At Melbourne in Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing an Indian diaspora event spoke about India being driven by the vision of “Grow More, Achieve More”, and it working towards the goal of becoming a developed nation. “The foundation of India’s big dreams and great aspirations is its people... We, the People. The government’s policies are centred on citizens’ welfare,” he said. At the heart of the Prime Minister’s vision lies a simple yet powerful belief: the people of India are the foundation of the nation’s dreams and aspirations. By stating that government policies are centred on citizens’ welfare, he highlighted the importance of inclusive development. Over the past decade, India has expanded access to banking, healthcare, housing, sanitation, digital services, and social welfare schemes. These initiatives have sought to ensure that economic growth is accompanied by improved quality of life for millions, making development more participatory and equitable. India’s emergence as a global manufacturing hub was another key theme of the Prime Minister’s address. His statement that the country is building a new manufacturing ecosystem “from chips to ships” captures the broad transformation taking place in the industrial landscape. From semiconductor manufacturing and electronics production to shipbuilding, defence manufacturing, renewable energy, and electric mobility, India is steadily strengthening its industrial base. Programmes such as Make in India, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, and ease-of-doing-business reforms have encouraged both domestic and foreign investment, helping position India as an attractive destination for global manufacturing. Equally significant is India’s focus on technological leadership. The Prime Minister’s reference to ongoing work on 6G technology underscores the country’s determination to remain at the forefront of digital innovation. Having successfully rolled out one of the world’s fastest 5G expansions, India is now preparing for the next generation of communication technologies. Investments in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, digital public infrastructure, and research and development will be crucial in sustaining long-term economic competitiveness. The Prime Minister also referred to “Operation Sindoor,’ stating that the world has witnessed the capability and credibility of India’s defence platform. His remarks reflected the country’s growing emphasis on defence preparedness and self-reliance. In recent years, India has significantly expanded indigenous defence production, encouraged private sector participation, and increased exports of military equipment. A strong domestic defence industry not only enhances national security but also contributes to technological advancement, employment generation, and economic growth. Prime Minister Modi’s message in Melbourne reflects an India that is ambitious, confident, and increasingly influential on the global stage. |