Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry led the Indian delegation to Adelaide and met Senator Don Farrel, Minister of Trade and Tourism, Australia.

Minister Goyal co-chaired the 19th India- Australia Joint Ministerial Commission meeting. He emphasised on the tremendous trade and investment opportunities yet to be explored jointly both countries.

He announced the opening of an Investment, Trade, Technology and Tourism (ITTT) office in Sydney which will have representation of Invest India, NICDIC, Export Promotion and DGFT including private sector (participation by CII). The primary mandate of this office would be facilitating trade issues between investors and businesses on both sides. He stressed on the unprecedented levels of trust and friendship between the two countries as their Prime Ministers met 9 times since May 2022.

The Minister talked about celebrating 10 years of ‘Make in India’ initiative, which was launched by the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi in 2014. This initiative was based on the whole of government approach to address the challenges faced by manufacturers in India. Over the last 10 years, India achieved groundbreaking achievements in key sectors like manufacturing, technology, and infrastructure. Shri Goyal emphasised how ‘Make in India’ and ‘Future Made in Australia’ could be synergistic in their approach.

He also spoke about the 4 D strengths of India—Decisive leadership, Demand of 1.4 billion aspirational Indians, Demographic Dividend with average age of India being 28.4 years, and Democracy.

Shri Goyal flagged outstanding issues of ECTA for early progress including timely conclusion of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) in Services and Organics amongst others.

Shri Goyal acknowledged on building more people to people engagements and increasing aviation connectivity between the two countries.

He emphasised on how India offers an array of aspirational and highly skilled workforce with cutting edge knowledge, which could befittingly complement Australia’s demand in professional services.

Both countries set a target of achieving 100 billion dollars trade by 2030. The committee also discussed greater cooperation at multilateral and other forums- G20, IPEF and WTO including the Domestic Services Regulation issue.

The committee aimed for expediting the conclusion of CECA with a greater flow of goods and services along with increased investment for people and businesses on both sides.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has hailed the completion of 10 Years Of Make In India initiative. Shri Modi underlined that ‘Make in India’ illustrates the collective resolve of 140 crore Indians to transform the nation into a manufacturing and innovation powerhouse. He reiterated the government’s commitment to encouraging ‘Make in India’ through all possible ways.

The Prime Minister posted on X:

“Today, we mark 10 Years Of Make In India. I compliment all those who are tirelessly working to make this movement a success over the last decade. ‘Make in India’ illustrates the collective resolve of 140 crore Indians to make our nation a powerhouse of manufacturing and innovation. It’s noteworthy how exports have risen in various sectors, capacities have been built, and thus, the economy has been strengthened.

The Government of India is committed to encouraging ‘Make in India’ through all possible ways. India’s strides in reforms will also continue. Together, we will build an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat!“

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Pune, Maharashtra on 26th September. At around 6 PM, from District Court Metro Station, he will flag off the Metro train scheduled to run from District court to Swargate, Pune. Thereafter at around 6:30 PM, he will inaugurate, lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation various projects worth over Rs. 22,600 crore.

The inauguration of Pune Metro section of District Court to Swargate will mark the completion of Pune Metro Rail Project (Phase-1). The cost of the underground section between District Court to Swargate is around Rs 1,810 crore.

Further, Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for Swargate-Katraj Extension of Pune Metro Phase-1 to be developed at the cost of around Rs 2,950 crore. This southern extension of around 5.46 km is completely underground with three stations namely Market Yard, Padmavati and Katraj.

Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the Memorial for Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule’s First Girls’ School at Bhidewada.

In line with his commitment to make India self-reliant in the field of Supercomputing technology, Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation three PARAM Rudra Supercomputers worth around Rs. 130 crore, developed indigenously under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM). These supercomputers have been deployed in Pune, Delhi and Kolkata to facilitate pioneering scientific research. Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Pune will leverage the supercomputer to explore Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and other astronomical phenomena. Inter University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) in Delhi will enhance research in fields like material science and atomic physics. S.N. Bose Centre in Kolkata will drive advanced research in areas such as physics, cosmology, and earth sciences.

Prime Minister will also inaugurate a High-Performance Computing (HPC) system tailored for weather and climate research. This project represents an investment of Rs. 850 crore, marking a significant leap in India’s computational capabilities for meteorological applications.  Located at two key sites, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune and the National Center for Medium Range Weather Forecast (NCMRWF) in Noida, this HPC system has extraordinary computing power. The new HPC systems are named ‘Arka’ and ‘Arunika,’ reflecting their connection to the Sun. These high-resolution models will significantly enhance the accuracy and lead time of predictions related to tropical cyclones, heavy precipitation, thunderstorms, hailstorms, heat waves, droughts, and other critical weather phenomena.

Prime Minister will launch and dedicate to the nation various initiatives of petroleum and natural gas sector worth Rs. 10,400 crore. These initiatives will focus on energy, infrastructure, safety and convenience of truck and cab drivers, cleaner mobility and a sustainable future.

To enable ease of driving, Prime Minister will launch the Way Side Amenities for truck drivers at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra; Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab; Songadh, Gujarat; Belagavi and Bangalore Rural, Karnataka. With the objective of developing modern facilities for the comfortable journey break at one place designed to cater to the needs of truckers and cab drivers during their long journeys, way side amenities such as affordable boarding and lodging facilities, clean toilets, safe parking space, cooking area, WiFi, Gym, etc. are being developed at a cost of around Rs. 2,170 crore at 1,000 retail outlets.

To develop multiple energy choices like petrol, diesel, CNG, EV, CBG, Ethanol blended petrol (EBP), etc. at one retail outlet, Prime Minister will launch Energy Stations. Nearly 4,000 energy stations would be developed over Golden Quadrilateral, East-West and North-South Corridors and other major highways over next  5 years at a cost of around Rs. 6000 crore. Energy stations will help in providing seamless mobility through provision of alternate fuels under one roof to the energy seeking customers.

To facilitate smooth transition to Green Energy, De-carbonization and Net Zero Emission and reducing the range anxiety of Electric Vehicle drivers, Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation 500 EV charging facilities. Further, 10,000 EV Charging stations (EVCS) are being targeted to be developed by FY 2025 at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,500 crore.

Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation 20 Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) stations across the country including 3 in Maharashtra. To promote the adoption of clean fuel such as LNG for long distance transportation, 50 LNG Fuel Stations will be developed in various states of the country by Oil and Gas companies at a cost of around Rs. 500 crore.

Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation 1500 E20 (20% ethanol blended) petrol retail outlets worth around Rs 225 crore.

Prime Minister will inaugurate the Solapur Airport which would significantly improve connectivity, making Solapur more accessible to tourists, business travellers and investors. The existing terminal Building of Solapur has been revamped to serve around 4.1 lakh passengers annually.

Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation Bidkin Industrial Area, a transformative project covering an expansive 7,855 acres under the National Industrial Corridor Development Program of Govt. of India, situated 20 kms south of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in Maharashtra. The project developed under Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor holds immense potential as a vibrant economic hub in the Marathwada region. Central Government has approved this project with an overall project cost of over Rs. 6,400 crore for development in 3 phases.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paid tributes to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya on his birth anniversary. Shri Modi said that Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s concept of Antyodaya will play an invaluable role in achieving the resolution of a developed India.

The Prime Minister posted on X;

“महान राष्ट्रवादी विचारक पंडित दीनदयाल उपाध्याय जी को उनकी जयंती पर कोटि-कोटि नमन। अंत्योदय की उनकी अवधारणा विकसित भारत के संकल्प की सिद्धि में अमूल्य भूमिका निभाने वाली है। देश के लिए उनका समर्पण और सेवा भाव अविस्मरणीय रहेगा।”

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with the President of Ukraine, H.E. Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on 23 September 2024, on the sidelines of the Summit of the Future in New York.

The two leaders recalled Prime Minister’s recent visit to Ukraine and expressed satisfaction at the continued consolidation of bilateral ties. The situation in Ukraine as well as the way forward on pursuing a path to peace also figured prominently in their discussions.

Prime Minister reiterated India’s clear, consistent and constructive approach in favour of a peaceful resolution of the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue as well as engagement between all stakeholders. He conveyed that India remains open to provide all support within its means to facilitate a lasting and peaceful resolution of the conflict.

This was the third meeting between the two leaders in little over three months. The two leaders agreed to remain in close touch.

Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri JP Nadda addressed the 4^th year anniversary ceremony of the National Medical Commission, here today.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri JP Nadda congratulated NMC on its fourth anniversary and commended it for adding 25,000 UG and PG seats during the last four years. He also noted that NMC achieved its target of 1,00,000 MBBS seats in the country a year in advance. He further encouraged NMC to achieve the target set by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, of adding 75,000 medical seats over the next 5 years to meet the growing demand of aspiring medical professionals.

Lauding recent technological methodologies adopted by NMC such as in assessing medical colleges through AI and introduction of Aadhar-enabled biometric attendance (AEBAS) for faculty, Shri Nadda motivated NMC to continue its efforts to improve and enhance the quality of medical education in the country. He also highlighted the initiation of the National Medical Register (NMR) calling it “a dynamic database for all allopathic doctors which has already received about 20,000 applications”.

The Union Health Minister said that recent efforts towards serving public health especially the Family Adoption Program will prepare MBBS students to become more humane and skillful clinicians. He also pointed out the shift in mindset to preventive healthcare and wellness.

On the occasion, the Union Health Minister released an Essay compilation book – ‘Making of a Family Physician: Reaching the Roots’ of selected 89 essays, a Collage book- ‘Art of Making of a Family Physician: Reaching the Roots’ of selected 67 collages and a First Survey report on medical camps conducted by colleges under Family Adoption Program through village outreach.  The survey has been carried out by 2^nd year MBBS students in 2022 from 496 colleges from 28 states/ Union Territories participated.

The Union Minister also felicitated the students who wrote the best essays and made the best collages. He concluded his address by congratulating the new students who took admission in MBBS courses around the country.

Smt. Hekali Zhimomi, Additional Secretary, Union Health Ministry; Dr BN Gangadhar, Chairperson, NMC; Dr Aruna V. Vanikar (Undergraduate Medical Education Board) and Dr Vijay Oza (Postgraduate Medical Education Board), Presidents, NMC and senior officials of the Union Health Ministry were present on the occasion.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 41^st edition of Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi on September 24, 2024. The three-day meeting serves as a vital forum for ICG Commanders to engage in meaningful discussions on strategic, operational & administrative matters in the backdrop of the evolving geopolitical landscapes and complexities of maritime security.

Addressing the senior Commanders at the Coast Guard Headquarters, the Raksha Mantri described ICG as India’s foremost guard, ensuring the security of the country’s vast coastline through constant monitoring of the Exclusive Economic Zone, and prevention of illegal activities such as terrorism and trafficking of arms, drugs & humans. Commending the bravery & dedication with which the ICG personnel serve the nation in the times of distress, he paid tributes to the bravehearts who lost their lives in a recent operation near Porbandar.

Shri Rajnath Singh termed the contribution of ICG in protecting the nation from internal disasters as unparalleled. He extolled its quick response during an oil spill off Chennai after Cyclone Michaung, which averted a major damage to the coastal ecosystem of the area.

Sharing his vision to make ICG as one of the strongest Coast Guards, the Raksha Mantri emphasised the need to move forward from being a human-oriented to a technology-oriented force to deal with conventional as well as emerging threats in today’s unpredictable times. He underlined the importance of ultra-modern technology on maritime borders, stating that it acts as a force multiplier to further strengthen the security system of the country.

“The world is going through a phase of technological revolution. In this era of Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technology and drones, the field of security is witnessing significant changes. Given the current geopolitical situation, maritime threats will increase in the future. We need to be alert and ready. The importance of manpower will always remain, but the world should know us as a technology-oriented Coast Guard,” Shri Rajnath Singh said.

While the Raksha Mantri stressed on the benefits of incorporating latest technology, he exhorted the Commanders to remain wary of its negative side. He termed technology as a double-edged sword and called upon ICG to be proactive, vigilant and prepared to tackle the potential challenges.

Shri Rajnath Singh reiterated the commitment of the Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to modernise & bolster the Armed Forces and ICG with indigenous platforms & equipment. On the efforts being made to attain ‘Aatmanirbharta’, he stated that 31 ships for ICG, worth more than Rs 4,000 crore, are being built by Indian shipyards. He also highlighted the approvals accorded by the Defence Acquisition Council to enhance the capabilities of ICG, which include procurement of Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft, Software Defined Radios, Interceptor Boats, Dornier aircraft and Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels. Asserting that the three Services are evolving themselves with changing times, the Raksha Mantri urged the ICG to continue improving itself, creating a unique identity, gaining expertise in its domain, and moving forward with renewed vigour.

The Raksha Mantri also paid tributes to late ICG DG Rakesh Pal who passed away due to a heart attack in Chennai recently. He described him as a kind-hearted and capable officer whose untimely death, he said, is an irreparable loss.

Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar and Secretary (Ex-Servicemen Welfare) Dr Niten Chandra were among the senior officers present on the occasion.

During the course of the conference, the ICG Commanders will also interact with the Chief of Defence Staff, as well as the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Engineer-in-Chief. The discussions are designed to foster collaboration among the Services across the full spectrum of maritime security, while also promoting the growth and infrastructure development of ICG.

The conference provides a platform for senior ICG leaders to meticulously evaluate key operational, material, logistical, HR development, training, and administrative initiatives undertaken over the past year. They will also deliberate on vital milestones essential for the protection of the maritime interests of the nation. The Commanders will assess ongoing ICG projects designed to bolster Indigenisation through the ‘Make in India’ initiative, harmonising with the Government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah has congratulated Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on successful completion of 3-day visit to the United States of America.

In a post on X platform, Shri Amit Shah said that “Congratulations to PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji on the successful three-day tour to the United States of America. The tour further fortifies the Modi doctrine of diplomacy, which over the last 10 years has propelled Bharat to the role of a global changemaker leading through examples in sustainable development. The successful QUAD Summit, the ‘Modi & US’ mega community event, and the UN Summit of the Future reflect his unmatched popularity across the globe. Modi Ji’s leadership has not only enhanced Bharat’s stature as a nation, which everyone listens to, but also as one that every country accepts as a partner in the upliftment of humanity.”

In his ongoing visit to Australia from September 23-26, 2024, Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, had a number of productive engagements on the second day (September 24). He was the Chief Guest at the 22nd National Conference of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) in Sydney. The Conference brought together about 1100 real estate developers from India to Australia.

In his address, the Minister urged the real estate industry to adopt even more effective measures for the well being of millions of workers employed in it. He appreciated the contribution of the real estate sector to the growth of the Indian economy and encouraged them to consider expanding their operations in international markets such as Australia.

The Minister met Hon. Chris Minns MP, Premier of New South Wales at NSW Parliament and discussed the growing business and community linkages between India and Australia and the contribution of NSW to these ties. Minister attended a reception hosted in his honour by the Parliamentary Friends of India and Australia-India Business Council (AIBC) at the Parliament in which Ministers and Parliamentarians from NSW, including The Hon Anoulack Chanthivong MP, Minister for Industry and Trade of NSW and the Co-chairs of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of India, participated.

Several prominent business leaders based in Australia were also present. Minister thanked them for the warm reception and highlighted that the bipartisan support for close India-Australia ties gave strength to the bilateral partnership & deepening economic engagement.

The Minister addressed a gathering of various key stakeholders in the bilateral economic relationship organized by Asia Link Business (ALB), Australia India Institute and KPMG. He participated in a fireside chat with the CEO of ALB, Mr. Leigh Howard, and answered a range of questions. Discussions focussed on fostering stronger India-Australia partnership in key sectors viz renewable energy, digitisation, infrastructure, education, critical minerals, tourism, fintech, agritech, space etc. Minister was presented with a copy of the report on ‘Doing Business in India’ by ALB which will help Australian businesses in leveraging the vast opportunities presented by the Indian market.

Minister met several emerging Indian origin and Australian leaders in different sectors at an event organized by the High Commission of India and the India-Australia Business Community Alliance (IABCA). Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that these success stories were a reflection of the opportunities that strong India-Australia relations present for the mutual benefit of their people.

Minister interacted with the Committee members of the Australian (Sydney) Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and encouraged them to act as a living bridge to promote business ties between India and Australia.

In the forenoon, the Minister participated virtually in the meeting of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. He emphasised that collective efforts and forward-thinking action plans in critical sectors such as semiconductors, critical minerals for clean energy, chemicals and healthcare are crucial for unlocking the framework’s full potential.

After concluding his productive 2-day visit to Sydney focussed on business and community interactions, Minister travelled to Adelaide where he will Co-chair with Senator The Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism of Australia, the 19th Joint Ministerial Commission meeting scheduled for September 25, 2024.

Prime Minister addressed the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the United Nations in New York today.

The theme of the Summit is ‘Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow’. The Summit witnessed the participation of a large number of world leaders.

In his address, Prime Minister highlighted India’s vision for shaping a sustainable world for future generations. He noted that he was speaking at the Summit on behalf of one-sixth of humanity which seeks global peace, development and prosperity. Calling for the primacy of a human-centric approach in our collective quest for a bright global future, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s success at scaling sustainable development initiatives and, in this regard, noted that the country had lifted 250 million people out of poverty in the last decade. Expressing solidarity with countries of the Global South, he emphasized that India was privileged to share its development experience with them. He called for balanced regulations to promote safe and responsible use of technology, noting that India is open to sharing its digital public infrastructure for greater public good. He also underlined India’s commitment to “One Earth, One Family, One Future” as a guiding principle.

Prime Minister noted that reform is key to relevance and called for urgent reform of the institutions of global governance, including the UN Security Council. He noted that global action must match global ambition. Full remarks of the PM may be seen here. https://bit.ly/4diBR08

The Summit concluded with the adoption of an outcome document – A Pact for the Future, along with two annexes, Global Digital Compact and A Declaration on Future Generations.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today addressed a large gathering of the Indian community at an event in Long Island, New York. Over 15,000 people attended the event.

Prime Minister was welcomed by the community with exceptional warmth and enthusiasm. Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister noted that the India-US relationship is profoundly enriched by the Indian American community, which plays a pivotal role in fostering ties between the two great democracies. Prime Minister spoke about his meeting with President Biden the previous day in his home in Delaware. This special gesture reflected the bridge of trust that the Indian community has built with the United States.

Prime Minister spoke about his vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047. He noted that the largest democratic exercise in human history had given him a historic third term, in which he was committed to work for the progress of India with ever greater dedication. He highlighted transformative changes in India in the last decade- from creation of next-generation infrastructure to pulling 250 million people out of poverty, India’s economic growth and going from being the 10th largest economy to the 5th largest, and now aiming at becoming the third largest economy in the world.

Prime Minister underlined the government’s commitment to pursuing reforms to meet the aspirations of the people. He referred to the new vibrancy in the country, with innovation, entrepreneurship, start-ups, financial inclusion and digital empowerment propelling growth and prosperity. He highlighted the transformative impact at the grassroots level of women-led development and green transition.

Prime Minister noted that India was a major contributor to global growth, prosperity, peace and security, climate change action, innovation, supply and value chains, and in filling global skill-gaps. India’s voice today resonated deeper and louder in the global arena, he added.

Prime Minister announced plans to open two new Indian consulates in the US- in Boston and Los Angeles – and a Thiruvalluvar Chair of Tamil studies in the University of Houston. These initiatives would further strengthen the living bridge between India and its diaspora in the United States. He expressed the hope that the Indian diaspora, with its strong convening strength, would continue to play a crucial role in fostering closer ties between India and the US.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today congratulated Anura Kumara Dissanayake for his victory in the Sri Lankan Presidential elections. Shri Modi expressed hope to work closely with Sri Lanka to further strengthen the multifaceted cooperation.

In a post on X, Shri Modi wrote:

“Congratulations @anuradisanayake, on your victory in the Sri Lankan Presidential elections. Sri Lanka holds a special place in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our multifaceted cooperation for the benefit of our people and the entire region.”