Vibrant Gujarat Lecture Series

 17th  Jun 2013, Sabarmati Auditorium, Swarnim Sankul-1, Gandhinagar

Shri Modi’s speech during interactive session on “Achieving India’s Full Economic Potential” with Mr. Jim O’Niell

Mr. Jim O’Neil, Mr. Jitesh Gadhia, my colleagues from the state government, captains and representatives of industry, ladies and gentlemen.

It is a real pleasure to welcome and meet a person like Jim O’Neil. He has been a leading expert on the global economy, particularly the emerging markets. He is also well known as a currency guru. I welcome you Jim, to India and to Gujarat. I hope that today’s interaction will enrich my team and me. I am sure that we will leave the session with newer insights on the global and Indian economy.

Friends, in 2003, Goldman Sachs led by Jim, had predicted that the BRIC countries would overtake the G6 countries by 2050. The world was taken aback. We, in India, were pleasantly surprised.

In the following decade, the BRIC countries behaved to a great extent as predicted, particularly China. We were hoping that India too would grow at a similar rapid pace.

Unfortunately, however, we have not been able to achieve our full potential. Not only that the last decade has been stuck in uncertain and uneven growth. This is further compounded by policy paralysis and mis-governance. We have lost a historic opportunity in the process.

I have read Jim’s 2008 paper ‘10 Things for India to Achieve its 2050 Potential’ with keen interest. I am quite convinced about what he is saying. You will notice that many of the domains he talks about do not fall within the jurisdiction of a state government in the federal structure of India. Yet you will find considerable similarity in our approaches to growth and development. In fact, many of the ideas which Gujarat has followed and Jim professes as well are very common-sensical.

They are the basics for the development of a developing region like India or its constituents. Many of you may recollect that we started our journey with strengthening governance. It was a bad time in 2001 as we were hit by a devastating earthquake. Amongst our initial steps were setting up mechanisms for inter-departmental sharing and coordination. E-governance, system re-engineering and rigorous monitoring, were other areas of focus.

Transparency, openness and people’s participation were also insisted upon right from the beginning. The overall idea was to move from Government to Governance. From Rules and Acts to Responsible Action.

I am now happy to say that these seeds that we sowed, have grown into towering trees. Our innovations in the social sector and progress on HDI parameters have been appreciated far and wide.

Many of our initiatives have been recognized at national and international levels. This includes awards from World Bank, CAPAM and the United Nations. Another paradigm shift was weaving the entire development model around a well thought- out strategy. In the initial one month itself, we had laid out our strategy of Panchamrut or Five Nectars. This comprises of the domains of energy, water, knowledge, human resource and security.

Since then, we have been working aggressively to develop these sectors and domains on a fast track basis. We have just completed our annual school enrollment drive, which we started 10 years back. This has had a tremendous positive impact on basic education, particularly the girl child education. Starting with our focus on strengthening the primary and secondary education, we moved on to creation of new age academic institutions and universities.

The result is that today there is a six fold increase in the intake capacity of technical institutions and a four-fold increase in the number of universities. Not only the numbers, but in terms of quality as well; we have tried to engage with the global best. Earlier this year itself, 120 international and 52 national universities had come together to give a brighter shape to our higher education system.

A decade before, the financial situation of Gujarat was weak. This was further compounded by crumbling of livelihood and infrastructure due to successive   droughts and the earthquake. Our public sector units were running in losses. The state finances were running into severe fiscal deficits. Starting with tightening on the expenditure front, we improved the management of the public sector undertakings substantially.

We also enacted the Fiscal Responsibility Act and adopted various means of reducing non-developmental expenditure. Thereby, we were able to allocate more money on the development front. The result is that we are in surplus now. Most of our PSUs have turned around and have enhanced their market cap. Another beauty of this exercise is that it is achieved without levying new taxes or enhancing them.

Another front on which Gujarat stands out clearly is in establishing global linkages in trade and investment matters. In fact, Gujarat today is amongst the most preferred FDI destinations in India. Not only that, we have developed long term relationships with a large number of countries and their Industry. Our biennial global investors summit has become a platform for global tie ups. The last event held in January 2013 saw participation of 121 countries as well as most of the Indian states.

Against India’s average 2-3% agricultural growth, Gujarat’s agriculture has been growing at around 10% annually over the last decade. This has happened due to a lot of hard work on the part of government, agricultural universities and scientists, and most importantly the farmers. We have focused on water harvesting on a wide scale. At the same time we have also introduced micro irrigation techniques to ensure more crop per drop.

Simultaneously, we introduced scientific agricultural practices to enhance agricultural productivity and crop diversification. We have recently concluded our annual agri-fair which has become a platform for dissemination of knowledge in agriculture, food processing, horticulture and animal husbandry.

On the infrastructure front, we have been working with the desire to benchmark it to the best globally. We already have the best in India, but we are going further. Both on the core and industrial infrastructure, as well as social infrastructure; we have evolved PPP models and practices which are considered to be the best in India. In 2011, a joint study of The Economist and ADB established that Gujarat is the best PPP destination in India.

We are further making a huge shift in our approach by establishing large size investment regions. We are planning to promote them as global hubs of economic activity.

Ensuring environmental safety and quality has been my pre-eminent  desire. We have been insisting to do things in a way that we consume lesser Natural resources and still become more productive. We are the biggest earners of carbon credits in India.

Going further, Gujarat has emerged as a global hub of solar energy in addition to its sizeable share in wind energy. We have established Asia’s biggest solar park with a capacity of 600 mega watts. We are also keen on developing eco-friendly practices and systems, particularly in our urban and industrial locations.  We are working with the motto of Gujarat’s growth for India’s growth. We know that India cannot develop unless the States develop.

We also know that there is a lot to be done by us in the states, particularly if India has to achieve its full potential.

We can definitely do better if the national policies are aligned towards a greater vision of a developed India. I am a positive person.  I am sure that we will do even better than predicted by Jim.

 

Thank you.  

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ప్రతి భారతీయుడి రక్తం మరుగుతోంది: మన్ కీ బాత్‌లో ప్రధాని మోదీ
After Operation Sindoor, a diminished terror landscape

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After Operation Sindoor, a diminished terror landscape
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The masterminds of terror now know that raising an eye against India will lead to nothing but destruction: PM at Adampur Air Base
May 13, 2025
QuoteInteracted with the air warriors and soldiers, Their courage and professionalism in protecting our nation are commendable: PM
Quote‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ is not just a slogan, This is the oath of every soldier who puts his life at stake for the honour and dignity of his country: PM
QuoteOperation Sindoor is a trinity of India's policy, intent, and decisive capability: PM
QuoteWhen the Sindoor of our sisters and daughters was wiped away, we crushed the terrorists in their hideouts: PM
QuoteThe masterminds of terror now know that raising an eye against India will lead to nothing but destruction: PM
QuoteNot only were terrorist bases and airbases in Pakistan destroyed, but their malicious intentions and audacity were also defeated: PM
QuoteIndia's Lakshman Rekha against terrorism is now crystal clear,If there is another terror attack, India will respond and it will be a decisive response: PM
QuoteEvery moment of Operation Sindoor stands as a testament to the strength of India's armed forces: PM
QuoteIf Pakistan shows any further terrorist activity or military aggression, we will respond decisively, This response will be on our terms, in our way: PM
QuoteThis is the new India! This India seeks peace, But if humanity is attacked, India also knows how to crush the enemy on the battlefield: PM

Bharat Mata ki Jai!

Bharat Mata ki Jai!

Bharat Mata ki Jai!

The world has just witnessed the power of this slogan. Bharat Mata Ki Jai is not just a slogan, it is the oath of every soldier of the country who puts his life at stake for the honour and dignity of Maa Bharati. It is the voice of every citizen of the country who wants to live for the country, wants to achieve something. Bharat Mata Ki Jai resonates in the field as well as in the mission. When the soldiers of India chant Maa Bharati Ki Jai, the enemy's heart trembles. When our drones destroy the walls of the enemy's fort, when our missiles reach the target with a whizzing sound, the enemy hears - Bharat Mata Ki Jai! When we make the sun rise even in the darkness of the night, the enemy sees - Bharat Mata Ki Jai! When our forces foil the threat of nuclear blackmail, only one thing resounds from the sky to the underworld - Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

Friends,

Indeed, all of you have made millions of Indians proud, made every Indian proud. You have created history. And I have come among you early in the morning to see you. When the feet of the brave fall on the earth, the earth becomes blessed, when one gets the opportunity to see the brave, life becomes blessed. And that is why I have come here early in the morning to see you. Even after many decades from today, when this valour of India will be discussed, its most important chapter will be you and your companions. All of you have become a new inspiration for the present as well as the future generations of the country. From this land of heroes, today I salute all the brave soldiers of the Air Force, Navy and Army, our brave soldiers of the BSF. Because of your valour, the echo of Operation Sindoor is being heard in every corner. During this entire operation, every Indian stood with you, every Indian's prayer is for you. Today every citizen of the country is grateful to its soldiers and their families, and is indebted to them.

Friends,

Operation Sindoor is not an ordinary military operation. It is the confluence of India's policy, intentions and decisiveness. India is the land of Buddha as well as Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Guru Gobind Singh Ji had said -सवा लाख सेएक लड़ाऊं , चि ड़ि यन तेमबाज़ तड़ुाऊं , तबैगु गोबि दं सि हं नाम कहाऊं ।” It is our tradition to take up arms to destroy evil and establish righteousness. That is why when the vermilion (sindoor) of our sisters and daughters was snatched away, we crushed the terrorists' fangs by entering their homes. They had come hiding like cowards, but they forgot that the one they had challenged was the Indian Army. You attacked them from the front and killed them, you destroyed all the big bases of terror, 9 terrorist hideouts were destroyed, more than 100 terrorists were killed, the masters of terror have now understood that there will be only one result of raising an eye towards India - destruction! There will be only one result of shedding the blood of innocent people in India - destruction and great devastation! The Indian Army, the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy have defeated the Pakistani Army on which these terrorists were relying. You have also told the Pakistani Army that there is no such place in Pakistan where terrorists can sit and breathe in peace. We will enter their homes and kill them and will not give them even a chance to escape. And our drones, our missiles, Pakistan will not be able to sleep for many days thinking about them. कौशल दि खलाया चाल म, उड़ गया भयानक भाल म। नि र्भी क गया वह ढाल म, सरपट दौड़ा करवाल म। These lines are written on Maharana Pratap's famous horse Chetak, but these lines also fit today's modern Indian weapons.

My brave friends,

With Operation Sindoor, you have boosted the self-confidence of the country, tied the country in the thread of unity, and you have protected the borders of India, given new heights to the self-respect of India.

Friends,

You did something that is unprecedented, unimaginable, amazing. Our Air Force targeted the terror bases so deep in Pakistan. Only a professional force equipped with modern technology can do this, to penetrate the targets across the border, to hit the pin-point targets within just 20-25 minutes. Your speed and precision were of such a level that the enemy was stunned. He did not even realize when his heart was pierced.

Friends,

Our target was to hit the terror headquarters inside Pakistan, to hit the terrorists. But the conspiracy hatched by Pakistan by using its passenger planes, I can imagine how difficult that moment would be, when the civilian aircraft is visible, and I am proud that you very carefully, very cautiously destroyed the targets without harming civilian aircraft, you gave a befitting reply to it. I can say with pride that all of you have lived up to your targets. Not only were the terrorist hideouts and their air bases destroyed in Pakistan, but their evil intentions and their audacity, both have been defeated.

Friends,

The enemy, frustrated by Operation Sindoor, tried several times to attack this airbase as well as many of our airbases. It targeted us again and again, but Pakistan's evil intentions failed every time. Pakistan's drones, its UAVs, Pakistan's aircraft and its missiles, all were destroyed in front of our strong air defense. I heartily appreciate the leadership associated with all the airbases of the country, every air-warrior of the Indian Air Force, you have really done a great job.

Friends,

India's Laxman Rekha against terrorism is now very clear. Now if there is any terror attack again, India will give a befitting reply. We have seen this during the surgical strike, during the air strike, and now Operation Sindoor is India's new normal. And as I said yesterday, India has now decided three principles, first - if there is a terrorist attack on India, we will respond in our own way, on our own terms, at our own time. Second - India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. Third, we will not see the government that patronizes terror and the masters of terror separately. The world is also moving forward by understanding this new form of India, this new system.

Friends,

Each and every moment of Operation Sindoor testifies to the strength of the Indian forces. During this time, the coordination of our forces, I would really say, was excellent. Be it the Army, Navy or the Air Force, the coordination of all was tremendous. The Navy established its dominance on the sea. The Army strengthened the border. And the Indian Air Force attacked as well as defended. The BSF and other forces have also demonstrated amazing capabilities. Integrated air and land combat systems have done a great job. And this is what unity is, it has now become a strong identity of the strength of the Indian forces.

Friends,

In Operation Sindoor, along with manpower, the coordination of machines has also been amazing. Whether it is India's traditional air defence systems, which have seen many wars, or our Made in India platforms like Akash, modern and strong defence systems like S-400 have given them unprecedented strength. A strong security shield has become the identity of India. Despite Pakistan's many efforts, our airbases, or our other defence infrastructure, have not been harmed. And the credit for this goes to all of you, and I am proud of all of you, every soldier deployed on the border, every person associated with this operation deserves credit for this.

Friends,

Today we have such a capability of new and cutting edge technology that Pakistan cannot compete with. In the last decade, all our forces, including the Air Force, have received the best technology in the world. But we all know that with new technology, challenges are equally big. Maintaining complicated and sophisticated systems, operating them with efficiency, is a great skill. You have shown by connecting tech with tactics. You have proved that you are the best in this game, in the world. The Indian Air Force has now become expert at defeating the enemy not only with weapons but also with data and drones.

Friends,

India has only suspended its military action after Pakistan's request. If Pakistan again shows terrorist activity or military audacity, we will give it a befitting reply. We will give this reply on our own terms, in our own way. And the foundation of this decision, the belief hidden behind it, is the patience, bravery, courage and alertness of all of you. You have to maintain this courage, this passion, this spirit. We have to remain constantly alert, we have to be prepared. We have to keep reminding the enemy that this is a new India. This India wants peace, but, if humanity is attacked, then this India also knows very well how to destroy the enemy on the war front. With this resolve, let us say once again

Bharat Mata ki Jai.

Bharat Mata ki Jai.

Bharat Mata ki Jai.

Vande Mataram. Vande Mataram.

Vande Mataram. Vande Mataram.

Vande Mataram. Vande Mataram.

Vande Mataram. Vande Mataram.

Vande Mataram.

Thank you very much.