Hails Gujarat as Anchor of India's Ascent
RAJKOT, Jan 11 (KNS) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for the Kutch and Saurashtra region in Rajkot, positioning the state as the cornerstone of India's journey towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
In a wide-ranging address as per news agency KAshmir News Service (KNS) Prime Minister framed the summit not merely as an investment forum but as a testament to a transformative two-decade journey from vision to "unshakable trust."
Marking his first visit to Gujarat in the new year, which began with a visit to the Somnath temple, PM Modi outlined a future where India's growth is inextricably linked to unlocking regional potential. "The mantra of 'Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi' (Development too, Heritage too) is resonating everywhere," he stated, welcoming global and domestic delegates.
Reflecting on the summit's evolution since its inception, the Prime Minister, who has been associated with the initiative from its first day, stated its transition from a platform to showcase Gujarat's potential to a "global benchmark" for international cooperation. "It has moved beyond investment to become a platform for global growth, international cooperation, and partnership," PM Modi emphasized, highlighting the inclusive participation of corporates, MSMEs, start-ups, and financial institutions.
The Prime Minister delivered a powerful narrative on the transformation of Saurashtra and Kutch, regions once synonymous with earthquake devastation and severe drought. "History is witness that time changes... the people of Saurashtra and Kutch have changed their destiny through their hard work," he declared. He now hailed them as "anchor regions of India’s growth," critical to the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign and establishing India as a global manufacturing hub.
He detailed the region's industrial might: over 2.5 lakh MSMEs in Rajkot producing everything from auto parts to aerospace components; Morbi's globally benchmarked tile industry; Alang's world-leading ship-breaking yard; and the rise of Dholera, where India’s first semiconductor fabrication facility is being established.
PM Modi as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) underscored Gujarat's leadership in green energy, announcing that a 30-gigawatt renewable energy park in Kutch will be the "world’s largest hybrid energy park," five times the size of Paris. He also highlighted the region's world-class ports, like Pipavav and Mundra, which facilitate a major share of India’s automobile exports.
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Linking regional progress to national policy, the Prime Minister asserted that India's growth is a success story of "Reform, Perform, and Transform." He cited next-generation reforms in GST, insurance, taxation, and labour laws as creating an era of "certainty" amid global uncertainty.
"Today every global expert and institution is bullish on India," PM Modi said, referencing upgrades from agencies like S&P and Fitch. "This global trust exists because India enjoys political stability, policy continuity, and an expanding neo-middle class." He issued a clear call to investors: "For every investor in the country and the world, this is indeed the right time."
The Prime Minister's vision was strongly endorsed by top industrialists. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, announced a doubling of investment in Gujarat to ?7 lakh crore over five years, building the world's largest integrated clean energy ecosystem in Jamnagar. He credited PM Modi with restoring India's "civilizational self-belief" and described him as the nation's "invincible protective wall."
Karan Adani, MD of Adani Ports, announced a ?1.5 lakh crore investment in Kutch, stating the Prime Minister had taught the nation to "think long term" and transformed Gujarat into an industrially advanced state through "good governance and speed of execution."
B.K. Goenka of Welspun credited the Prime Minister's personal encouragement for his company's decision to invest in earthquake-ravaged Kutch in 2003, which has now grown into the world's leading home textile unit from the region.
The summit also saw strong international validation. H.E. Ms. Jacqueline Mukangira, High Commissioner of Rwanda, thanked PM Modi for his "generosity and leadership," recalling his 2018 visit. H.E. Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk, Ambassador of Ukraine, applauded the Prime Minister's journey from "regional leader to a global statesman" and his efforts for peace.
Prime Minister Modi assured investors that "India’s Reform Express will not stop," and that every rupee invested in the region would yield excellent returns, accelerating the development of both Gujarat and the nation.
The event was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries. (KNS)