NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday emphasized the importance of self-reliance in India’s maritime sector asserting that India must become self-reliant for “peace, stability and prosperity” in the world.
Addressing the ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ event in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development work worth over Rs 34,200 crore.
Emphasizing the importance of self-reliance in India’s maritime sector, PM Modi said, “For peace, stability, and prosperity in the world, India must become self-reliant.”
Stressing that the future of coming generations must not be put at risk, PM Modi declared that the solution to a hundred problems is one—building an Atmanirbhar Bharat. To achieve this, India must confront challenges, reduce external dependence, and demonstrate true self-reliance.”
PM Modi asserted that the future of 140 crore Indians cannot be left to external forces, nor can the resolve for national development be based on foreign dependency. “Chips or ships, we must make them in India,” he said.
He announced several major reforms and investments in the maritime sector. Underlining that India has been an expert in building large ships for centuries, the Prime Minister remarked that next-generation reforms will help revive this forgotten legacy.
Highlighting that in the past decade, more than 40 ships and submarines have been inducted into the Navy, and barring one or two, all have been built in India, he noted that the massive INS Vikrant was also constructed domestically, including the high-quality steel used in its production.
PM Modi emphasized that India possesses the capability and lacks no skill. He assured the nation that the political will required to build large ships is firmly in place.
Highlighting the potential of the shipbuilding industry, the Prime Minister said, “Every rupee invested in shipbuilding generates nearly double the economic return. Every job created in a shipyard leads to six to seven new jobs in the supply chain.”
PM Modi also announced the development of the Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra, which will rank among the top ten ports in the world. “The Vadhavan Port is being developed at a cost exceeding Rs 75,000 crore,” he said.
He further underscored the importance of self-reliance in India’s maritime sector and announced major reforms and investments to promote shipbuilding and port development. With a focus on reducing dependence on foreign ships and promoting domestic industry, PM Modi’s vision for India’s maritime sector is set to drive economic growth and development in the coming years.
Agencies