QuoteReleases Commemorative Stamp
Quote“Bengaluru sky is bearing testimony to the capabilities of New India. This new height is the reality of New India”
Quote“Youth of Karnataka should deploy their technological expertise in the field of defence to strengthen the country”
Quote“When the country moves forward with new thinking, new approach, then its systems also start changing according to the new thinking”
Quote“Today, Aero India is not just a show, it not only showcases the scope of the defence industry but also showcases the self-confidence of India”
Quote“The new India of the 21st century will neither miss any opportunity nor will it lack in effort”
Quote“India will take rapid strides to be included among the largest defence manufacturing countries and our private sector and investors will play a big role in that”
Quote“The India of today thinks fast, thinks far and takes quick decisions”
Quote“Aero India's deafening roar echoes India's message of Reform, Perform and Transform”

Present in today's important program are the Governor of Karnataka, Chief Minister of Karnataka, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh ji, my other cabinet members, Defence Ministers from abroad, respected representatives of industry, other dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen!

I congratulate all the colleagues who are witnessing the exciting moments of Aero India. The sky of Bengaluru is witnessing the potential of New India today. The sky of Bengaluru today is testifying that new heights are the reality of New India. Today the country is touching new heights as well as scaling them.

Friends,

This event of Aero India is an example of India's growing potential. The presence of around 100 countries of the world in Aero India demonstrates the world's growing faith in India. More than 700 exhibitors from India and abroad are participating in it. It has broken all the previous records. Indian MSMEs, indigenous start-ups and well-known global companies are participating in Aero India. In a way, the theme of Aero India 'The Runway to a Billion Opportunities' is visible everywhere from the ground to the sky. I wish this potential of 'self-reliant India' continues to grow like this.

Friends,

Along with Aero India, 'Defence Ministers' Conclave' and 'CEOs’ Round Table' are also being organized here. The active participation of CEOs from different countries of the world will help in increasing the global potential of Aero India. It will also become a medium to take forward India's credible partnership with friendly countries. I congratulate the Defence Ministry and industry colleagues for all these initiatives.

Friends,

The importance of Aero India is very crucial for another reason. This is happening in Karnataka, a state which has expertise in the world of technology. This will create new opportunities in the aerospace and defence sectors. This will open up new possibilities for the youth of Karnataka. I also appeal to the youth of Karnataka to make their expertise in the field of technology the strength of the country in the defence sector. The way for new innovations in defence will open further if you take advantage of these opportunities

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Friends,

When a country moves forward with a new thinking and new approach, then its systems also start changing accordingly. This event of Aero India also reflects the new approach of New India today. There was a time when it was considered to be mere a show or mere a window to 'Sell to India'. This perception has also changed in the country in the last few years. Today Aero India is not just a show; it is also the strength of India. Today it focuses not only on the scope of the Indian Defence Industry but on self-confidence as well. This is because today India is not just a market for the defence companies of the world. India today is also a potential defence partner. This partnership is also with those countries which are far ahead in the defence sector. India is emerging as an important partner for those countries which are looking for a reliable partner for their defence needs. Our technology is cost effective as well as credible for these countries. You will find 'best innovation' in India and 'honest intent' is visible before you.

Friends,

There is a saying in our country: “Pratyaksham Kim Pramanam”. That is: Things which are self-evident need no proof. Today, our successes are proof of India's potential and capability. Today, Tejas fighter planes roaring in the sky are proof of the power of 'Make in India'. Today, the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant in the Indian Ocean is a testimony to the expansion of 'Make in India'. Be it the C-295 aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat or the helicopter unit of HAL in Tumakuru, it is the growing potential of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ in which there are new options and better opportunities for India as well as the world.

Friends,

The New India of the 21st century will neither miss any opportunity nor will it lack any effort. We are geared up. We are bringing revolution in every sector on the path of reforms. The country, which was the biggest defence importer for decades, is now exporting defence equipment to 75 countries of the world. The country's defence exports have increased six times in the last five years. In 2021-22, we exported more than 1.5 billion dollars worth defence equipment

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Friends,

You are also aware that defence is such an area whose technology, market and business are considered very complicated. Despite this, India has transformed its defence sector within the last 8-9 years. However, we consider this to be just a beginning. We are aiming to increase this export figure from 1.5 billion to 5 billion dollars by 2024-25. The efforts made during this period will act as a launch pad for India. India will now move fast to join the world's largest defence manufacturing countries. Both our private sector and investors are going to play an important role in this regard. Today I would call upon the private sector of India to invest in India's defence sector as much as possible. Your every investment in the defence sector in India will create new avenues for your business in many countries of the world apart from India. There are new possibilities and opportunities ahead of you. The private sector of India should not let go of this opportunity.

Friends,

The India of ‘Amrit Kaal’ is moving forward like a fighter pilot. A country that is not afraid of scaling heights, a country which is excited to fly high. Today's India thinks fast, thinks far ahead and takes quick decisions just like a fighter pilot flying in the sky. And most importantly, no matter how fast India's pace is, it is always connected to its roots, it is always aware of the ground situation. That's what our pilots do too.

The deafening roar of Aero India also has the echo of India's ‘Reform, Perform and Transform’. Today, the kind of decisive government, the kind of stable policies, the kind of clear intention in the policies that India has, it is unprecedented. Every investor should take full advantage of this supportive environment in India. You are also seeing that the reforms in the direction of Ease of Doing Business in India are being discussed all over the world today. We have taken several steps to create an environment conducive to global investment and Indian innovation. The rules for approving Foreign Direct Investment in the defence sector in India have been simplified. Now FDI in many sectors has been approved through the automatic route. We have simplified the process of granting licenses to industries, increased their validity, so that they do not have to go through the same process again and again. The tax benefits available to the manufacturing companies have also been increased in the budget of India that was introduced 10-12 days back. Companies associated with the defence sector are also going to benefit from this initiative.

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Friends,

According to the natural principle, the industry in a country will grow further where there is demand, capability and experience. I assure you that the process of strengthening the defence sector in India will gather momentum at an even faster pace. Together we have to move forward in this direction. I am sure we will witness even more grand events of Aero India in the future. With this, once again thank you very much to all of you and wish you all the very best! Bharat Mata ki – Jai

  • Jitendra Kumar June 07, 2025

    🙏🙏🙏
  • कृष्ण सिंह राजपुरोहित भाजपा विधान सभा गुड़ामा लानी November 21, 2024

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    हर हर महादेव
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    जय हो
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    What a SMARTY look!
  • Talib talib TalibTalibt04268829@gmail.com March 11, 2023

    PM modi ji Ham Bihar ke sarkar Hain aapko jita rahe hain Abu Talib Naam hai firaun mere sath hai karo na mere sath hai jindagi mere sath hai aapse mang raha hai pahunche karo rupaye de denge to aapka kya chale jaega aap nahin to call karte ho nahin to fir message bhejte ho aakhir kab tak yah mahabharat chalta rahega kab tak main fight bankar jindagi gujarta rahunga sabko maloom pad Gaya
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The journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage: PM Modi
July 04, 2025
QuoteThe journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage: PM
QuoteI am sure you all welcomed the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years with great joy: PM
QuoteThe Indian diaspora is our pride: PM
QuoteAt the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, I announced several initiatives to honour and connect with the Girmitiya community across the world: PM
QuoteIndia's success in space is global in spirit: PM

Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar Ji
Members of the Cabinet,
All the Dignitaries present today,
Members of the Indian diaspora,

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Namaskar !
Seeta Ram !
Jai Shri Ram !

Can you mark something… what a coincidence!

It is a matter of immense pride and joy for me to be with all of you this evening. I thank Prime Minister Kamla Ji for her wonderful hospitality and kind words.

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I arrived a short while ago in this beautiful land of Humming Birds.And, my very first engagement is with the Indian community here. It feels completely natural. After all, we are part of one family. I thank you for your warmth and affection.

Friends,

I know the story of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage. The circumstances your ancestors faced could have broken even the strongest of spirits. But they faced hardships with hope. They met problems with persistence.

They left the Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried the Ramayan in their hearts. They left their soil, but not their soul. They were not just migrants. They were messengers of a timeless civilization. Their contributions have benefitted this country - culturally, economically and spiritually. Just look at the impact that you have all had on this beautiful nation.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar Ji - as the first woman Prime Minister of this country. Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo Ji - as the female President. Late Shri Basdeo Pandey, the son of a farmer, rose to become Prime Minister and a respected global leader. Eminent math scholar Rudranath Capildeo, Music Icon Sundar Popo, Cricketing talent Daren Ganga, and Sewdass Sadhu, whose devotion built the Temple in the Sea. The list of achievers goes on.

You, the children of Girmitiyas, are not defined by struggle anymore. You are defined by your success, your service, and your values. Honestly, there must be something magical in the "doubles” and "dal poori” — because you have doubled the success of this great nation!

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Friends,

When I last visited 25 years ago, we all admired the cover drives and pull shots of Lara. Today, it is Sunil Narine and Nicholas Pooran who ignite the same excitement in the hearts of our youth. Between then and now, our friendship has grown even stronger.

Benaras, Patna, Kolkata, Delhi may be cities in India. But they are also names of streets here. Navratra, Mahashivratri, Janmasthmi are celebrated here with joy, spirit and pride. Chowtal and Baithak Gana continue to thrive here.

I can see the warmth of many familiar faces. And I see curiosity in the bright eyes of a younger generation - keen to know and grow together. Truly, our bonds go well beyond geography and generations.

Friends,

I know of your deep faith in Prabhu Shri Ram.

एक सौ अस्सी साल बीतल हो, मन न भुलल हो, भजन राम के, हर दिल में गूंजल हो ।

The Ram-Leelas in Sangre Grande and Dow Village are said to be truly unique. Shri Ram Charit Manas says,

राम धामदा पुरी सुहावनि।
लोक समस्त बिदित अति पावनि।।

It means, the sacred city of Prabhu Shri Ram is so beautiful that its glory is spread across the world. I am sure you all welcomed the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years with great joy.

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We remember, you had sent holy water and Shilas for building the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. I have also brought something here with a similar sense of devotion. It is my honour to bring a replica of Ram Mandir and some water from the river Sarayu in Ayodhya.

जन्मभूमि मम पुरी सुहावनि ।
उत्तर दिसि बह सरजू पावनि ।।
जा मज्जन ते बिनहिं प्रयासा ।
मम समीप नर पावहिं बासा ।।

Prabhu Shri Ram says that the glory of Ayodhya springs from the holy Sarayu. Whoever takes a dip in its water, finds eternal union with Shri Ram himself.

सरयू जी और पवित्र संगम का ये जल, आस्था का अमृत है। ये वो प्रवाहमान धारा है, जो हमारे मूल्यों को...हमारे संस्कारों को हमेशा जीवंत रखती है।

You all know that earlier this year, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, the Maha Kumbh took place. I have the honour to carry water from the Maha Kumbh also with me. I request Kamla ji to offer the holy waters of the Sarayu River and Maha Kumbh to the Ganga Dhara here. May these holy waters bless the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

Friends,

We deeply value the strength and support of our diaspora. With over 35 million people spread across the world, the Indian diaspora is our pride. As I have often said, each one of you is a Rashtradoot – an Ambassador of India’s values, culture and heritage.

This year, when we hosted the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Bhubaneshwar, Her Excellency President Christine Carla Kangaloo ji was our Chief Guest. A few years ago, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Ji had honoured us with her presence.

At the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, I announced several initiatives to honour and connect with the Girmitiya community across the world. We are mapping the past and bringing people closer for a bright future. We are actively working on creating a comprehensive database of the Girmitiya Community. Documenting the villages and cities in India from which their ancestors migrated, identifying the places where they have settled, studying and preserving the legacy of the Girmitiya ancestors, and working to organise World Girmitiya Conferences regularly. This will support the deep and historic ties with our brothers and sisters in Trinidad and Tobago as well.

Today, I am happy to announce that OCI cards will now be given to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago. You are not just connected by blood or surname. You are connected by belonging. India looks out you, India welcomes you, and India embraces you.

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Friends,

प्रधानमंत्री कमला जी के पूर्वज बिहार के बक्सर में रहा करते थे। कमला जी वहां जाकर भी आई हैं.... लोग इन्हें बिहार की बेटी मानते हैं

People in India consider Prime Minister Kamla ji as the daughter of Bihar.

यहां उपस्थित अनेक लोगों के पूर्वज बिहार से ही आए थे। बिहार की विरासत... भारत के साथ ही दुनिया का भी गौरव है। लोकतंत्र हो, राजनीति हो, कूटनीति हो, हायर एजुकेशन हो...बिहार ने सदियों पहले दुनिया को ऐसे अनेक विषयों में नई दिशा दिखाई थी। मुझे विश्वास है, 21वीं सदी की दुनिया के लिए भी बिहार की धरती से, नई प्रेरणाएं, नए अवसर निकलेंगे।

Like Kamla ji, there are many people here whose roots lie in Bihar. The heritage of Bihar is a matter of pride for all of us.

Friends,

I am sure everyone among you feels proud when India grows. For New India, even the sky is not the limit. You all must have cheered when India’s Chandrayaan landed on the moon. The place where it landed, we have named it Shiv Shakti point.

You must have also heard the news recently. An Indian astronaut is on board the International Space Station even as we speak. We are now working on a manned space mission – Gaganyaan. The time is not far when an Indian will walk on the moon and India will have its own space station.

हम अब तारों को सिर्फ गिनते नहीं हैं...आदित्य मिशन के रूप में...उनके पास तक जाने का प्रयास करते हैं।हमारे लिए अब चंदा मामा दूर के नहीं हैं ।हम अपनी मेहनत से असंभव को भी संभव बना रहे हैं।

India’s achievements in space are not just ours. We are sharing its fruits with the rest of the world.

Friends,

India is the fastest growing major economy in the world. Soon, we will be among the top three economies of the world. The fruits of India’s growth and progress are reaching the most needy.

भारत ने दिखाया है कि गरीबों को सशक्त करके... Empower करके... गरीबी को हराया जा सकता है। पहली बार करोड़ों लोगों में विश्वास जागा है, कि भारत गरीबी से मुक्त हो सकता है।

The World Bank has noted that India has lifted over 250 million people above extreme poverty in the last decade. India’s growth is being powered by our innovative and energetic youth.

Today, India is the third largest startup hub in the world. Nearly half of these startups also have women as directors. Nearly 120 startups have got unicorn status. National missions for AI, Semiconductor and Quantum computing are becoming the new engines of growth. In a way, innovation is becoming a mass movement.

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized digital payments. Nearly 50% of the world's real-time digital transactions take place in India. I congratulate Trinidad & Tobago for being the first country in the region to adopt UPI. Now sending money will be as easy as sending a ‘good morning’ text message! And I promise, it will be faster than West Indies bowling.

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Friends,

Our Mission Manufacturing is working to make India a manufacturing hub. We have become the world’s second largest mobile manufacturer. We are exporting railway locomotives to the world.

Our defence exports have increased 20-fold in just the last decade. We are not just making in India. We are making for the world. As we grow, we are ensuring that it is of mutual benefit to the world.

Friends,

Today’s India is a land of opportunities. Whether it is business, tourism, education, or healthcare, India has a lot to offer.

Your ancestors took a long and difficult journey, over a 100 days across the seas, to reach here – Saat Samandar Par! Today, that same journey takes just a few hours. I encourage you all to visit India more, in person, not just virtually on social media!

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Visit the villages of your ancestors. Walk the soil they walked on. Bring your children, bring your neighbours. Bring anyone who enjoys chai and a good story. We will welcome you all – with open arms, warm hearts, and jalebi!

With these words, I thank you all once again for the love and affection you have shown to me.

I specially thank Prime Minister Kamla Ji for honouring me with your highest national award.

बहुत बहुत धन्यवाद.

Namaskar !
Sita Ram !
Jai Shri Ram !