Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the session of the G 20 Summit on Sustainable Development and Energy Transition. Prime Minister noted that during the New Delhi G 20 Summit, the group had resolved to triple renewable energy capacity and double the energy efficiency rate by 2030. He welcomed Brazil’s decision to take forward these sustainable development priorities.

Prime Minister elaborated on the steps taken by India to foster sustainable development. He stated that India had provided housing to 40 million families in the last ten years; 120 million households with clean drinking water in the last five years; 100 million families with clean cooking fuel and 115 million families with toilets.

Highlighting that India was the first G 20 country to meet its Paris commitments, Prime Minister noted that India has set an ambitious target to produce 500 gw of renewable energy by 2030, of which 200 gw has been achieved. He further spoke about the global initiatives taken by India, such as the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Mission LiFE, One Sun One World One Grid, and Global Biofuel Alliance to foster a sustainable planet. Calling for giving primacy to the sustainable development needs of the Global South, particularly the Small Island Developing States, Prime Minister urged countries to support the Global Development Compact announced by India at the third Voice of the Global South Summit.

Full remarks of Prime Minister may be seen at here

The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, held the second India-Australia Annual Summit on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 19 November 2024.

Ahead of the fifth anniversary of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025, the Prime Ministers noted the significant progress made in strengthening bilateral ties across a range of important sectors – including climate change and renewable energy, trade and investment, defence and security, education and research, skills, mobility, science and technology, regional and multilateral cooperation, community and cultural links, and people-to-people ties.

Both Prime Ministers reflected on the shared interests of our region, noting with satisfaction that closer bilateral engagement has benefited both nations and the broader region. They welcomed sustained high-level contact and ministerial engagement between India and Australia. Looking forward, the Prime Ministers reaffirmed commitment to deepening cooperation and announced initiatives to focus and accelerate efforts for mutual benefit, as well as to promote the peace, stability and prosperity of our shared region.

Economy, Trade and Investments

The Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction at the increasing two-way trade, business engagements and market access for goods and services enabled under the landmark India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). They welcomed further work towards an ambitious, balanced and mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), to realise the full potential of the bilateral economic relationship.

The Prime Ministers observed that ‘Make in India’ and ‘Future Made in Australia’ have complementarity and collaborative potential and could help create new jobs, unlock economic growth and secure our future prosperity in a changing world. The leaders called for greater two-way investments reflective of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and instructed officials to explore ways to realise greater synergies between the economies of both the countries and promote mutually beneficial investments in both directions.

The Prime Ministers welcomed the extension of the Australia-India Business Exchange (AIBX) programme for another four years from July 2024. The AIBX continues to boost the confidence and capabilities of Australian and India businesses to connect and develop mutually beneficial partnerships.

Energy, Science and Technology, Space

India and Australia have shared ambition to move faster, work together and deploy our complementary capabilities to drive climate action. The Prime Ministers welcomed the launch of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership (REP) which would provide the framework for practical cooperation in priority areas such as solar PV, green hydrogen, energy storage, two-way investment in renewable energy projects and allied areas; and upgraded skills training for the renewables workforce of the future.

The Prime Ministers noted progress under the Memorandum of Understanding between India’s Khanij Bidesh Ltd. (KABIL) and Australia’s Critical Minerals Office as an opportunity to grow commercial links and advance supply chain diversification interests. The leaders underlined the role of research and innovation, skills development, and professional exchange, including participation in each other’s conferences; and sustainable practices in developing the critical minerals sector in support of the global clean energy transition, including as inputs to technologies such as batteries and roof top solar.

The Prime Ministers welcomed the growing space partnership between the two countries, both at space agency and space industry levels. Cooperation to support the Gaganyaan missions, the planned launch of Australian satellites on-board an Indian launch vehicle in 2026 and joint projects between our respective space industries exemplify this deepening collaboration.

Defence and Security Cooperation

The Prime Ministers welcomed sustained progress under the defence and security pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They expressed intent to renew and strengthen the Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation in 2025, to reflect ambition in both countries’ elevated defence and security partnership and strategic convergence. The Prime Ministers looked forward to a long-term vision of defence and security collaboration between the two countries to enhance collective strength, contribute to both countries’ security and make an important contribution to regional peace and security.

The leaders appreciated the growing frequency and complexity of defence exercises and exchanges and the increasing interoperability through implementation of the Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement.

The Prime Ministers welcomed arrangements for enhancing maritime domain awareness, and increased and reciprocal defence information-sharing to deepen operational defence cooperation, address shared concerns and challenges, and work towards an open, inclusive, peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. They agreed to develop a joint maritime security collaboration road map. The Prime Ministers agreed to continue aircraft deployments from each other’s territories to build operational familiarity.

The Prime Ministers highlighted the significance of defence industry, research and material cooperation, including in the maritime industry, and noted the first-ever participation of Indian defence industries in the Indian Ocean Defence & Security 2024 Conference in Perth and in the Land Forces Exposition in Melbourne. They underscored the need for boosting connections between Indian and Australian defence industrial bases and defence start-ups, including by opportunities for participation in each other’s major defence trade expositions. They also looked forward to the defence industry delegation visits between India and Australia in the near future to take forward the constructive discussions and delineate further steps.

Parliamentary cooperation

The Prime Ministers reiterated that inter-parliamentary cooperation is an important component of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and looked forward to continued exchanges.

Education, Sports and People-to-People Ties

Recognising the strength of growing people-to-people linkages which continue to enrich our bilateral ties, the two leaders welcomed the significant contribution of Australians of Indian heritage and agreed to further strengthen this ‘living bridge’.

The Prime Ministers welcomed the opening of the new Consulate-General of Australia in Bengaluru and the new Consulate-General of India in Brisbane. They expressed confidence that these will further strengthen trade and investment relations and deepen cultural links.

The Prime Ministers recognised that mobility opportunities between Australia and India were a key driver of economic growth. They welcomed the launch of Australia’s Working Holiday Maker visa programme for India in October 2024, and looked forward to the commencement of Australia’s Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES), which will promote mobility of early professionals and provide Australian industry access to some of India’s most talented STEM graduates.

Recognising the value of a strong and growing educational partnership, the Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction at Australian universities establishing their campuses in India. The Prime Ministers noted that the second Australia India Education and Skills Council meeting held in October 2024 helped in advancing educational and skills cooperation.

The Prime Ministers underlined that Sport offers significant opportunities to foster bilateral ties, enhance people-to-people links and cultural exchanges. They agreed to engage on capacity building, focusing inter alia on training and workforce development, sports science and medicine, and major sporting event management.

Regional and Multilateral Cooperation

The Prime Ministers reiterated their commitment to supporting an open, inclusive, stable, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific where sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected. The Prime Ministers underlined the importance of being able to exercise rights and freedoms in all seas and oceans consistent with international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), including freedom of navigation and overflight.

The Prime Ministers reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation through the Quad as a force for global good which delivers real, positive and enduring impact for the Indo-Pacific, to advance their shared vision for a region that is free, open, inclusive and resilient. They appreciated the Quad’s ongoing efforts to undertake ambitious projects to help partners address pandemics and disease; respond to natural disasters; strengthen maritime domain awareness and maritime security; mobilise and build high-standard physical and digital infrastructure; invest in and benefit from critical and emerging technologies; confront the threat of climate change; bolster cyber-security; and cultivate the next generation of technology leaders. Prime Minister Modi looked forward to hosting Australia at the Quad Leaders’ Summit in India in 2025.

The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN-led regional architecture including the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Regional Forum and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus. They expressed ongoing support for the practical implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). They noted the ongoing bilateral cooperation under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), and called for enhanced cooperation in preserving maritime ecology, reducing the impact of marine pollution, ensuring sustainable use of marine resources, and reducing the impact of climate change. The Prime Ministers reflected on the success of the 2024 Indian Ocean Conference, co-hosted by Australia and India in Perth, Australia’s Indian Ocean capital. They reiterated their strong support for the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) as the Indian Ocean region’s premier forum for addressing the region’s challenges and looked forward to working closely together when India assumes the IORA Chair in 2025.

The Prime Ministers agreed on the importance of strengthened cooperation in the Pacific to support the needs and priorities of Pacific island countries and noted both countries’ ongoing commitment to supporting Pacific priorities, including climate action, health and education. They affirmed the central role played by the Pacific Islands Forum and its 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent in addressing regional challenges. Prime Minister Albanese recognised India’s role in extending development partnership to Pacific island countries, including through the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) framework. Both countries also looked forward to support development activities in the Indian Ocean region.

The Prime Ministers exchanged views on contemporary regional and global developments. They reiterated the call for resolution of ongoing conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. They also emphasised the importance of all countries combating the threat of terrorism, including by bolstering cooperation in the Financial Action Task Force, as the global standard setter and international body for countering terrorism financing, and exploring other initiatives to tackle terrorism financing. Both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms.

The Prime Ministers shared their positive assessment of the progress of bilateral engagements and affirmed their commitment to further and deepen ties for mutual benefit and for the benefit of the region. Acknowledging the significance of the approaching fifth anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the Prime Ministers welcomed opportunities to commemorate this milestone in 2025in a befitting manner. They looked forward to the next India-Australia Annual Summit in 2025.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met today with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, H.E. Sir Keir Starmer on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This was the first meeting between the two Prime Ministers. Prime Minister congratulated Prime Minister Starmer on his assumption of office. Prime Minister Starmer also extended warm wishes to Prime Minister on his historic third term in office.

Expressing satisfaction at the progress in the bilateral relationship, the two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with a focus on economy, trade, new and emerging technologies, research and innovation, green finance and people-to-people contacts. They exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including on international and regional issues of significance.

Both leaders underlined the importance of resuming the Free Trade Agreement negotiations at an early date and expressed confidence in the ability of the negotiating teams, to address the remaining issues to mutual satisfaction, leading to a balanced, mutually beneficial and forward looking Free Trade Agreement.

Recognizing the ample opportunities for further engagement between the two sides in the light of growing bilateral economic and business relations and with a view to better serve the consular requirements of the Indian community in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Modi announced the establishment of two new Consulates General of India in the United Kingdom in Belfast and Manchester. Prime Minister Starmer welcomed the announcement.

Prime Minister noted the importance of addressing the issue of economic offenders from India in the UK. The two leaders also agreed on the need to make progress on issues related to migration and mobility.

The two leaders directed their Ministers and senior officials to work towards faster implementation of the various understandings that form part of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They also looked forward to more frequent dialogue and discussions.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met today with the President of the French Republic, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This was the third meeting between the two leaders this year, after President Macron’s visit to India as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebrations in January and their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy in June.

During the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advance the India-France Strategic Partnership as well as their shared vision for bilateral cooperation and international partnership, outlined in the Horizon 2047 roadmap and other bilateral declarations. They commended the progress achieved in bilateral cooperation, including in strategic areas such as defense, space and civil nuclear energy, and committed to accelerating it further with a view to reinforcing their shared commitment to strategic autonomy. They also reviewed the progress of cooperation on India’s National Museum project.

The two leaders commended the strengthening of trade, investment, and technology ties, including in the areas of digital technology and Artificial Intelligence, as well as India France partnership on Digital Public Infrastructure. In this context, Prime Minister welcomed the initiative of President Macron to organize the forthcoming AI Action Summit in France.

Both leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the Indo-Pacific. They reaffirmed their commitment to work together to reinvigorate and reform multilateralism and help build a stable international order.

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Indian diaspora at an event organized in his honour by the Indian community in Abuja, Nigeria today. The Prime Minister expressed happiness over the grand welcome he received with special warmth and exuberance by the Indian community. He said that the love and friendship received from the community was a huge capital to him.

Informing the gathering that it was his first visit as a Prime Minister to Nigeria, Shri Modi said that he had got with him the best wishes of crores of Indians to them. He added that every Indian felt proud about the progress of the Indians in Nigeria. Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu and the people of Nigeria for conferring the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger award on him, Shri Modi with all humility, dedicated the award to crores of Indians.

The Prime minister highlighted that during his talks with President Tinubu, the latter praised the efforts of Indians in Nigeria which made him feel proud. Citing an analogy, Shri Modi said that he felt happy and proud in the same way as parents feel when their children excel in their careers. The Prime Minister underlined that the Indian diaspora here has always been with Nigeria through its thick and thin. He added that there were many Indians in Nigeria in the age group of 40 to 60 years who had been once taught by an Indian teacher. Shri Modi also noted that there were many Indian doctors who were serving selflessly in Nigeria. He added that there were many Indian businessmen who had established businesses and been an active part of Nigeria’s development story. The Prime Minister said that even before Independence, Shri Kishanchand Jhelaram ji had migrated to Nigeria and set up a business which had become one among the biggest business houses of Nigeria. He added that today many Indian companies were bolstering the economy of Nigeria. Shri Modi noted that the Tulsichandra foundation was lighting up many Nigerians’ lives. Lauding the Indian community for walking shoulder to shoulder in the progress of Nigeria, Shri Modi said it was the biggest strength of Indians and also symbolised the culture of Indians. He added that Indians never forgot the ideal of welfare of all and always live with the belief that the entire world was one family.

Shri Modi remarked that the respect earned by Indians about its culture was clearly evident everywhere. Noting that Yoga was constantly becoming popular among the people of Nigeria., he urged the Indians in Nigeria to practise Yoga regularly. The Prime Minister also noted that there was a weekly programme on Yoga in the national television channel of Nigeria. Shri Modi also noted that Hindi and Indian Films was also growing popular in Nigeria.

Highlighting that Gandhiji had spent a considerable time in Africa, Shri Modi said the people of India and Nigeria had left no stone unturned in their freedom struggles. He added that Indian Independence further inspired the freedom struggle of Nigeria. Shri Modi said that life in the days of freedom struggle, even today India and Nigeria was progressing steadily. “India is the mother of democracy while Nigeria is the biggest democracy of Africa”, said Shri Modi. He added that both nations had democracy, diversity and strength of demography as common factors. Touching upon the diversity in Nigeria, Shri Modi said that he expressed gratitude of Indians to the Nigerian Government for their support in building of the temples.

Emphasising that India was the topic of discussion across the globe, Shri Modi also touched upon the numerous struggles India faced in the post Independence period. He added every Indian felt proud of India’s achievements like Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, Made in India fighter planes, etc. “ India is competing with global powers right from space to manufacturing sector, digital technology to healthcare”, said Shri Modi. Highlighting that India had crossed only the $1 trillion mark after 6 decades of Independence, Shri Modi remarked that India had added $2 trillion in the last decade alone, elevating it to fifth largest economy in the world today. He expressed confidence in India becoming a $5 trillion economy very soon and also becoming the third largest economy in the world.

Highlighting that Indians were risk-takers, Shri Modi said India was rapidly growing across various sectors. Adding that India’s start-up ecosystem had more than 1.5 lakh registered startups, Shri Modi said it was the direct result of hard work of Indian youth by moving out of their comfort zones. “There are more than 100 unicorns in India in the last 10 years”, stated Shri Modi.

Noting that India was known for its service sector, Shri Modi said that the Government had also moved out of its comfort zone and given a great boost to the manufacturing sector to make it a world-class manufacturing hub. This, he said, was evident as India is now one of the biggest mobile phone manufacturers in the world and more than 30 crore mobile phones were manufactured in India. He further said that India’s mobile phone exports had increased by 75 times in the last decade. Touching upon the defence exports of India in the last decade, Shri Modi said it had increased by 30 times and India was exporting its defence equipment to more than 100 countries today. The Prime Minister remarked that India’s space sector was being praised across the world. He added that India had decided to send the Indian astronauts to space in its own Gaganyaan. He further added that India was also going to develop a space station in space.

The Prime Minister remarked that India was currently in the mood to innovate and create new avenues by stepping out of its comfort zone. The Prime Minister said in the last 20 years India has lifted 25 crore people out of poverty. He said so many people coming out of poverty is a great inspiration for the world and gives hope to every country that If India has done it, we can also do it. Shri Modi said India has embarked on a new journey today with an aim to build a developed India. He expressed confidence that every Indian was working towards the goal of a developed India by 2047.

The Prime Minister said be it growth, peace, prosperity or democracy, India has emerged as a new hope for the world. He remarked that even the Indian diaspora of Nigeria must have experienced the respect they get when they say they are from India.

The Prime Minister said whenever there is any problem in the world, India reaches there as a first responder as a world brother. He said during the time of Corona there was so much uproar in the world at that time, every country was worried about the vaccine and in that hour of crisis, India decided that the vaccine will be given to as many countries as possible. Shri Modi said this is our Sanskar and thousands of years old culture has taught us this. He added that is why India increased the production of vaccines and sent medicines and vaccines to more than 150 countries of the world.The Prime Minister said  thousands of lives were saved due to this effort of India in many African countries including Nigeria. He emphasised that today’s India believes in the mantra of  ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’.

Talking about Nigeria as a big center for the future growth of Africa, Shri Modi said in the last 5 years, 18 new embassies have been started in Africa. He said in the last years, India has made every possible effort to raise the voice of Africa on the global platform. Outlining India’s presidency of G20 for the first time, Shri Modi said a strong effort was made to make the African Union a permanent member. He remarked that he was pleased to note that every member country of G20 has given full support to this step of India and Nigeria, on India’s invitation, witnessed history being made as a guest country with full glory.

The Prime Minister extended a special invitation to everyone  to visit India in January next year. He said many festivals are going to come together in the month of January beginning with 26th January as Republic Day and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in the second week of January to be celebrated at the feet of Lord Jagannath ji in the land of Orissa. The Prime Minister also spoke about the Maha Kumbh which is going to be held in Prayagraj for 45 days from 13th January to 26th February. Shri Modi said there are so many reasons to come to India together asking the Indian diaspora to come to India during this time, alongwith their  Nigerian friends. The Prime Minister said in Ayodhya, after 500 years, a grand temple of Lord Shri Ram has been built which should be visited by them and their children. Shri Modi remarked First the NRI Day, then the Maha Kumbh and after that the Republic Day, this is a kind of Triveni, a great opportunity  to connect with the development and heritage of India.

Concluding his address the Prime Minister remarked that though they may have visited India before and come many times, but this trip will become a priceless memory of their life. The Prime Minister thanked  everyone for their enthusiasm and warm welcome.

​In a ceremony at the State House, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred the national award – “Grand Commander of the Order of Niger” on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his statesmanship and stellar contribution to fostering India-Nigeria ties. The award citation notes that under Prime Minister’s visionary leadership, India has been positioned as a global powerhouse, and his transformative governance has fostered unity, peace and shared prosperity for all.

While accepting the award, Prime Minister dedicated the honour to the people of India and to the longstanding, historical friendship between India and Nigeria. He further stated that the recognition underscores the Strategic Partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment to the aspirations of the Global South.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is the first foreign leader to be conferred with this award since 1969.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is on a State Visit to Nigeria from 17-18 November 2024. He held official talks with the President of Nigeria, H.E. Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in Abuja today. Upon arrival at the State House, Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial welcome with a 21-gun salute.

The two leaders had a restricted meeting which was followed by delegation level talks. Prime Minister recalled his warm meeting with President Tinubu at the G 20 Summit in New Delhi. He noted that the two countries enjoy special bonds of friendship defined by a shared past, common democratic values and strong people-to-people ties. Prime Minister conveyed his sympathies to President Tinubu for the destruction caused by the recent floods in the country. President Tinubu thanked Prime Minister for India’s timely assistance with relief material and medicines.

The two leaders reviewed the ongoing bilateral cooperation and discussed ways to further strengthen India-Nigeria Strategic Partnership. Expressing satisfaction at the progress of ties, they agreed that there was immense potential for collaboration in the fields of trade, investment, education, energy, health, culture, and people-to-people ties. Prime Minister offered India’s experience in agriculture, transportation, affordable medicine, renewable energy, and digital transformation to Nigeria. President Tinubu appreciated the development cooperation partnership offered by India and its meaningful impact in creating local capacities, skills, and professional expertise. The two leaders also discussed enhancing defence and security cooperation. They reaffirmed their commitment to jointly fighting terrorism, piracy and radicalisation.

The two leaders also discussed global and regional issues. President Tinubu acknowledged India’s efforts to amplify the concerns of developing countries through the Voice of the Global South Summits. The two leaders agreed to work together to meet the development aspirations of the Global South. Prime Minister appreciated the role played by Nigeria as the Chair of ECOWAS and its contribution to multilateral and plurilateral bodies. Alluding to Nigeria’s membership of the International Solar Alliance and the International Big Cat Alliance, Prime Minister invited President Tinubu to join other pro-planet green initiatives launched by India.

Following the talks, three Memoranda of Understanding – on Cultural Exchange Programme, Customs Cooperation and Survey Cooperation – were signed. This was followed by a state banquet hosted by the President in honour of the Prime Minister.

Hon’ble National President of Bharatiya Janata Party and Union Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda addressed the public meetings in Gumia, Sindari and Nala, Jharkhand on Sunday. Shri Nadda criticized the JMM-Congress-RJD alliance government in Jharkhand for neglecting the tribals and stalling the state’s development. He urged the people to elect a BJP government to curb infiltration and steer Jharkhand towards progress and prosperity. During the event, Gumia NDA Candidate Shri Lambodar Mahto, BJP District President Shri Jaidev Rai, Rajya Sabha MP and former Jharkhand BJP President Shri Deepak Prakash, West Bengal MLA Smt. Agnimitra Paul Sindri candidate Smt. Tara Devi, Nala Candidate Shri Madhav Chndra Mahto, among other leaders were present.

Shri Nadda stated that the enthusiasm of the crowd is clearly evident that the public has decided to elect the BJP-led NDA government in the state. It has also made clear that the public will wipe off the alliance government of Congress-JMM and RJD from the state. The way people used their voting rights on the November 13 election indicates that they have decided to make a BJP-led NDA government in the state.  BJP National President Shri Nadda stated that on 15th November, the people of Jharkhand celebrate their Foundation Day along with the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. On this date, former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee announced Jharkhand’s statehood, and it can be proudly said that the BJP-led NDA played a significant role in the formation of Jharkhand. When the discussion and movement for the creation of a separate state of Jharkhand were underway, the Congress party procrastinated and went back on its promises. RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav also opposed the formation of Jharkhand, declaring that the state would be created over his dead body. Today, Lalu Yadav is alive, and Jharkhand has been formed and stands proud with dignity and honor. It is a matter of pride for the NDA that the state of Jharkhand was created under its leadership, and it is the NDA that will further shape and develop Jharkhand’s future. Similarly, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji has declared 15th November as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’. This demonstrates the Union Government’s commitment to bringing Adivasis and OBCs into the mainstream after years of neglect under Congress rule.

Shri Nadda stated that Rahul Gandhi is roaming around with a copy of the Constitution, expressing concern for the OBC community. However, he should remember that it was his grandmother Indira Gandhi who did not implement the Mandal Commission report, which was eventually enforced during the BJP-backed VP Singh government. The Congress, which claims to champion the cause of OBCs and backward communities, should disclose how many OBCs are part of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, the National Advisory Committee under Sonia Gandhi’s leadership, or the Congress Working Committee. In contrast, the Modi cabinet includes 27 OBC ministers. Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji has also granted constitutional status to the Backward Commission. Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji appointed Smt. Droupadi Murmu as the Governor of Jharkhand and later facilitated her becoming the first female Adivasi President of India. The budget allocation for Adivasi development has been tripled, and the budget for Eklavya Residential Tribal Schools has been increased 21 times. Under the PM JANMAN Yojana, Adivasi villages have been connected with essential facilities such as schools, roads, healthcare, and water supply, with a total budget of ₹24,000 crore. Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji has ensured the welfare of every section of society, including backward classes, farmers, youth, laborers, women, and Adivasis. This is why the people of Jharkhand have resolved that “Roti, Beti, Maati Ki Pukar Hai, Abki Baar Jharkhand Mein NDA Ki Sarkar Hai.” 

BJP National President Shri Nadda stated that the Hemant Soren government has betrayed the people of Jharkhand. Over the past five years under his governance, poverty has deepened, unemployment has risen, the state has been looted, nepotism has been encouraged, and policies of divide-and-rule and appeasement have been prioritized. The people are eagerly awaiting 20th November to vote out the Hemant Soren government and bring in a BJP-led NDA government. The BJP has tried to work for every section of society and develop the country. All sections must unite together, as the INDIA alliance is attempting to divide people based on castes. Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji has emphasized that “Ek hain toh safe hain” 

Shri Nadda stated that in the post-COVID world, countries like the US, Europe, Australia, Japan, and China are facing economic struggles. However, according to the IMF, India has emerged as a ray of hope in the global economy. Previously ranked 11th, India has now become the 5th largest economy, surpassing Britain. In the third term of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India is on a path to becoming the 3rd largest economy in the world. It is the demand of time that Jharkhand should equally contribute to India’s development. The Agriculture budget has been increased by 5 times by Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji. In steel manufacturing, India has moved up from 4th to 2nd place. In the automobile sector, India is now the 3rd largest market, surpassing Japan. A decade ago, mobile phones were labeled ‘Made in Indonesia’, ‘Made in China,’ ‘Made in Japan,’ and ‘Made in Taiwan,’ but today, 97% of mobile phone manufacturing takes place in India and even Apple phones are now ‘Made in India.’ Before 2014, even Ganesh Ji idols were imported from China. However, now in toy manufacturing, India has risen to the 3rd position globally. 

BJP National President Shri Nadda emphasized that India’s pharmaceutical exports have surged 138 times, positioning the country as the “pharmacy of the world.” India is now recognized for producing the most affordable and effective medicines. Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, development has been propelled through the enhancement of highways, internet, railways, and airways, with an investment of ₹19 lakh crore over the past 10 years. Additionally, an extra ₹10 lakh crore will be allocated for further development in the coming years. The country has already built 145,000 kilometers of National highways. More than 61 Vande Bharat trains are operational. According to NITI Aayog, the Modi government has enabled 25 crore people in India to rise above the poverty line and transition into the middle-income group. This has been possible because the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji is giving 5 Kg Rice or 5 Kg wheat and 5 Kg pulses to 80 crore people of the country. More than 2 crore 6 lakh beneficiaries are from Jharkhand and 13 lakh from Bokaro.

Shri Nadda stated that under Ayushman Bharat, 55 crore people have benefited, including 28 lakh families from Jharkhand who have received health coverage of ₹5 lakh to tackle severe diseases. On October 29, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji approved free treatment of up to ₹5 lakh per year for life for every citizen above 70, irrespective of caste, religion, or economic status. Such initiatives have lifted 25 crore people above the poverty line. Under the PM Awas Yojana, 4 crore people have been provided with pucca houses, including 18 lakh houses in Jharkhand and 82,000 in Bokaro. After being elected Prime Minister for the third time, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, in his first Cabinet meeting, decided that 3 crore more houses would be built. Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, the central government has constructed over 12 crore toilets across the country, including 41 lakh in Jharkhand. Through the Ujjwala Yojana, over 11 crore women have received gas cylinders. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, 11.5 crore people now have tap water connections, including 1.5 lakh in Jharkhand. During the UPA tenure, Jharkhand received ₹80,000 crore from the central government. However, in the last 10 years under PM Shri Modi’s leadership, the allocation for Jharkhand has surged to ₹3 lakh crore.  

BJP National President Shri Nadda highlighted that Jharkhand holds a special place in PM Shri Narendra Modi’s heart. Ayushman Bharat was launched from Ranchi, Mudra Yojana from Dumka, and the journey toward a Viksit Bharat began in Khunti. PM Jan Dhan Yojana was also introduced in Khunti, the birthplace of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. AIIMS Deoghar has been established, ensuring that Jharkhand now has access to specialized healthcare for serious illnesses. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has also approved five medical colleges in Dumka, Palamu, Hazaribagh, Koderma, and Chaibasa, each sanctioned ₹250 crore. Additionally, 12 Vande Bharat trains now run through Jharkhand, ₹40 crore has been allocated for the development of Baidyanath Dham, and 2,256 km of national highways have been constructed. Work has begun on a six-lane green corridor connecting Varanasi, Ranchi, and Kolkata.  

Shri Nadda pointed out that the BJP promises transformative initiatives for Jharkhand if it forms the government. Under the Gogo Didi Yojana, ₹2,100 per month will be provided to women, totaling ₹25,000 annually. Following the BJP’s victory on November 23, the scheme will be launched after the first cabinet meeting. Under the Laxmi Johar Yojana, gas cylinders will cost ₹500, with two free cylinders provided during festivals each year. Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji has also announced plans to supply affordable gas through pipelines, showcasing a rapidly changing India. If the BJP forms the government, 2.87 lakh government jobs will be provided, including 1.5 lakh by November 2025, and a total of 5 lakh employment opportunities will be generated. Graduates and postgraduates will receive ₹2,000 monthly for two years to assist with their studies. Paddy will be purchased at ₹3,100 per quintal, and farmers with up to 5 acres of land will receive ₹5,000 per acre under the Krishi Ashirwad Yojana. 

BJP National President Shri Nadda remarked that Congress once questioned the utility of the Internet in villages, claiming rural areas were too uneducated for such technology. Today, women across India use internet-enabled smartphones, and street vendors in small towns rely on QR codes for payments. Hemant Soren had betrayed his commitment to “Jal, Jameen, Maati.” His government has sold Jal, grabbed Jameen, and done injustice to Maati. The Soren administration allowed Bangladeshi infiltrators to settle in Jharkhand by seizing land from tribal people through manipulative marriages. After the BJP forms the government, strict laws will be enacted to prevent such practices and protect tribal land rights.  

BJP National President Shri Nadda stated that Hemant Soren has shown step motherly treatment to Gumia by neglecting basic amenities like electricity and water, deceiving the people. He also failed to provide the promised ₹2,000 as ‘Chulha Bhatta’ to women, the ₹50,000 loan to poor women, and ₹72,000 for poor families. The people should vote for hardworking NDA candidates on November 20 and ensure that such corrupt leaders are made unemployed. The Jharkhand government talks about Jal, Jungle, and Jameen, but in reality they have engaged in corruption at every level. The Soren government was involved in a ₹5,000 crore mining scam,  ₹4,000 crore Jal Jeevan scam, ₹5,000 crore mining scam, ₹236 crore land scam and Hemant Soren himself is implicated in a ₹236 crore land scam, for which he is currently out on bail. Shri Nadda also accused the Soren government of attempting to carry out ‘land jihad’ in the state by using Bangladeshi infiltrators. According to a recent intelligence report, these infiltrators enter and stay in madrasas, where they obtain Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, ration cards, and gas connections. Following this, the Hemant Soren government allegedly proceeds to grant them land. 

BJP National President Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda stated that not only Hemant Soren but the entire INDI Alliance is formed of corrupt leaders. The common thread between the RJD, Congress, and JMM is that all three parties are corrupt, dynastic, and thrive on appeasement and divisive politics. Lalu Yadav is on bail in a corruption case, and more than ₹300 crore was found at the residence of Congress leader Dhiraj Sahu, who is also on bail. Jharkhand Minister Alamgir Alam’s PA is in jail after being raided with ₹20 crore. Hemant Soren himself is on bail and is still under suspicion, with no clearance of his corruption charges. The leaders of the INDIA Alliance are either in jail or on bail. Under the governance of these parties, neither the country nor Jharkhand can flourish. In every state where the BJP has formed the government, it has addressed the concerns of all sections of society, including villages, Dalits, the poor, the marginalized, the oppressed, the youth, farmers, and women. True development and progress can only be ensured under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the BJP, and the NDA. Therefore, the people of Jharkhand should support the NDA government in the upcoming elections on November 20.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight-trial of India’s first long-range hypersonic missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha late on November 16, 2024. This hypersonic missile is designed to carry various payloads for ranges greater than 1,500 kms for the Armed Forces.

The missile was tracked by various range systems, deployed in multiple domains. The flight data obtained from down range ship stations confirmed the successful terminal maneuvers and impact with high degree of accuracy.

This missile has been indigenously developed by the laboratories of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile complex, Hyderabad along with various other DRDO laboratories and Industry Partners. The flight-trial was carried out in the presence of senior scientists of DRDO and officers of the Armed Forces.

In a post on X, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh described the flight-trial as a historic achievement which has put India in the group of select nations having capabilities of such critical and advanced military technologies. He congratulated DRDO, Armed Forces and the Industry for the successful flight trial.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat congratulated the team of DRDO which has actively contributed to this successful mission.

I am embarking on a five day visit to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana.

At the invitation of H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this will be my first visit to Nigeria, which is our close partner in the West African region. My visit will be an opportunity to build upon our Strategic Partnership that is based on shared belief in democracy and pluralism. I am also eagerly looking forward to meeting the Indian community and friends from Nigeria who have sent me warm welcome messages in Hindi.

In Brazil, I will attend the 19th G-20 Summit as a Troika member. Last year, India’s successful Presidency elevated the G-20 to people’s G-20 and mainstreamed the priorities of the Global South into its Agenda. This year, Brazil has built upon India’s legacy. I look forward to meaningful discussions in keeping with our vision of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” I will also use the opportunity to exchange views on furthering bilateral cooperation with several other leaders.

My visit to Guyana, at the invitation of H.E. President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, will be the first ever visit of an Indian Prime Minister in over 50 years. We will exchange views on giving strategic direction to our unique relationship, which is based on shared heritage, culture and values. I will also pay my respects to one of the oldest Indian diaspora, who migrated more than 185 years ago, and engage a fellow democracy, as I address their Parliament.

During this visit, I will also join leaders from the Caribbean partner countries for the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit. We have stood together through thick and thin. The Summit will enable us to renew historical ties and expand our cooperation into new domains.

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2024 in New Delhi today. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that the Hindustan Times was inaugurated 100 years ago by  Mahatma Gandhi and congratulated the Hindustan Times (HT) for its historic journey of 100 years and all the people who were associated with it since its inauguration. He wished them the best for their future endeavours. Having visited the exhibition of HT at the venue, Shri Modi said it was more of an experience and urged all the delegates to visit it. He added that he witnessed the old newspapers of the days when India got its independence and constitution was enforced. Shri Modi acknowledged that many stalwarts like Martin Luther King, Netaji Subash Chandra Bose, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookherjee, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Dr M.S Swaminathan had written articles for HT. He added that the long journey, which witnessed the freedom struggle as well as treading forward with hopes in the post-independence period, has been phenomenal and amazing. The Prime Minister said that he felt the same excitement to read the news about merger of Kashmir with India like every other citizen in October 1947. However, he added, at that moment he also realised how indecisiveness had kept Kashmir mired in violence for seven decades. Shri Modi said but it is heartening that these days news of record voting in the elections in J&K is published in papers. Shri Modi remarked that he found another newspaper print very special where on one side of it, there was news of Assam being declared a disturbed area while on the other side, there was news of Atal Ji laying the foundation of Bhartiya Janata Party. He added that it was such a pleasant coincidence that today BJP is playing a big role in bringing permanent peace in Assam.

Recalling his participation in the 1st Bodoland Mohotsov yesterday, Shri Modi remarked that he was astonished to find poor media coverage of the event. He added that it was a great achievement when the youth and people had given up violence after 5 decades and were celebrating a cultural event in Delhi. He added that the lives of the people had transformed after the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord. As part of the HT Summit exhibition, Shri Modi saw pictures of the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai and said there was a time when the people felt unsafe in their own house and cities due to the terror sponsored by the neighbouring countries. However, he added, now the times have changed and terrorists in their own houses don’t feel safe.

The Prime Minister remarked that in its 100 years, Hindustan Times has seen 25 years of slavery and 75 years of freedom along with the dispensations that have made India’s fate, shown direction to India along with the capability and wisdom of the common man of India. He added that experts have often made mistakes in recognizing this capability of the common citizen of India. Touching upon history, Shri Modi said when the British were leaving India, it was said that the country would disintegrate & break down and when  emergency was imposed, some people had assumed that now the emergency will remain forever while some people and institutions had taken refuge with those who imposed the emergency. Even at that point of time, Shri Modi said, the citizens of India stood up and uprooted the emergency. Further explaining the strength of common man, Shri Modi hailed the spirit of common citizens in fighting a strong battle against the COVID pandemic.

Touching upon the past, the Prime Minister said there was a time in the 1990’s when India had seen 5 elections in a span of 10 years evident of the instability in the country. He added that while the experts writing in the newspapers had predicted that things would continue in the same manner, the citizens of India had once again proved them wrong. Shri Modi said that today, there is talk of uncertainty and instability all around the world with many countries in the world seeing new dispensations coming to power, whereas in India, people had elected the same government for the third time.

Talking about policies in the past, Shri Modi said  the phrase ‘Good economics is bad politics’ was being promoted by experts and supported by the Governments. This, he said, had become a means to the earlier Governments to cover up bad governance and inefficiency. He added that this had led to an unbalanced development in the country which had hampered the trust of the people in the Government. The Prime Minister remarked that his Government had won back the trust of the people by ensuring the Mantra of Progress of the people, Progress by the people and Progress for the people. He added that the Government’s aim was to build a new and developed India and the people of India had entrusted them with the capital of their trust. Shri Modi remarked that despite misinformation, disinformation in the age of social media, the citizens of India have faith in us, in our government.

Shri Modi highlighted that when the trust of the people increases, their confidence increases, which results in a different effect on the development of the country. Emphasising on the importance of Risk-taking, Shri Modi remarked that our ancestors took risk which helped us to promote Indian goods and services in the foreign countries and make India a hotspot of commerce and culture. However, he added, that this culture of risk-taking was lost in the post-independence period by the previous Governments. Shri Modi remarked that India was seeing development and changes in the last 10 years since his Government came to power and gave new energy to the risk taking culture among the citizens of India. He added that our youth were finding opportunities and  taking risks in various fields which was evident in the registration of more than 1.25 lakh startups in India. The Prime Minister said there was a time when even taking up sports as a profession was a risk. However, he added, today, even the youth of our small towns are taking this risk and bringing glory to the country in the world. Citing example of the women associated with self-help groups, Shri Modi said today, about 1 crore lakhpati didis are running their own businesses by becoming entrepreneurs in every village.

“Indian society, today, is filled with unprecedented aspirations and We have made these aspirations the basis of our policies”, said Shri Modi. He added that the Government had promoted a model of development consisting of the combination of employment through investment and dignity through development. The Prime Minister added that where there is investment, employment is generated through investment leading to development and that development increases the dignity of the citizens of India. He cited the example of building toilets in the country, which is a means of security and dignity along with convenience. Shri Modi said it also accelerated development, thereby making evident the success of the mantra of Employment through Investment, Dignity through Development on ground. He also cited the example of LPG gas cylinders, which was considered as a status symbol in the past. Shri Modi remarked that his Government made it a priority to provide gas connection to every house while previous Governments were debating on the number of cylinders to be given to people. He added that there were more than 30 crore gas connections in the country as against 14 crore in 2014. Shri Modi further highlighted that there was supporting infrastructure to ensure the demand of the gas cylinders is met. This, he said, had also created employment right from setting up of bottling plants at various places to creating distribution centres to delivery of cylinders. Shri Modi also listed other examples such as mobile phone, Rupay card, UPI etc which were based on the Investment to Employment, Development to Dignity model of development.

The Prime Minister  emphasized that it was imperative to understand another approach of the government to understand the growth trajectory that India is on today. He added that the approach was “Spend Big For The People and Save Big For The People”. Explaining the same, Shri Modi said, India’s union budget is Rs. 48 lakh crore today as against  Rs. 16 lakh crore in 2014. He added that today’s capital expenditure is more than Rs. 11 lakh crore as against  Rs. 2.25 lakh crore in 2013-14. He further added that the capital expenditure was being spent on new hospitals, schools, roads, railways, research facilities and many such public infrastructure. The Prime Minister underlined that along with increasing expenditure on the public, the Government was also saving the public’s money. Presenting the facts and figures, Shri Modi said that the leakage that has been stopped by DBT has saved the country Rs. 3.5 lakh crore while Free treatment under Ayushman Bharat Yojana has saved Rs 1.10 lakh crore for the poor. He added that Medicines available at 80% discount at Jan Aushadhi Kendras have saved Rs 30 thousand crore for the citizens while Controlling the prices of stents and knee implants has saved thousands of crores of rupees for the people. Continuing the list, he added the Ujala scheme has saved Rs 20 thousand crore in electricity bills for the people while Diseases have reduced due to Swachh Bharat Mission and this has saved about Rs 50 thousand for every family in the villages. Citing UNICEF report, Shri Modi said that the family which has its own toilet is also saving about Rs 70 thousand and WHO study  conducted on 12 crore people whose homes have tap water for the first time have saved more than Rs 80 thousand every year.

Remarking that 10 years ago, nobody had anticipated such big changes in India to take place, Shri Modi said “India’s success inspired us to dream bigger and fulfil it”. He added that this had raised hope and thought that this century will be India’s century. Emphasizing that it was necessary to undertake many efforts to move in this direction, Shri Modi said the Government was working swiftly to do the best in every sector. He remarked that efforts are needed to make our processes such that India’s standard is referred to as ‘world class’ be it in the manufacturing of products or construction, education or entertainment. Shri Modi remarked that Hindustan Times also had a very big role in reiterating this approach in the minds of the people and their 100 years of experience will be very useful in the journey towards a developed India.

Concluding the speech, Shri Modi expressed confidence that India will maintain this pace of development and soon become the third largest economy in the world. He added that Hindustan Times will also witness the new century of rapidly changing India.