The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has called upon citizens to reinforce their dedication to environmental conservation and acknowledged the valuable contributions of those working at the grassroots level to build environment greener and better.

Sharing his thoughts on the occasion of World Environment Day, the Prime Minister posted on X:

“This #WorldEnvironmentDay, let’s deepen our efforts towards protecting our planet and overcoming the challenges we face. I also compliment all those working at the grassroots to make our environment greener and better.”

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has chaired a meeting of the Council of Ministers earlier this evening.

The Prime Minister posted on X;

“Chaired a meeting of the Council of Ministers earlier this evening.”

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia, Hon. Richard Marles, called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today. Prime Minister Modi congratulated Deputy Prime Minister Marles on the historic victory of the Australian Labor Party in the recent Federal elections.

The two leaders exchanged ideas to further strengthen the India – Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which completed five years today.  They underlined the importance of enhancing cooperation in key areas such as defence industrial collaboration, resilient supply chains, critical minerals, new and emerging technologies. They reaffirmed that the shared vision for a stable, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific continues to guide the bilateral collaboration.

Deputy Prime Minister Marles reiterated Australia’s support in India’s fight against cross border terrorism.

Prime Minister extended invitation to PM Albanese for the Annual Summit, to be held in India later this year.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Australian Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Defence Mr Richard Marles in New Delhi on June 04, 2025. Both Ministers strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and expressed deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Raksha Mantri highlighted India’s right to respond in self-defence against cross-border terrorism and described New Delhi’s actions against Pakistan as measured, non-escalatory, proportionate and responsible. The two sides agreed to work together to combat terrorism in all its forms.

Through a post on X after the meeting, Raksha Mantri thanked Australia for its unequivocal support to India’s resolute response against the barbaric act of terror in Pahalgam.

The two Ministers welcomed the signing of Australia-India Joint Research Project and agreed to intensify & diversify defence industry collaboration. They deliberated to further the defence science and technology collaboration projects when they meet in Australia later this year for the third India-Australia 2+2 ministerial meeting. They also reviewed the progress made since the last 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held in November 2023.

The meeting offered an opportunity to both sides to review the status of bilateral engagements in the context of emerging regional and global scenarios. The discussions covered a wide range of issues such as defence strategic cooperation and security, including industry collaboration, cyber & new emerging technologies, counter-terrorism, hydrography and maritime security. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global security issues of mutual interest.

On the fifth anniversary of signing India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, both sides expressed satisfaction and recognised that defence has emerged as an important pillar of the collaboration. Both countries expressed satisfaction at the growing strategic convergence between the two countries and agreed to work together towards free and open Indian Ocean and Pacific Island region.

Both sides called for continued strengthening of bilateral defence cooperation and their commitment for achieving their shared objective of peace, prosperity, stability and progress in the Indo-Pacific region.

Raksha Mantri congratulated Mr Richard Marles on his re-appointment after the impressive victory of Labour Party in recently held federal elections in Australia.

Earlier, the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence laid a wreath at National War Memorial and paid homage to the fallen heroes.

The visiting dignitary was accorded a ceremonial welcome with a Tri-Services Guard of Honour prior to the dialogue at Manekshaw Centre.

Mr Marles is on official visit to India from June 03 & 04, 2025. This is his first visit to India after his re-appointment as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Australia.

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan attended the National Agriculture-Renewable Energy Conference 2025 organised by the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) in New Delhi today. On this occasion, he released the federation’s report and annual reference book on agriculture and renewable energy. The conference was organised to push for dialogue and collaboration among policymakers, experts, and farmers regarding the integration of renewable energy in the agriculture sector.

While addressing the event, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, “The Hon’ble Prime Minister has entrusted me with the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Rural Development. I try to fulfill every duty given to me with dedication. A 15-day ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ has been ongoing since May 29. As part of it, I have visited Odisha, Jammu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Patna, and Maharashtra, and I will continue to travel across the country to meet our farmer brothers and sisters.”

He added that six effective measures are being focused on to ensure prosperity of farmers: Increasing production, Reducing cost of production, Ensuring fair prices for produce, Providing compensation in case of losses, Diversification and Balanced use of fertilizers to preserve the land for future generations. He also emphasised the importance of organic farming to retain fertility of the soil.

Shri Chouhan stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, there has been a notable increase in agricultural production since 2014-15, with overall production increasing by 40%. While there has been growth in the production of wheat, rice, maize, and groundnut, there is now a need to enhance the production of pulses and oilseeds.

“India cannot function without agriculture,” he emphasised, noting that 50% of the country’s population still relies on agriculture for employment. He said that integrated farming systems must be adopted to compete with the changing times. Through these systems, marginal farmers can make optimal use of every part of their land and advance toward prosperity.

Shri Chouhan said that solar panels can be a major source of providing electricity to farmers, and that the PM-KUSUM scheme is working in this direction to ensure energy security for them.

He also proposed the model of installing elevated solar panels in fields with crops growing beneath them, stating that such models could transform small and medium-scale farmers into both food and energy providers. He urged for more serious consideration and development of this model and assured that if effective and modern versions of it are brought forward, the government will certainly support its implementation.

Concluding his address, Shri Chouhan called upon everyone to give a meaningful significance to World Environment Day on June 5, and said that solar energy can become a milestone in environmental conservation.

Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, today delivered a video message urging everyone to come forward and participate in the initiative Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0. He called on citizens to advance Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Mission LiFE’ on the occasion of World Environment Day, to be celebrated on 5th June 2025. The Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 initiative aims to plant 10 crore trees between June 5th and September 30th, 2025.

In his message, Shri Pradhan noted that beyond just numbers, this initiative symbolizes love and responsibility towards nature. He encouraged everyone—especially students—to plant a tree in their mother’s name as a tribute to both their mother and Mother Nature.

The Minister also said that this government initiative is meant to inspire every citizen to plant trees. He highlighted how, since its inception in 2024, it has grown into a mass movement. He recalled the gesture by the Prime Minister, who planted a tree in memory of his mother last year on 5th June. Shri Pradhan shared that over 5.5 crore trees have already been planted across the country. He also appreciated the efforts of children and mothers in Chhattisgarh, Tripura, and Rajasthan, for their innovative initiatives such as seed balls, bio fencing, etc.

He emphasized that this initiative reflects a commitment to the future—embedding love for nature as an integral part of our everyday lives. Shri Pradhan also noted that, according to the United Nations Environment Programme, which guides global sustainable development efforts, the solution to climate change lies not just in new technologies but also in changing lifestyles. To take this vision forward, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched Mission LiFE, he highlighted.

He congratulated students, teachers, and parents for their active participation and for driving change with responsibility and sensitivity. He also shared that over 29 lakh students have generated more than 50 lakh QR codes for the trees they planted, contributing to the creation of a vast, digital, and accessible environmental database for India.

He urged everyone to plant a tree in their mother’s name, nurture it, watch it grow, and share its story with the world. Each sapling planted, he said, is a powerful message of commitment to nature and its protection. Every sapling also sows the seed of hope—marking the beginning of a greener tomorrow.

‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’

On the occasion of World Environment Day, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, a unique initiative combining environmental responsibility with a heartfelt tribute to mothers. This campaign was inaugurated on 5 June 2024, with the planting of a Peepal tree by the Prime Minister at Buddha Jayanti Park in New Delhi. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of collective efforts to improve the environment and spoke of India’s strides in increasing forest cover over the past decade. This campaign, he said, aligns with the nation’s quest for sustainable development.

The essence of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ is a symbolic gesture—planting a tree in the name of one’s mother. This simple act serves a dual purpose: honouring the role of mothers in nurturing life and contributing to the health of the planet. Trees are life-sustaining, and just like a mother, they provide sustenance, protection, and a future for the next generation. Through this initiative, participants can create a lasting memory, planting a tree as a living tribute to their mothers, while also addressing the pressing need for environmental preservation.

Excellency,

We extend a very warm welcome to you and your delegation to India. Paraguay is an important partner in South America. Our geographies may be different, but we share the same democratic values, and care for the well-being of people.

Excellency,

Your visit is truly historic; marking the second time a President of Paraguay has visited India.

Excellency,

I am pleased that you are accompanied by senior ministers and a strong delegation. You are visiting not just Delhi but also Mumbai, which shows your commitment to building stronger ties between the two countries. I believe that by working together, we can create a path to shared growth and prosperity.

Excellency,

We see new opportunities for cooperation in areas such as digital technology, critical minerals, energy, agriculture, healthcare, defence, railways, space, and overall economic partnership.

We have a Preferential Trade Agreement with MERCOSUR. We can work together to further expand it.

Excellency,

India and Paraguay stand united in the fight against terrorism. There is immense possibility of cooperation to fight against shared challenges such as cybercrime, organized crime, and drug trafficking.

Excellency,

India and Paraguay are integral parts of the Global South. Our hopes, aspirations and challenges are similar. And this is why we can learn from each others’ experiences to deal with these challenges effectively.

We are pleased that India could extend support to Paraguay by sharing its vaccines during the COVID pandemic. We look forward to continuing this spirit of cooperation by sharing more of our capabilities.

Excellency,

I am confident that your visit will add new strength to the pillars of trust, trade, and close cooperation in our relations. It will also add new dimensions to India-Latin America relations.

Last year I attended the CARICOM Summit in Guyana. We discussed enhancing cooperation on many subjects. I think that we can work together with Paraguay and all Latin American countries in all these areas.

Once again, a very warm welcome to India.

DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered in Hindi.

In line with his commitment to developing world-class air infrastructure and enhancing connectivity, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the plenary session of World Air Transport Summit (WATS) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today.  Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister welcomed guests, highlighting the significance of the event returning to India after four decades. He emphasized the transformative changes India has undergone during this period, stating that today’s India is more confident than ever. He underscored India’s role in the global aviation ecosystem, not only as a vast market but also as a symbol of policy leadership, innovation, and inclusive development. “Today, India is emerging as a global leader in space-aviation convergence”, remarked the Prime Minister, noting that the civil aviation sector has witnessed historic advancements over the past decade, which are well recognized.

Emphasizing that this summit and dialogue serve as a platform not only for aviation but also for advancing global cooperation, climate commitments, and equitable growth, Shri Modi highlighted that discussions at the summit will provide new direction to global aviation, unlocking its infinite possibilities and optimizing its potential. He remarked on humanity’s ability to cover vast distances and intercontinental journeys in mere hours, stressing that the aspirations of the 21st century continue to evolve beyond conventional travel. The Prime Minister noted the rapid pace of innovation and technological advancements, stating that as speed increases, distant destinations are becoming our destiny.

Underscoring that travel is no longer confined to cities on Earth, with increasing ambitions to commercialize space flights and interplanetary journeys, integrating them into civil aviation, Shri Modi acknowledged that while such developments will take time, they highlight aviation’s future as a center of transformation and innovation, for which India is fully prepared. The Prime Minister outlined three foundational pillars driving India’s aviation sector, first, a vast market—not merely a collection of consumers but a reflection of India’s aspirational society. Second, a strong demographic and talent pool—where young innovators are pioneering breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, robotics, and clean energy. Third, an open and supportive policy ecosystem—enabling industrial growth. Shri Modi  emphasized that with these strengths, India is poised to elevate its aviation sector to unprecedented heights.

The Prime Minister highlighted India’s remarkable transformation in civil aviation over the past years. He added, “India has become the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world”. Emphasizing the success of the UDAN scheme, calling it a golden chapter in Indian civil aviation history, Shri Modi stated that under this initiative, over 15 million passengers have benefitted from affordable air travel, enabling many citizens to fly for the first time. The Prime Minister remarked that India’s airlines continue to achieve double-digit growth, with 240 million passengers flying annually—surpassing the total population of most countries worldwide. He projected that by 2030, this number is expected to reach 500 million passengers. Shri Modi noted that 3.5 million metric tons of cargo are transported by air annually in India and this volume is set to increase to 10 million metric tons by the end of this decade.

Emphasizing that these figures are not just statistics but a reflection of India’s immense potential, the Prime Minister highlighted that India is actively working on a futuristic roadmap to maximize this potential. He underscored India’s investment in world-class airport infrastructure, noting that in 2014, the country had 74 operational airports, which has now expanded to 162. Shri Modi further remarked that Indian carriers have placed orders for over 2,000 new aircraft, signaling rapid growth in the sector. Stressing that this is just the beginning, as India’s aviation industry stands at a crucial takeoff point, set to achieve unprecedented heights, he highlighted that this transformation will not only transcend geographical boundaries but will also drive sustainability, green mobility, and equitable access globally.

“India’s airports now have an annual handling capacity of 500 million passengers and is among the few nations setting new standards in user experience through technology”, exclaimed the Prime Minister, stating that equal priority is being given to safety, efficiency, and sustainability. He further underscored India’s transition towards sustainable aviation fuels, investment in green technologies, and efforts to reduce carbon footprint. Shri Modi remarked that India is committed to ensuring both progress and environmental security, reinforcing a balanced approach to development.

Urging international guests to familiarize themselves with the Digi Yatra app, highlighting it as a pioneering example of digital aviation, the Prime Minister emphasized that Digi Yatra provides a complete, seamless travel solution using facial verification technology, enabling passengers to navigate airport entry to boarding gates without requiring paper documents or ID display. Shri Modi said that India’s innovations and experience in serving a large population can benefit many countries. He added, “Digi Yatra stands as a secure and smart solution, serving as a model of inspiration for the Global South”.

Underlining that consistent reforms have been a key driver of India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector, the Prime Minister stressed on India’s commitment to becoming a global manufacturing hub, with strategic initiatives supporting this vision. Mentioning that Mission Manufacturing was announced in this year’s budget, reinforcing India’s focus on industrial growth, Shri Modi further highlighted the Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, passed in Parliament this year, granting legal authority to the Cape Town Convention in India. The Prime Minister remarked that this legislation opens new opportunities for global aircraft leasing companies in India. He also pointed to the incentives offered at Gift City, stating that these measures have made India an attractive destination for aircraft leasing.

“The new Indian Aircraft Act aligns aviation laws with global best practices, ensuring a streamlined regulatory framework, ease of compliance, and a simplified tax structure which presents a significant investment opportunity for major international aviation companies”, said Shri Modi. He highlighted that growth in the aviation sector translates to new flights, new jobs, and new possibilities, noting that the industry is creating expanding opportunities for pilots, crew members, engineers, and ground staff. The Prime Minister also pointed to the emergence of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) as a sunrise sector, highlighting that India is accelerating efforts to become a global hub for aircraft maintenance. He noted that in 2014, India had 96 MRO facilities, which has now increased to 154 while 100% FDI under the automatic route, GST reduction, and tax rationalization measures have given fresh momentum to India’s MRO sector. Shri Modi further outlined India’s goal to establish a $4 billion MRO hub by 2030, reinforcing the nation’s aviation growth strategy.

Stressing that India should not be viewed merely as an aviation market but as a value-chain leader, the Prime Minister said, from design to delivery, India is becoming an integral part of the global aviation supply chain. He asserted that India’s direction and pace are on the right track, expressing confidence in the nation’s continued rapid progress. Shri Modi urged aviation companies to not only embrace ‘Make in India’ but also ‘Design in India’, reinforcing the vision of India’s leadership in global aviation innovation.

The Prime Minister underlined that India’s aviation sector is strengthened by its inclusive model, with over 15% of pilots in India are women, which is three times the global average. He emphasized that while the global average of women in cabin crew is around 70%, India’s figure stands at 86%. Shri Modi also remarked that women engineers in India’s MRO sector exceed global averages, demonstrating growing female participation in the industry.

Underscoring that drone technology is a key component of aviation’s future, and India is leveraging it for technological advancements as well as financial and social inclusion, the Prime Minister highlighted that drones are being used to empower women’s self-help groups, increasing their participation in agriculture, delivery services, and various other sectors.

“Aviation safety has always been India’s top priority. India has aligned its regulations with ICAO’s global standards”, exclaimed Shri Modi reinforcing India’s commitment to international best practices. He highlighted that ICAO’s recent safety audit recognized India’s efforts in strengthening aviation security and the adoption of the Delhi Declaration at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference is further proof of India’s commitment to global aviation excellence.

The Prime Minister stated that India consistently supports Open Skies and Global Connectivity. He reaffirmed India’s endorsement of the principles of the Chicago Convention, advocating for a more connected and accessible aviation network. Shri Modi urged stakeholders to work together in creating a future where air travel is accessible, affordable, and secure for all. He concluded by expressing confidence in the sector’s ability to develop new solutions to elevate aviation to greater heights and extended his best wishes to all the stakeholders.

The Union Ministers Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Chairman of the IATA Board of Governors, Mr. Pieter Elbers,  Director General of IATA, Mr. Willie Walsh, Managing Director of IndiGo, Shri Rahul Bhatia were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) 81st Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) is being held from 1st to 3rd June. The last AGM in India was held 42 years ago in 1983. It brings together more than 1,600 participants including top global aviation industry leaders, government officials and international media representatives.

The World Air Transport Summit will focus on key issues facing the aviation industry including Economics of the Airline industry, Air Connectivity, Energy Security, Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production, Financing Decarbonisation, Innovations among others. The aviation leaders and media representatives from around the world will also get to witness India’s remarkable transformation in the aviation landscape and its contribution to the country’s socio – economic development.

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has congratulated Gukesh for his first-ever win against Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of Norway Chess 2025.”Congratulations to him for triumphing over the very best. His first-ever win against Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of Norway Chess 2025 showcases his brilliance and dedication”, Shri Modi stated.

The Prime Minister posted on X;

“An exceptional achievement by Gukesh! Congratulations to him for triumphing over the very best. His first-ever win against Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of Norway Chess 2025 showcases his brilliance and dedication. Wishing him continued success in the journey ahead.”

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chaired a review meeting of the world’s largest cooperative food grain storage scheme in New Delhi.  Apart from Minister of State for Cooperation Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar and Shri Murlidhar Mohol, officials from the Ministry of Cooperation, Food and Public Distribution, Consumer Affairs, Food Corporation of India (FCI), NABARD, National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) and other institutions were present in the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that the world’s largest food grain storage scheme is a big step towards realizing the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi”. He said that there are two major parameters to measure economic progress in India—Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment generation. The food storage scheme is meant to strengthen both these aspects, which aims to increase the income of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) as well as create rural employment opportunities. Shri Shah emphasized the need for immediate action to improve the financial condition of PACS by extending the loan period under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF).

Emphasizing on the extensive involvement of PACS in the food storage scheme, the Union Minister of Cooperation said that it is necessary to make PACS an integral part of this scheme so that the financial viability and social effectiveness of PACS can be ensured. He directed the Ministry of Food and Public Distribution and Food Corporation of India to conduct national level mapping of warehouses across the country so that the implementation of the scheme can be done smoothly according to regional requirements. Shri Amit Shah also instructed FCI, NCCF, NAFED and State Warehousing Corporations to connect PACS with as many warehouses as possible.

It was also decided in the meeting that States should involve more PACS at their level in the scheme, and State Level Marketing Federations should also be linked with it so as to develop a complete cooperative supply chain.

Union Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah called upon all the organisations to coordinate and implement the scheme in a timely and effective manner so that this scheme proves to be a milestone in achieving the goal of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’.

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has greeted the people of Telangana on their Statehood Day, today. “The state is known for making innumerable contributions to national progress. Over the last decade, the NDA Government has undertaken many measures to boost ‘Ease of Living’ for the people of the state”, Shri Modi stated.

The Prime Minister posted on X :
“Greetings to the wonderful people of Telangana on their Statehood Day. The state is known for making innumerable contributions to national progress. Over the last decade, the NDA Government has undertaken many measures to boost ‘Ease of Living’ for the people of the state. May the people of the state be blessed with success and prosperity.”