Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had a warm and cordial conversation with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia.

During the interaction, Shri Modi extended heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Ibrahim on Malaysia’s assumption of the ASEAN Chairmanship. He conveyed best wishes for the successful conduct of the upcoming ASEAN-related Summits under Malaysia’s leadership.

Prime Minister Modi also expressed his interest in joining the ASEAN-India Summit virtually and reaffirmed India’s commitment to further strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

In a post on X, Shri Modi said:

“Had a warm conversation with my dear friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia. Congratulated him on Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and conveyed best wishes for the success of upcoming Summits. Look forward to joining the ASEAN-India Summit virtually, and to further deepening of the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

@anwaribrahim”

“Operation Sindoor was a symbol of India’s will power & capability, and a message to the world that we’re always ready to respond to every challenge,” said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh while addressing the Naval Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi on October 23, 2025. Raksha Mantri commended the Indian Navy for creating a deterrent posture that forced Pakistan to remain in the harbour or near its coast, asserting that the world witnessed the operational readiness, professional capability and strength of the Navy’s during the operation. He described the Indian Navy’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as a matter of “comfort for the friendly nations” and “discomfort for those who seek to destabilise the region”.

“IOR has become the center of contemporary geopolitics. It is no longer passive; it has become an area of competition and cooperation. The Indian Navy, through its multi-dimensional capabilities, has played a leadership role in the region. In the last six months, our ships, submarines and Naval aircraft have been deployed at an unprecedented scale. In addition, our Navy has provided safe passage to approximately 335 merchant vessels, equaling approx. 1.2 million metric tons of cargo and a trade value of $5.6 billion. This is proof that India has now become a trusted and capable partner in the global maritime economy,” said Shri Rajnath Singh.

Terming a self-reliant Navy as the foundation of a confident and powerful nation, Raksha Mantri acknowledged the Indian Navy for enhancing its capabilities through indigenous equipment and emerging as the flag bearer of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. “In the last 10 years, nearly 67 percent of the Navy’s capital acquisition contracts have been with Indian industries. This proves that we are no longer dependent solely on imports. We rely on our own talent and the capabilities of MSMEs and start-ups. Currently, the Indian Navy is working on 194 innovation and indigenisation projects under iDEX, TDF, SPRINT, and Make-in-India. These initiatives have not only made the Navy technologically self-reliant, but have also made private industries and young innovators a part of this mission,” he said.

Dubbing the present-day warfare as technology and intelligence-based, Raksha Mantri highlighted that the Government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is paying greater attention to Aatmanirbharta in defence, indigenous innovation, and state-of-the-art technologies. “Maritime preparedness is no longer only about ships or submarines, it is based on technology-driven, network-centric, and autonomous systems. We need to protect ourselves from our adversaries’ modern technologies, while enhancing our capabilities in these areas. We have the potential and the capabilities. We’re manufacturing our equipment on our own soil.” he said.

Raksha Mantri appreciated the fact that, under Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Indian Navy is not only engaged in defence production, but also contributing significantly to nation-building. “Today, our Navy has become a pioneer in the country’s self-reliance, innovation, and industrial development. With every ship and submarine built, a new job is created; with every engine, a new skill is created, and with every indigenous system, India’s dependency is decreasing. Project 17A ships, which have more than 75 percent indigenous content, have created approximately 1.27 lakh jobs in shipyards like MDL and GRSE. It is proof that every Navy project is linked to security as well as the economy and youth employment,” he stated.

Noting the significant increase in Indian Navy’s collaboration with MSMEs and small shipyards, Raksha Mantri highlighted that, recently, contracts worth around Rs 315 crore have been awarded for the construction of yard crafts, a major step towards the Vocal for Local vision. “The Navy has made several innovations towards self-reliance in its aviation sector. Projects such as the Multi-role Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft, Utility Helicopters, Twin-engine Deck Fighters, and Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems are giving a new direction to our domestic aviation industry. This is not only filling critical capability gaps but also strengthening self-reliance.” he added.

Raksha Mantri underlined the importance of laying equal emphasis on formulating strategy and acquiring state-of-the-art equipment to fight present-day wars. “No nation can win a war solely with equipment and warships. Technology gives us an edge, but geography, deception, timing, and human judgment must always be factored into the tactical framework. Fleet-size and modernisation is important, but tactically utilising platforms is equally crucial. Agility and adaptability are essential in planning,” he said.

Raksha Mantri underlined the need to advance the Naval strategy and thinking in sync with the rapidly-evolving world. “We must work together in three areas: capability, people, and partnerships. Capability means technology & strength; people means sailors & their families; and partnerships mean industries, academia & international cooperation. When these three come together, our Navy will emerge as an even more reliable and powerful force,” he said.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V. Kamat and Naval Commanders were present on the occasion.

The conference serves as a platform for close interaction with national leadership and bureaucrats, and fine tune Indian Navy’s outlook towards mitigating multi-dimensional challenges in current geo-strategic environment. The Navy’s apex leadership is reviewing its operational preparedness on western and eastern seaboards, boosting indigenisation and innovation under Make-in-India scheme, furthering the Government’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across all Regions) and promoting Indian Navy as the Preferred Security Partner in the IOR and Indo-Pacific.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, attended the XVIth Session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva, where he delivered India’s national statement and participated in key discussions. UNCTAD, established in 1964, plays a crucial role in promoting the integration of developing countries into the global economy through trade, investment, and sustainable development policies.

In his address at the 16th Session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XVI), the Commerce and Industry Minister of India underscored India’s transformation into one of the top five economies globally. India has been the fastest-growing large economy with over 7% average annual growth over last three years. The nation doubles its economy every eight years. Shri Goyal highlighted lifting millions of  people out of poverty in the last decade. These individuals then join the middle class. They fuel rising incomes and demand.

Shri Goyal underlined India’s sustainability leadership. Half its installed power capacity comes from renewables. Current clean energy stands at 250 GW with aim to install 500 GW by 2030. India is taking measures against climate change impacts. Yet it contributes only 3.5% to global emissions despite hosting 17% of the world’s population. He noted that developed  countries have not fulfilled Paris commitments including in providing $100 billion in low-cost, long-tenure finance and technology transfers. He rejected burden-shifting or environmental trade barriers. The Minister stressed a dedicated approach to sustainable development. This includes tailored, actionable solutions. Key global initiatives feature the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, International Solar Alliance, and Global Biofuels Alliance, building partnerships.

Calling for South-South cooperation for genuine solutions, Shri Goyal stated that areas may include critical minerals access, fertilizers and supply chain management. India bridges the technological divide via digital public infrastructure which empowers millions. The country has one billion internet users. It ranks second in ChatGPT users globally. A young population averages 28.5 years. Democracy and rule of law fuel growth.

The Minister noted inclusive development in India exemplified in women forming 14% of entrepreneurs and MSMEs creating and supporting millions of jobs. The services sector contributes 55% to GDP. It has shown decade-long double-digit export growth. This supports equitable workforce mobility. It fosters collaborations to boost partners’ competitiveness and global reach. Additionally, the Minister highlighted critical global challenges. These erode trust in multilateral institutions and the rules-based trading system. Issues include non-market practices, tariff and non-tariff barriers, overconcentration of supply chains at source and demand sides. Other challenges include dilution of special and differential treatment and unilateral environment measures apart from technological divide with restrictive controls. Restrictive policies have hit the services sector. In this, developing countries suffer the most. He emphasized the need for the Global South to speak with one voice.

The Commerce and Industry Minister highlighted that India is a pioneer, trusted by the developing countries and developed world alike, for its independent policies, growth, and commitment to progress. UNCTAD can play a key role in harnessing trade for equitable, inclusive, sustainable development. The Minister offered support to developing nations in technology, cooperation and building resilient supply chains. Trade serves as a development tool. Together, nations can build a future for all. This embraces “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas”—development for all with trust and effort. India believes in “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” the world as one family.

At the Ministerial Roundtable on “Towards Resilient, Sustainable, and Inclusive Supply Chains and Trade Logistics,” the Minister emphasized India’s self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat, particularly in medicines and COVID vaccines, while fostering trading relations built on trust and reliability. He highlighted the trillion-dollar master plan, including about $130 billion annual investments in domestic infrastructure. Key advancements include expanding airport capacity from 74 to 158, enhancing rail, road, and inland waterways for a robust internal transport network, strengthening the manufacturing system, and establishing India as a trusted partner globally, with projections for continued fastest growth over coming decades. Furthermore, he advocated for conversations across large parts of the developing world to share offerings such as payment systems, transactions, payments, transport sharing, and reduced port times, urging developing countries to collaborate and work together for mutual benefit.

On the sidelines, Shri Goyal held bilateral meetings to strengthen international partnerships. With H.E. Ms Teresa Ribera Rodriguez, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, the Minister discussed the impact of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on Indian exports, especially steel secto and ensuring that the clean transition does not create dependencies. In his meeting with H.E. Ms. Rebecca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD, the emphasis was on advancing UNCTAD’s role in equitable economic transformation, deficiency in meeting the Paris Agreement commitments by developed countries, unjustified unilateral measures and South-South cooperation.

The visit reaffirms India’s commitment as a trusted partner in global trade and development, aligning with the UNCTAD XVI theme of “Shaping the Future: Driving Economic Transformation for Equitable, Inclusive, and Sustainable Development.” Shri Goyal’s engagements underscore India’s vision of a rules-based multilateral system that fosters mutual prosperity, resilience and inclusive growth for all nations.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today extended his heartiest congratulations to H.E. Ms. Sanae Takaichi on her election as the Prime Minister of Japan. In his message on X, Prime Minister Modi expressed his commitment to further strengthening the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

Shri Modi in a post on X said:

“Heartiest congratulations, Sanae Takaichi, on your election as the Prime Minister of Japan. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Our deepening ties are vital for peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

@takaichi_sanae”

On the solemn occasion of Police Commemoration Day, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tribute to the courage and sacrifice of India’s police personnel. He acknowledged their unwavering dedication to safeguarding the nation and its citizens.

In a message on X today, the Prime Minister said:

“On Police Commemoration Day, we salute the courage of our police personnel and recall the supreme sacrifice by them in the line of duty. Their steadfast dedication keeps our nation and people safe. Their bravery and commitment in times of crisis and in moments of need are appreciable.”

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, on October 21, 2025, laid a wreath at National Police Memorial in New Delhi on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day. It was on this day in 1959 when 10 valiant policemen laid down their lives in an ambush laid by heavily armed Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Ladakh.

In his address, Raksha Mantri paid glowing tributes to the fallen heroes, expressing gratitude to the police and paramilitary forces for their service to the nation. He described the armed forces and police forces as pillars of national security, stating that while the former protects the country & its geographical integrity, the latter safeguards society and the social integrity. “The military and police function on different platforms, but their mission is the same – to protect the nation. As we look towards Viksit Bharat by 2047, balancing the external and internal security of the nation is more important than ever,” he said.

On the present-day challenges, Shri Rajnath Singh said while there is instability on the borders, new types of crime, terrorism and ideological wars are emerging within the society. He pointed out that crime has become more organised, invisible, and complex, and its purpose is to create chaos in society, undermine trust, and challenge the stability of the nation.

Raksha Mantri commended the police for carrying out its official responsibility of preventing crime, while fulfilling its moral duty of maintaining trust in society. “If people are sleeping peacefully today, it’s due to their confidence in our vigilant Armed Forces and alert police. This confidence is the foundation of our country’s stability,” he said.

Drawing attention to Naxalism which had been a major internal security challenge for a long time, Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that the concerted and organised efforts of police, CRPF, BSF, and local administration have ensured that the problem did not escalate and the people in the left-wing extremism affected areas breathed a sigh of relief. He exuded confidence that the problem will end by March next year. “Several top Naxalites have been eliminated this year. Those who previously took up arms against the state are now surrendering and joining the mainstream of development. The number of districts affected by left-wing extremism has come down drastically. Areas that were once Naxalite hubs are now becoming educational hubs. Areas that were once known as the Red Corridor have now transformed into growth corridors. Our police and security forces have contributed significantly to this success,” he said.

Raksha Mantri reiterated Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government’s commitment towards ensuring national security, and the police forces engaged in this endeavour. “For a long time, we, as a nation, didn’t fully recognise the contributions of the police. However, under the leadership of PM Modi, the government established the National Police Memorial in 2018 to honor the memories of our police forces. In addition, police have been provided with state-of-the-art weapons and improved facilities. They now have modern equipment such as surveillance systems, drones, forensic labs, and digital policing. Adequate resources are also being provided to the states for the modernisation of the police forces,” he said. Shri Rajnath Singh called for optimal utilisation of resources, which can only be achieved through coordination and integration with security agencies.

Underlining that society and police are equally interdependent, Raksha Mantri stressed on the need to maintain a balanced relationship between the two to make the security apparatus even more robust & vigilant. “Policing can function effectively only when citizens work as partners and respect the law. When the relationship between society and the police is based on mutual understanding and responsibility, both prosper,” he said.

A joint parade of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Delhi Police was held as part of the event. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Home Secretary Shri Govind Mohan, Director, Intelligence Bureau Shri Tapan Deka, DG, BSF Shri Daljit Singh Chawdhary, other heads of CAPFs, retired DGs, and officers from the police fraternity attended the event.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the armed forces personnel during Diwali celebration on board the INS Vikrant today. Mentioning that today is a remarkable day, a remarkable moment, and a remarkable sight, Shri Modi highlighted that on one side lies the vast ocean, and on the other, the immense strength of Mother India’s brave soldiers. He noted that while one side presents the infinite horizon and boundless sky, the other side showcases the colossal might of INS Vikrant, embodying infinite power. The Prime Minister observed that the sparkle of sunlight on the sea resembles the lamps lit by valiant soldiers during Deepavali, forming a divine garland of lights. He expressed his privilege in celebrating this Diwali among the brave personnel of the Indian Navy.

Recalling his night spent aboard INS Vikrant, the Prime Minister stated that the experience is difficult to put into words. He described the deep night at sea and the sunrise as making this Diwali especially memorable in many ways. From INS Vikrant, the Prime Minister extended heartfelt Diwali greetings to all 140 crore citizens of the country.

Recalling the moment when INS Vikrant was handed over to the nation, Shri Modi stated that at the time, he had remarked—Vikrant is grand, immense, panoramic, unique and exceptional. “Vikrant is not merely a warship; it is a testament to 21st-century India’s hard work, talent, impact, and commitment”, emphasised the Prime Minister. He reminded that on the very day the nation received the indigenously built INS Vikrant, the Indian Navy renounced a major symbol of colonial legacy. He highlighted that inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Navy adopted a new flag.

“INS Vikrant today stands as a powerful symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Made in India”, exclaimed the Prime Minister, emphasising that the indigenously built INS Vikrant, slicing through the ocean, reflects India’s military prowess. He recalled that just a few months ago, Vikrant’s very name had disrupted the sleep of Pakistan. The Prime Minister asserted that INS Vikrant is a warship whose name alone is enough to put an end to the enemy’s audacity.

Prime Minister expressed his special salute to the Indian Armed Forces on this occasion. He highlighted that the fear instilled by the Indian Navy, the extraordinary skill demonstrated by the Indian Air Force, and the bravery of the Indian Army, along with the exceptional coordination among all three services, compelled Pakistan to surrender swiftly during Operation Sindoor. He affirmed that all personnel involved are truly deserving of congratulations.

Shri Modi stated that when the enemy is in front and war is imminent, the side that possesses the strength to fight independently always holds the advantage. He emphasized that for the armed forces to be strong, self-reliance is essential. The Prime Minister expressed pride that over the past decade, India’s forces have steadily advanced towards self-reliance. He noted that the armed forces have identified thousands of items that will no longer be imported, resulting in most essential military equipment now being manufactured domestically. He highlighted that in the last 11 years, India’s defence production has more than tripled, crossing ₹1.5 lakh crore last year. Citing another example, Shri Modi informed the nation that since 2014, Indian shipyards have delivered over 40 indigenous warships and submarines to the Navy. He added that currently, on average, a new indigenous warship or submarine is being inducted into the Navy every 40 days.

“Missiles like BrahMos and Akash have proven their capabilities during Operation Sindoor. Several countries around the world are now interested in purchasing these missiles”, said the Prime Minister, emphasising that India is building the capacity to export weapons and equipment for all three armed forces. “India’s goal is to be counted among the world’s top defence exporters”, affirmed Shri Modi, stating that over the past decade, India’s defence exports have increased more than 30-fold. He credited this success significantly to the contributions of defence start-ups and indigenous defence units.

Prime Minister stated that India’s tradition regarding strength and capability has always been rooted in the principle—“Gyanaya Daanaya Cha Rakshanaya,” meaning our science, prosperity, and power are dedicated to the service and protection of humanity. He emphasized that in today’s interconnected world, where nations’ economies and progress depend heavily on maritime routes, the Indian Navy plays a crucial role in ensuring global stability. Shri Modi highlighted that 66 percent of the world’s oil supply and 50 percent of container shipments pass through the Indian Ocean. He noted that the Indian Navy is deployed as the guardian of the Indian Ocean to secure these routes. Additionally, through mission-based deployments, anti-piracy patrols, and humanitarian operations, the Indian Navy serves as a global security partner across the region.

“Indian Navy plays a significant role in ensuring the security and integrity of India’s islands”, emphasised the Prime Minister. He recalled the decision taken some time ago to hoist the national flag on every island of the country on 26th January. Shri Modi affirmed that the Navy fulfilled this national resolve, and today, the tricolour is being proudly hoisted by the Navy on every Indian island.

Prime Minister stated that as India progresses rapidly, efforts are being made to ensure that all nations of the Global South advance alongside. He highlighted that India is working on the ‘Mahasagar Maritime Vision’ and is becoming a development partner for many countries. He emphasized that whenever needed, India stands ready to provide humanitarian assistance anywhere in the world. From Africa to Southeast Asia, during times of disaster, the world views India as a global companion. Shri Modi recalled that in 2014, when neighbouring Maldives faced a water crisis, India launched ‘Operation Neer’, and the Navy delivered clean water to the country. In 2017, when Sri Lanka was struck by devastating floods, India was the first to extend a helping hand. In 2018, following the tsunami disaster in Indonesia, India stood shoulder to shoulder with the people of Indonesia in relief and rescue operations. Similarly, whether it was the destruction caused by an earthquake in Myanmar or the crises in Mozambique in 2019 and Madagascar in 2020, India reached out everywhere with a spirit of service.

Shri Modi stated that India’s armed forces have, from time to time, conducted operations to safely evacuate people stranded abroad. From Yemen to Sudan, whenever and wherever the need arose, their valour and courage have reinforced the trust of Indians living across the world. He emphasized that India has also saved the lives of thousands of foreign nationals through these missions.

“India’s armed forces have served the nation across all domains—land, sea, and air—and under every circumstance”, exclaimed Shri Modi highlighting that the Navy is deployed in the seas to safeguard India’s maritime boundaries and trade interests, while the Air Force remains committed to securing the skies. On land, from scorching deserts to icy glaciers, the Army, along with BSF and ITBP personnel, stand firm like a rock. He further acknowledged that across various fronts, personnel from SSB, Assam Rifles, CRPF, CISF, and intelligence agencies are steadfastly serving Mother India. The Prime Minister also commended the Indian Coast Guard for their vital role in national defence, noting their continuous coordination with the Navy to secure India’s coastline day and night. He affirmed that their contribution to this grand mission of national security is immense.

Prime Minister stated that due to the valour and courage of India’s security forces, the nation has achieved a major milestone—the eradication of Maoist terrorism. He highlighted that India is now on the verge of complete freedom from Naxal-Maoist extremism. Before 2014, around 125 districts were affected by Maoist violence; today, this number has reduced to just 11, with only 3 districts remaining significantly impacted. Shri Modi noted that over 100 districts have now fully emerged from the shadow of Maoist terror and are breathing freely for the first time and celebrating Diwali. He emphasized that millions of people, after generations of fear, are now joining the mainstream of development. In regions where Maoists once obstructed the construction of roads, schools, hospitals, and mobile towers, highways are now being built and new industries are emerging. He affirmed that this success has been made possible by the dedication, sacrifice, and bravery of India’s security forces. The Prime Minister expressed joy that in many such districts, people are celebrating Diwali for the first time. He added that record sales and purchases are being witnessed in these areas during the GST Bachat Utsav. In districts where Maoist terror once suppressed even the mention of the Constitution, the mantra of Swadeshi now resonates.

“India is progressing rapidly and fulfilling the dreams of 140 crore citizens. From the ground to space, achievements once considered beyond imagination are now becoming reality”, emphasised the Prime Minister, highlighting the momentum, the progress, the transformation, and the growing development and confidence of the nation. He affirmed that the armed forces play a vital role in this grand task of nation-building. Shri Modi remarked that the forces are not mere followers of the current; they possess the ability to guide its direction, the courage to lead time, the valour to cross the infinite, and the spirit to overcome the insurmountable. He declared that the mountain peaks where our soldiers stand firm will remain as victory pillars of India, and the mighty waves of the ocean beneath them will echo India’s triumph. Amidst this roar, one unified voice will rise—’Bharat Mata Ki Jai!’ With this enthusiasm and conviction, the Prime Minister concluded by once again extending heartfelt Diwali greetings to all.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the NDTV World Summit 2025 in New Delhi today. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister welcomed all dignitaries. Extending Diwali greetings to all citizens, Shri Modi noted that the NDTV World Summit is being held in the midst of the festive atmosphere. He appreciated the theme of the session—“Unstoppable India”—and remarked that it is indeed apt, as India today is in no mood to stop. The Prime Minister affirmed, “India will neither stop nor pause, 140 crore Indians are moving forward rapidly, together”.

Prime Minister observed that in a world facing diverse roadblocks and speed breakers, the discourse around an “Unstoppable India” is both natural and timely. He sought to place this theme in the context of the situation eleven years ago and the present. Recalling the pre-2014 era, Shri Modi highlighted the nature of discussions that dominated such summits at the time. He pointed to concerns such as how India would withstand global headwinds, how it would exit the “Fragile Five” grouping, how long the nation would remain trapped in policy paralysis, and when the era of large-scale scams would come to an end.

Recalling that prior to 2014, concerns over women’s safety were widespread, and revelations about the unchecked spread of terrorist sleeper cells dominated discourse, Shri Modi noted that songs lamenting inflation, such as “Mehangai Dayan Khaye Jaat Hai,” were commonly heard. At that time, both citizens and the global community felt that India, entangled in a web of crises, would not be able to emerge. The Prime Minister asserted that over the past eleven years, India has shattered every doubt and overcome every challenge. He highlighted that India has transitioned from being part of the “Fragile Five” to becoming one of the top five global economies. Inflation is now below two percent, while the growth rate exceeds seven percent. “From chips to ships, the confidence of an Atmanirbhar Bharat is evident across sectors”, highlighted the Prime Minister emphasizing that India no longer remains silent after terrorist attacks; instead, it responds decisively through surgical strikes, air strikes, and operations like Sindoor.

Shri Modi urged the audience to recall the COVID-19 period, when the world was living under the shadow of life and death. He noted that global speculation was rife about how a country with such a large population would survive such a massive crisis. The Prime Minister stated that India proved every speculation wrong. He highlighted that India confronted the crisis head-on, developed its own vaccines swiftly, administered them in record time, and emerged from the crisis as the fastest-growing major economy.

Prime Minister stated that even before the impact of COVID-19 had fully subsided, conflicts began emerging across various parts of the world, with headlines dominated by news of war. He noted that once again, questions were raised about India’s growth prospects. Shri Modi affirmed that India once again disproved all speculations and continued to advance as the fastest-growing major economy. Over the past three years, India’s average growth rate has stood at an unprecedented and unexpected 7.8 percent. He informed that merchandise export data released two days ago shows a nearly 7 percent increase compared to the previous year. Last year, India achieved agricultural exports worth approximately ₹4.5 lakh crore. Amidst unstable ratings in many countries, S&P upgraded India’s credit rating after 17 years. The IMF too has revised India’s growth outlook upward. The Prime Minister highlighted that just a few days ago, Google announced a major investment of $15 billion in India’s AI sector. He added that significant investments are also being made in green energy and semiconductor sectors.

“India’s growth today is shaping global opportunities”, exclaimed Shri Modi citing the recent EFTA Trade Agreement as a major example, under which European nations have committed investments worth $100 billion in India. This, he noted, will lead to large-scale job creation. Referring to the recent visit of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and his close friend, H.E. Mr. Keir Starmer, who arrived with the largest-ever business delegation, Shri Modi remarked that this reflects the scale of opportunities the world sees in India. He highlighted that India’s trade with G-7 countries has increased by over sixty percent. “The world now views India as a reliable, responsible, and resilient partner”, affirmed Shri Modi, stating that from electronics to pharmaceuticals, and from automobiles to mobile manufacturing, a wave of investment is flowing into India. He emphasized that these investments are helping India become a nerve centre of the global supply chain.

Noting that a topic of discourse in the summit, “Edge of the Unknown,” may represent uncertainty for the world, but for India, it is a gateway to opportunity, Shri Modi emphasized that India has, for centuries, shown the courage to tread unknown paths. Saints, scientists, and navigators have consistently demonstrated that the “first step” marks the beginning of transformation. Whether in technology, vaccine development during the pandemic, skilled manpower, fintech, or the green energy sector, India has converted every risk into reform, every reform into resilience, and every resilience into revolution. The Prime Minister cited the recent remarks of the IMF Chief, who expressed great enthusiasm about the boldness of India’s reforms. He shared an example where global consensus doubted the feasibility of delivering digital identity at mass scale, yet India proved them wrong. Today, fifty percent of the world’s real-time digital transactions occur in India and India’s UPI is dominating global digital payment systems. Shri Modi underlined that outperforming every prediction and assessment has become India’s defining trait—and that is why India is unstoppable.

“The true strength behind India’s achievements comes from its people”, emphasised Shri Modi, stating that citizens can fully realize their potential only when the government does not exert pressure or interfere in their lives. He remarked that excessive government control acts as a brake, while greater democratization accelerates progress. The Prime Minister criticized the opposition party, which governed for sixty years, for consistently promoting the bureaucratization of policy and process. In contrast, he highlighted that over the past eleven years, his government has focused on democratizing both policy and process—an important factor behind the rise of an unstoppable India.

Citing the banking sector as an example, the Prime Minister recalled that in the 1960s, the then Prime Minister had justified the nationalization of banks by claiming it would extend banking services to the poor, farmers, and laborers. However, he asserted that in reality, the then ruling party distanced banks from the people, to the extent that the poor feared even approaching bank doors. As a result, the Prime Minister said, in 2014, more than half of India’s population did not have a bank account. Shri Modi clarified that this was not merely a lack of bank accounts—it meant that a large segment of the population was deprived of banking benefits and forced to borrow at high interest rates from the market, often pledging their homes and land.

Underlining that it was imperative to free the country from excessive bureaucratization, and their government has successfully achieved this, the Prime Minister highlighted the democratization and reform of the banking sector, including the opening of over 50 crore Jan Dhan accounts in mission mode. Today, every village in India has at least one banking touchpoint. Shri Modi remarked that digital transactions have made India one of the most financially inclusive nations globally. He criticized the opposition-led nationalization for creating a mountain of NPAs in banks and remarked that his government’s efforts of democratization has brought banks to record profitability. Over the past eleven years, loans worth lakhs of crores have been extended without bank guarantees to women self-help groups, small farmers, livestock rearers, fishermen, street vendors, and Vishwakarma partners.

Prime Minister cited the petroleum and gas sector as another example of transformation. He recalled that prior to 2014, under the prevailing mindset of bureaucratization, the opposition government was preparing to shut petrol pumps from 8 PM to 8 AM to avoid increasing fuel subsidies. In contrast, he highlighted the present scenario where petrol pumps operate round the clock without restrictions. The Prime Minister emphasized that India is now making unprecedented investments in alternative fuels and electric mobility.

Highlighting that during the opposition era, even obtaining a gas connection required recommendation letters from Members of Parliament, Shri Modi reflected the extent of bureaucratization in the system. In contrast, he stated that his government provided free gas connections to over 10 crore poor families—many of whom had never imagined access to such a facility. He affirmed that this is what true democratization of governance looks like.

Prime Minister remarked that during the era dominated by bureaucratic thinking, the opposition allowed public sector undertakings (PSUs) to stagnate, metaphorically locking them up and resting easy. He criticized the mindset that questioned the need for effort, assuming it bore no personal cost. The Prime Minister affirmed that his government changed this approach. Today, major PSUs such as LIC and SBI are setting new records in profitability.

Prime Minister emphasised that when government policies are rooted in democratization rather than bureaucratization, the morale of citizens rises. He criticized the opposition party for repeatedly chanting “Garibi Hatao” without delivering results, asserting that poverty did not decline under their governance. In contrast, he highlighted that his government’s democratized approach has lifted 25 crore poor citizens out of poverty over the past eleven years. This, he said, is why the nation places its trust in the current government and why India is unstoppable today.

Shri Modi affirmed that India now has a government dedicated to serving the poor and the deprived, giving priority to backward communities and working with full sensitivity to improve their lives. He noted that such efforts often go unnoticed in major discussions. As an example, he cited the recent launch of BSNL’s Made-in-India 4G stack, calling it a significant national achievement. He proudly stated that India is now among the top five countries globally with an indigenously developed 4G stack. The Prime Minister pointed out that BSNL, a public sector company once neglected by opposition, is now achieving new milestones. He added that the launch of the 4G stack was accompanied by BSNL activating nearly one lakh 4G mobile towers on the same day. As a result, millions of people living in remote forests and hilly regions—areas previously untouched by high-speed internet—are now receiving fast internet services.

Sharing a striking third dimension of India’s success that often goes unnoticed, Shri Modi emphasized that when advanced facilities reach remote regions, they transform lives. Citing the example of e-Sanjeevani, the Prime Minister illustrated how a family living in a distant hilly area, unable to take a sick member to the doctor due to bad weather, can now access medical consultation through the high-speed connectivity-based e-Sanjeevani service. Explaining further, Shri Modi said that through the e-Sanjeevani app, patients in remote areas can connect with specialist doctors directly from their phones. He informed  that over 42 crore OPD consultations have already been facilitated via e-Sanjeevani. On this very day of his address, Shri Modi said that more than one lakh people across the country had received assistance through the platform. The Prime Minister emphasized that e-Sanjeevani is not merely a service—it is a symbol of trust that help will be available in times of crisis. He described it as a powerful example of the transformative impact of democratizing public systems.

Shri Modi underscored that a sensitive government, committed to democracy and the Constitution, makes decisions and formulates policies that prioritize ease of living and financial savings for citizens. He highlighted that prior to 2014, 1 GB of data cost ₹300, whereas  now it costs only ₹10, resulting in annual savings of thousands of rupees for every Indian. Through the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the Prime Minister noted that poor patients have saved ₹1.25 lakh crore. Medicines at PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras are available at 80 percent discount, leading to savings of approximately ₹40,000 crore. Additionally, reduced prices of heart stents have enabled annual savings of ₹12,000 crore for poor and middle-class families.

Emphasising that honest taxpayers have directly benefited from his government’s reforms, the Prime Minister highlighted significant reductions in both income tax and GST, noting that this year, income up to ₹12 lakh has been made tax-free. He mentioned that the GST Bachat Utsav is currently in full swing, and recent sales have broken all previous records. The Prime Minister affirmed that these measures—on income tax and GST—are set to yield annual savings of approximately ₹2.5 lakh crore for Indian citizens.

Shri Modi acknowledged the widespread national and international appreciation for Operation Sindoor. He then shifted focus to another critical issue—Naxalism and Maoist terrorism—which he described as not only a major security concern but also deeply linked to the future of India’s youth. He stated that during opposition rule, the ecosystem of Urban Naxals had become so dominant that the rest of the country remained unaware of the extent of Maoist terrorism. While terrorism and Article 370 were widely debated, Shri Modi said that Urban Naxals occupied key institutions and actively worked to suppress discourse on Maoist violence. He noted that even recently, several victims of Maoist terrorism came to Delhi, yet the opposition ecosystem ensured that their plight received little attention.

Prime Minister described the grave situation that once prevailed across nearly every major state in India, where Naxalite and Maoist violence had taken deep root. He stated that while the Constitution was in force across the country, in the Red Corridor, there was no one to even invoke its name. Governments were elected, but in those regions, they held no real authority. The Prime Minister recounted how, after dusk, stepping outside became perilous, and even those responsible for providing security to the public had to move under protection themselves.

Highlighting the devastating impact of Maoist terrorism over the past 50–55 years, stating that thousands of lives were lost, including many security personnel and young citizens, Shri Modi emphasized that Naxalites obstructed the construction of schools and hospitals, and even bombed existing facilities. As a result, a vast region of the country and a large segment of the population remained deprived of development for decades. Shri Modi underscored that this prolonged neglect disproportionately affected tribal communities and Dalit brothers and sisters, who bore the brunt of this violence and underdevelopment.

“Maoist terrorism is a great injustice and a grave sin against the nation’s youth”, remarked the Prime Minister, affirming that he could not allow young citizens to remain trapped in such circumstances. Therefore, since 2014, his government has worked with full sensitivity to reintegrate misguided youth into the mainstream. The Prime Minister highlighted the results of these efforts: while 11 years ago, over 125 districts were affected by Maoist violence, today that number has reduced to just 11 districts. Of these, only three remain highly Naxal-affected.

Shri Modi stated that over the past decade, thousands of Naxalites have surrendered, sharing a recent statistic from the last 75 hours, during which 303 Naxalites laid down arms and surrendered. He added that these were not ordinary insurgents—some carried bounties of ₹1 crore, ₹15 lakh, or ₹5 lakh and a large cache of weapons was also recovered from them. The Prime Minister affirmed that these individuals are now returning to the mainstream of development and openly acknowledging that they were on the wrong path. He emphasized that they now move forward with faith in the Constitution of India.

Reflecting on how headlines once routinely reported incidents from Bastar, Chhattisgarh—then known as a stronghold of Naxalism, the Prime Minister highlighted the transformation, noting that today, tribal youth in Bastar are organizing the Bastar Olympics, a symbol of peace and progress. He stated that this Diwali, regions freed from Maoist terrorism will celebrate with renewed joy, lighting lamps of happiness. Shri Modi assured the people of India that the day is not far when India will be completely free from Naxalism and Maoist violence, adding that it’s a guarantee of their government.

“India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation is not merely a pursuit of growth; Development must walk hand in hand with dignity, where speed is matched by respect for citizens and innovation must aim not only for efficiency but also for empathy and compassion. India is progressing with this very mindset”, remarked the Prime Minister. He concluded by acknowledging the significant role of platforms like the NDTV World Summit in advancing this vision and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to present the nation’s perspective, and extended his best wishes to all participants of the event.

The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, H.E. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Former Prime Minister of Australia, H.E. Mr. Tony Abbott, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, H.E. Mr. Rishi Sunak, were present among other dignitaries at the event.

H.E. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today.

While extending a warm welcome, Prime Minister conveyed that her visit would impart fresh momentum to the historic and multi-faceted India–Sri Lanka ties.

Prime Minister recalled his State visit to Sri Lanka in April this year during which he held fruitful discussions with President Anura Kumara Disanayaka covering all areas of cooperation.

The two leaders discussed measures to strengthen cooperation in a number of areas, including education, technology, innovation development cooperation and welfare of our fishermen.

Highlighting the special ties between India and Sri Lanka, Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to work together in the shared development journey of the two countries.

Prime Minister conveyed his warm wishes to President Disanayaka, and said that he looked forward to their continued engagements.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the third Production Line of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A and the second Production Line of Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) at the Nashik facility of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on October 17, 2025. He also flagged-off the first LCA Mk1A produced at the facility.

In his address, Raksha Mantri described the flight of the state-of-the-art aircraft as a shining symbol of India’s growing Aatmanirbharta in defence. Highlighting the transformation of the defence sector in the last decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, he asserted that the country, which once imported 65-70% of critical military hardware, is now manufacturing 65% of the equipment on its own soil. He voiced the Government’s resolve of increasing domestic manufacturing to 100% in the times to come.

“When we came to power in 2014, we realised that without self-reliance, we can never be truly secure. In the beginning, we faced numerous challenges, the biggest being ‘limited defence preparedness’ and ‘import dependency’. Everything was limited to Government enterprises, and the private sector had no significant participation in the production ecosystem. In addition, there was not enough focus on defence planning, advanced technology, and innovation. This forced us to depend on other countries for critical equipment and cutting-edge systems, which increased costs & created strategic vulnerabilities. This challenge encouraged us to move forward in the direction of new thinking and reforms. The results are visible today. We not only reduced import dependency, but also strengthened our commitment to indigenisation. Whatever we used to buy from abroad, we are now manufacturing it domestically, be it fighter aircraft, missiles, engines and electronic warfare systems,” said Shri Rajnath Singh.

Listing out other feats achieved due to the Government’s consistent efforts, Raksha Mantri stated that annual defence production, which was worth Rs 46,429 crore in 2014-15, has surged to a record figure of over Rs 1.50 lakh crore in 2024-25, with exports touching an all-time high of Rs 25,000 crore from less than Rs 1,000 crore a decade ago. “We have now set a target of increasing defence manufacturing to Rs 3 lakh crore and exports to Rs 50,000 crore by 2029,” he added.

On the constantly-evolving nature of modern-day warfare, Shri Rajnath Singh underscored the importance of staying ahead of the curve as Artificial Intelligence, cyber warfare, drone systems & next-generation aircraft are shaping the future, and wars are being fought across multiple frontiers. “India must always stay ahead in this new race, and not lag behind,” he said, exhorting HAL to make its mark in the fields of next-generation aircraft, unmanned systems & civil aviation, and not limit itself to LCA Tejas or HTT-40.

As Raksha Mantri voiced the Government’s commitment towards inducting state-of-the-art, indigenous technologies, he appreciated the role of HAL in carrying forward the vision, terming the Defence Public Sector Undertaking as the backbone of India’s defence sector. While he praised HAL for providing operational support to the recently-decommissioned MiG-21, he also shed light on its valuable contribution during Operation Sindoor.

“In our security history, there have been only a few instances when the entire system has truly been tested simultaneously. Operation Sindoor was one such mission. Our forces not only demonstrated valor and commitment, but also displayed their confidence in indigenous platforms. HAL provided support at various operational sites 24 hours a day during the operation. It ensured the Indian Air Force’s operational readiness by carrying out prompt maintenance on fighter jets and helicopters. The Nashik team performed the crucial task of installing the BrahMos missile on the Su-30, which destroyed terrorist hideouts during the operation. This proved that when it comes to national security, we can make our own equipment and protect ourselves with it,” said Shri Rajnath Singh.

Raksha Mantri lauded HAL Nashik for playing a pivotal role in taking India’s defence manufacturing capabilities to newer heights for over six decades – from manufacturing and overhauling fighter jets such as MiG-21 & MiG-27 to becoming the production house of Su-30, terming the campus as a glowing symbol of self-reliance.

Shri Rajnath Singh pointed out that the ongoing construction of the LCA Tejas and HTT-40 aircraft is also the result of collaboration between various industry partners of the country. “This collaboration is proof that if the government, industries, and academia work together, no challenge is too big,” he said, acknowledging the trust placed by the Indian Air Force in aircraft such as Tejas and HTT-40.

On the joint Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility for both civil and military aviation established in the Nashik division, Raksha Mantri exuded confidence that the initiative will create new employment opportunities in Nashik and surrounding areas. He also took note of the fact that the entire HAL complex is now paperless, digital, and completely sustainable. He called it a true symbol of New India’s technological leap.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar described the inauguration of two production lines as a symbol of India’s growing technological confidence, industrial strength, and strategic foresight. “The event marks a new chapter in HAL’s journey, one that enhances our nation’s production capacity and strengthens the foundation of a robust, self-sustaining aerospace ecosystem.

The Secretary (DP) termed LCA Tejas Mk1 as not merely a fighter aircraft; but a statement of India’s design and manufacturing excellence – conceived, developed and produced indigenously through the collaboration of HAL, Aeronautical Development Agency, DRDO and the Indian Air Force. He added that the HTT-40, fully designed and developed by HAL, stands as a shining example of the company’s ability to conceptualise, design and deliver critical defence platforms completely indigenously.

CMD, HAL Dr DK Sunil termed the successful operationalisation of the LCA Mk1A and HTT-40 production from Nashik as a testament to HAL’s capacity for expansion. “HAL’s Nashik Division’s capacity to produce indigenous advanced fighters in addition to Su-30MKI has added momentum to our production efforts to meet delivery timelines. It has also resulted in the creation of around 1,000 jobs and the development of over 40 industry partners in and around Nashik, aligning with the Government’s goal of forging an effective Public-Private Partnership,” he added.

HAL Chief Test Pilot (fixed wing) Group Capt KK Venugopal (Retd) piloted the Tejas Mk1A sortie, which was followed by exhilarating aerial displays by Su-30MKI and HTT-40. The Tejas Mk1A also received a water cannon salute.

Background

HAL has operationalised the third LCA Mk1A production line in a record time of two years, fully equipping it with more than 30 structure assembly jigs for all major modules of the aircraft, including Centre Fuselage, Front Fuselage, Rear Fuselage, Wings and Air Intake. The line operates fully and can produce eight aircraft per annum. With the inauguration of the line, HAL will achieve a total production capacity of 24 aircraft per year.

HAL has established the second HTT-40 production line at Nashik. The assembly complex houses structure assembly shops for manufacturing Fuselages, Wings and Control Surfaces.

About HAL Nashik Division

The Division was established in 1964 for the license manufacture of MiG-21 fighter aircraft. The division has produced more than 900 aircraft and overhauled more than 1,900 military aircraft—from MiG-21 and MiG-27 to Su-30 MKI. With its extensive design, manufacturing, and integration capabilities, the division has successfully equipped the Su-30 MKI with additional indigenous armament, including the integration of BrahMos missiles.

It is a state-of-the-art facility that comprises a full gamut of aircraft manufacturing, overhaul, and design capabilities. The division has a legacy of providing full lifecycle support for its manufactured aircraft. Currently, the division is providing comprehensive Overhaul and Repair support for Su-30 MKI aircraft.