soft power, Modi pointed out that India’s strength in this domain is “immense,” explaining, “Yoga has connected the entire world to India and has become a source of energy for the world and a significant reason for the trust people place in it.”
He also praised India’s growing standing on the global stage, adding, “India today is a nation accepted and respected worldwide. It enjoys political mandate, a stable government, a vibrant democracy, a strong judicial system, and a constitution that guides us all. The world is now beginning to recognize our strength.”
Approximately 5,000 guests from various segments of society, including young innovators, farmers, women entrepreneurs, and beneficiaries of various government programs, attended the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Indian Independence, alongside a select group of ambassadors, intellectuals, businessmen, and politicians, under tight security measures. (End) a.t.k./t.m.a
