Despite projecting a requirement for bullet-proof jackets in 2009, no such jackets were procured till 2014: PM Modi
Implementation of schemes such as PM Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Saubhagya Yojana and construction of toilets, in Amethi, is ensuring ‘Ease of Living’: PM
PM Kisan Samman Nidhi will ensure that 7.5 lakh crore rupees reach farmers over the next ten years: PM

First of all I would like you all to raise your fists in the air and say along with me thrice -

You have to say Bharat Mata ki Jai!

For the Mighty India - Bharat Mata ki Jai!

Say it loudly, For the Mighty India - Bharat Mata ki Jai!

For the Victorious India - Bharat Mata ki Jai!

For the brave soldiers - Bharat Mata ki Jai!

Thanks a lot!

Shri Yogi Adityanath ji, the popular and successful Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh; my Cabinet colleague and the Defence Minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman ji; my Cabinet colleague sister Smriti Irani ji; Minister in the State Government Mohsin Raza Ji and Suresh Pasi Ji, MLA Mayankeshwar Sharan Singh ji, Garima Singh ji, Dal Bahadur Kori ji, my dear brothers and sisters of Uttar Pradesh. Jay Ram ji! How are you all doing? Hope everything is alright!

You all have gathered here in such large numbers, my salutations to you all! This had been the Tapobhumi of Tikarmabhi Maharaj of Amethi. This is the land of the writer of Jaimina Mahapuran, Baba Purushottam Das ji. This is the land of Malik Mohammad Jayasi. This land has been the land of the National President of Arya Samaj. I salute this land.

Today I have come here to extend our government's development programmes in Amethi. And today even 'Meghraja' (The Rain God) has been kind to us and has welcomed us. I clearly remember that in the year 1998, I had accompanied Atal ji to attend a public meeting here. Even at that time, it had rained heavily. Since then, I had been visiting Amethi for some or the other work related to the party. After I became the Prime Minister, once again I have got the opportunity to be present amidst you all today.

During the 2014 elections, we had raised the slogan of 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas'. My dear brothers and sisters of Amethi, Amethi is the best example that showcases the essence of our mantra of 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas'. When we talk of 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas', I used to say and I still say that those who had voted for us are ours and those who hadn't voted for us too ours. The region that has given us a seat is ours and the region that has not given us a seat too is ours.

And after 5 years, bowing my head before the people of Amethi, I can proudly say that sister Smriti Irani ji had stood before you as the candidate here. She was a new face and a new identity for you all but you all had showered your blessings on her. Even though we couldn't win from here at that time in the elections but we were successful in winning your hearts. With your love, Smriti ji had worked really hard for the development of Amethi during the last 5 years. She never ever felt whether you had elected her or defeated her. She has worked more than the winner. I want to ask the people of Amethi - Are you satisfied with our work? Did you feel that we were always concerned for you? Have we honestly strived for your welfare? Have we done even the slightest injustice to you? Did we do complete justice? This is our mantra of 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas'.

Just a short while ago, projects worth crores of rupees related to the development of Amethi have been inaugurated or their foundation stones have been laid. These include projects related to schools, roads, medical centers, cattle breeding, electricity and several others related to farming.

Brothers and Sisters,

Besides these projects, today I am going to make a very important announcement. This announcement is related to the new identity and glory of Amethi. Several great leaders might have come here; Amethi will not be known by the name of those leaders. It will be known by the scheme I have brought today.

Brothers and sisters,

Now one of the most latest, the most modern rifles AK 203 which is also known as Kalashnikov will be manufactured in Korba Ordnance Factory, Amethi. These rifles will be manufactured by a joint venture of Russia and India. Just a short while ago, our country's first woman Defence Minister Nirmala Ji has read the message of President of Russia here. I express my gratitude to President Putin, a very close friend of mine and of India for this partnership. This joint venture has been possible in a very short span of time due to his cooperation. I am very grateful to President Putin for his friendly message and good wishes; I also thank and congratulate Russian friends associated with this joint venture and my best wishes to everyone for its success.

Friends,

A few people go into villages and talk about- made in Ujjain, made in Jaipur, made in Jaisalmer, made in Baroda. Their speeches just remain speeches. But this is Modi. The AK 203 rifles 'Made in Amethi' will definitely enhance the strength of our soldiers during their encounters with the terrorists and Naxalites. Now lakhs of these rifles will be manufactured in the factory of Amethi. The rifles manufactured here will be exported to other countries of the world in the future. Therefore, this factory of Amethi is going to open up employment opportunities for the youngsters and is going to open up a new path for development and security of the country.

Brothers and sisters,

The work will begin from today. This work should have started 8-9 years back. This factory of Korba was set up solely for the purpose of manufacturing modern rifles but it was not used to its full capacity. This factory at Amethi is an evidence of the fact that the needs of our Army and soldiers were neglected before.

Friends,

Our army had put forward the need for modern weaponry in front of the then government in 2005 for the sake of the country's security. During 2007, when its foundation stone was being laid, the Parliamentarian from here had said that the work would begin from 2010 onwards. Did that happen? Was it promised or not? Whatever was said, it should have happened or not? Why do you trust those who couldn't even do the bare minimum? But friends, let alone starting the work, the previous government couldn't even decide upon the types of weapons that would be manufactured in the Ordnance Factory. Moreover, even the land was not made available for the factory to be set up.

Friends,

Just imagine! The factory wherein the work should have been started in 2010 couldn't be set up till 2013. After the factory was built, work had started somehow because they had to show off before the elections. Yet, modern rifles were still not manufactured. And don't forget, they say that they keep their promises and never lie - this too is a big lie. And don't forget that they had promised to give employment to 1500 youngsters. They had promised to provide job to1500 people in the factory. I am talking about Amethi not the nation. But these people who make tall promises had befooled the people of Amethi and only 200 people got the jobs. Today they are delivering speeches regarding employment throughout the country.

My brothers and sisters of Amethi,

Now after waiting for so many years, one of the world's latest modern rifles will be manufactured in Amethi's Ordnance Factory.

Friends,

I want to ask you something. Wasn't it an injustice done to our brave soldiers by not manufacturing the modern rifles? Was it an injustice or not? Wasn't it an injustice done to the resources by not utilizing the Ordnance Factory to its full capacity? Wasn't it an injustice done to the youngsters of Amethi by not providing them with employment?

Friends,

The previous government had left no stone unturned in neglecting the safety of the Defence forces. It is essential to remind the nation about how our brave soldiers were kept waiting for bullet-proof jackets. In 2009, the Army had demanded 1 lakh 88 thousand bullet-proof jackets. Our soldiers were fighting against the bullets of the enemy forces and terrorists without the bullet-proof jackets. They were engaging in life-threatening encounters with the terrorists putting their lives at stake. They didn't purchase the bullet-proof jackets even within 5 years from 2009 to 2014. Five years are not less. It was our government that ordered more than 2 lakh 30 thousand bullet-proof jackets during the last four and a half years.

Today as I have visited Amethi, I wish to know from you all that who were those people who had made our brave soldiers wait for rifles and bullet-proof jackets? Who were those people? I won't take names but you all are well aware of their identities. Therefore, brothers and sisters - Bharat Mata ki Jai! You know them and I don't have to name them.

Brothers and sisters,

Not only modern rifles and modern bullet-proof jackets but the same people had made the nation wait for modern cannons as well. This is our government that has signed a deal for modern cannons and now these are being manufactured within India.

Friends,

Just like modern cannons, our Air Force had been demanding modern fighter aircrafts for several decades. But how could those with wrong intentions hear the voices of the Air Force? They kept on sitting on the Rafael deal for years! While the government was leaving they had just shelved the deal. It is due to the efforts of our government that the first Rafael aircraft will be in the skies of India in a few months. But these people are still trying to create obstacles in the Rafael deal and are trying to thwart our efforts for their personal interests.

Brothers and sisters,

Every institution from the Supreme Court to the CAG saying that the Indian government has made the right decision at the right time and has done the right deal in the country's interest. But these people are continuously spreading lies. The frustration of not being able to get commission in defence deal could be clearly seen on the faces of a few people.

Friends,

Just like their half-hearted attempts towards the nation's security and negligence of the country's safety, they have also behaved in a similar way with the people of Amethi. What promises were made to Amethi? Whereas what's the actual condition of Amethi today? No one knows that better than you all!

Brothers and sisters,

This is the result when there is a lack of intention and willpower to do something for the welfare of the poor and instead just lies are spread. Try to recall, the steel plant located here had to be shut down because there was no arrangement for gas. The same thing happened to the Meghapur Food Park here. So, when we thought of the steel factory, we arranged for the gas. Now this steel factory is ready to give jobs to Amethi and to further increase the steel production in the country.

Brothers and sisters,

The cycle factory of Goliganj that was supposed to be set up had met with a similar fate. They took away the land of the farmers but didn't set up the factory and fraudulently took over the ownership of the land. In the name of development of Amethi, your feelings have been played with this way.

Friends,

When self-interest lies only in power and propagating the family's name becomes the only goal, then it is quiet natural that the needs of the country will be neglected. When welfare of the family and relatives becomes the priority, then the feeling of working for the welfare of the common man ends. Unfortunately, this is what has happened in Amethi.

I was watching one TV report, wherein a report on a Dalit village here was shown. It was told that the houses that were given to the Dalits in 2008 were on the verge of crumbling down within the span of 10 years. The people living there were saying that although the MP had given his name to that residences, but had forgotten the people after that.

Friends,

You are a witness to the treatment that was meted out to the people of Amethi. And you can clearly see how our government has worked towards the development projects here.

More than 9000 houses have been constructed in Amethi under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Efforts have been made to make the lives of the people here easier by giving free gas connections under the Ujjwala scheme, by providing free electricity connection under Saubhagya scheme and by constructing toilets.

Brothers and sisters,

Forgetting the people after garnering votes is the habit of a few people. They want to keep the poor perpetually under poverty for generations so that they could keep on raising the slogans of 'Garibi Hatao'. We are trying to empower the poor so much so that they could come out of the poverty at the earliest. This is the reason why today India is considered among those nations where poverty is getting reduced at a rapid pace. A few people do not have sensitivity towards the poor at all.

Friends,

The treatment that was meted out to the poor, the farmers too met with a similar fate. These people had never tried to empower the farmers. They kept on neglecting their all kinds of needs. If the farmers were exasperated by their schemes, they would trap the farmers into the delusion of loan waivers. Last time in 2008, they had waived the loans of only Rs.52 thousand crores while the country's farmers had a debt of Rs.6 lakh crores.

Moreover, the benefits of the loan waivers reached 3 to 3.5 crore farmers of the country on an average, i.e. if there are 100 farmers in your village, hardly 20-25 farmers could avail the benefit. The rest of the benefits were taken away by their contractors, brokers and middlemen. On the other hand, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme of our government will benefit 12 crore farmers of the country. A few days back, the first installment of Rs.2000 has already reached the bank accounts of crores of farmers. Those who have not yet received the money will soon get the benefit.

Friends,

This scheme is so massive that in the coming 10 years, Rs.7.5 lakh crores will be delivered to the farmers’ accounts directly. Just imagine! The villages, farmers and the rural economy of the country will be empowered to a great extent! This will also benefit thousands of farmers of Amethi. He would be able to do a lot of things like purchasing fertilizers, seeds and pesticides or paying electricity bills with the help of this money.

Brothers and sisters,

Your Prime Servant is able to work for you, the farmers, the soldiers or our country's young sons and daughters because of your blessings and strength. Looking at your enthusiasm I can say that Amethi and the people of Amethi are going to create a new history; a history whose echo will be heard all over the country.

Friends,

I also give special thanks to Smt. Smriti ji for the development of Amethi. Once again, I also thank the Russian President Putin ji whose message was read by the country's first lady Defence Minister Nirmala ji. Now the world has clearly understood the women power. The nation that has a woman Defence Minister has clearly shown the world how steps should be taken for the security of the nation.

Once again, I express my gratitude to this huge wave of people in Amethi that has gathered here to bless me. Say along with me -

Bharat Mata ki Jai!

Bharat Mata ki Jai!

Bharat Mata ki Jai!

Thanks a lot!!

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Joint Statement: Official visit of Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India to Kuwait (December 21-22, 2024)
December 22, 2024

At the invitation of His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of India His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Kuwait on 21-22 December 2024. This was his first visit to Kuwait. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait on 21 December 2024 as the ‘Guest of Honour’ of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait received Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Bayan Palace on 22 December 2024 and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi expressed his deep appreciation to His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for conferring on him the highest award of the State of Kuwait ‘The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer’. The leaders exchanged views on bilateral, global, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

Given the traditional, close and friendly bilateral relations and desire to deepen cooperation in all fields, the two leaders agreed to elevate the relations between India and Kuwait to a ‘Strategic Partnership’. The leaders stressed that it is in line with the common interests of the two countries and for the mutual benefit of the two peoples. Establishment of a strategic partnership between both countries will further broad-base and deepen our long-standing historical ties.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait. In light of the newly established strategic partnership, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations through comprehensive and structured cooperation in key areas, including political, trade, investment, defence, security, energy, culture, education, technology and people-to-people ties.

The two sides recalled the centuries-old historical ties rooted in shared history and cultural affinities. They noted with satisfaction the regular interactions at various levels which have helped in generating and sustaining the momentum in the multifaceted bilateral cooperation. Both sides emphasized on sustaining the recent momentum in high-level exchanges through regular bilateral exchanges at Ministerial and senior-official levels.

The two sides welcomed the recent establishment of a Joint Commission on Cooperation (JCC) between India and Kuwait. The JCC will be an institutional mechanism to review and monitor the entire spectrum of the bilateral relations between the two countries and will be headed by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. To further expand our bilateral cooperation across various fields, new Joint Working Groups (JWGs) have been set up in areas of trade, investments, education and skill development, science and technology, security and counter-terrorism, agriculture, and culture, in addition to the existing JWGs on Health, Manpower and Hydrocarbons. Both sides emphasized on convening the meetings of the JCC and the JWGs under it at an early date.

Both sides noted that trade has been an enduring link between the two countries and emphasized on the potential for further growth and diversification in bilateral trade. They also emphasized on the need for promoting exchange of business delegations and strengthening institutional linkages.

Recognizing that the Indian economy is one of the fastest growing emerging major economies and acknowledging Kuwait’s significant investment capacity, both sides discussed various avenues for investments in India. The Kuwaiti side welcomed steps taken by India in making a conducive environment for foreign direct investments and foreign institutional investments, and expressed interest to explore investment opportunities in different sectors, including technology, tourism, healthcare, food-security, logistics and others. They recognized the need for closer and greater engagement between investment authorities in Kuwait with Indian institutions, companies and funds. They encouraged companies of both countries to invest and participate in infrastructure projects. They also directed the concerned authorities of both countries to fast-track and complete the ongoing negotiations on the Bilateral Investment Treaty.

Both sides discussed ways to enhance their bilateral partnership in the energy sector. While expressing satisfaction at the bilateral energy trade, they agreed that potential exists to further enhance it. They discussed avenues to transform the cooperation from a buyer-seller relationship to a comprehensive partnership with greater collaboration in upstream and downstream sectors. Both sides expressed keenness to support companies of the two countries to increase cooperation in the fields of exploration and production of oil and gas, refining, engineering services, petrochemical industries, new and renewable energy. Both sides also agreed to discuss participation by Kuwait in India's Strategic Petroleum Reserve Programme.

Both sides agreed that defence is an important component of the strategic partnership between India and Kuwait. The two sides welcomed the signing of the MoU in the field of Defence that will provide the required framework to further strengthen bilateral defence ties, including through joint military exercises, training of defence personnel, coastal defence, maritime safety, joint development and production of defence equipment.

The two sides unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism and called for disrupting of terrorism financing networks and safe havens, and dismantling of terror infrastructure. Expressing appreciation of their ongoing bilateral cooperation in the area of security, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, information and intelligence sharing, developing and exchanging experiences, best practices and technologies, capacity building and to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug-trafficking and other transnational crimes. The two sides discussed ways and means to promote cooperation in cybersecurity, including prevention of use of cyberspace for terrorism, radicalisation and for disturbing social harmony. The Indian side praised the results of the fourth high-level conference on "Enhancing International Cooperation in Combating Terrorism and Building Resilient Mechanisms for Border Security - The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process," which was hosted by the State of Kuwait on November 4-5, 2024.

Both sides acknowledged health cooperation as one of the important pillars of bilateral ties and expressed their commitment to further strengthen collaboration in this important sector. Both sides appreciated the bilateral cooperation during the COVID- 19 pandemic. They discussed the possibility of setting up of Indian pharmaceutical manufacturing plants in Kuwait. They also expressed their intent to strengthen cooperation in the field of medical products regulation in the ongoing discussions on an MoU between the drug regulatory authorities.

The two sides expressed interest in pursuing deeper collaboration in the area of technology including emerging technologies, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. They discussed avenues to explore B2B cooperation, furthering e-Governance, and sharing best practices for facilitating industries/companies of both countries in the policies and regulation in the electronics and IT sector.

The Kuwaiti side also expressed interest in cooperation with India to ensure its food-security. Both sides discussed various avenues for collaboration including investments by Kuwaiti companies in food parks in India.

The Indian side welcomed Kuwait’s decision to become a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), marking a significant step towards collaboration in developing and deploying low-carbon growth trajectories and fostering sustainable energy solutions. Both sides agreed to work closely towards increasing the deployment of solar energy across the globe within ISA.

Both sides noted the recent meetings between the civil aviation authorities of both countries. The two sides discussed the increase of bilateral flight seat capacities and associated issues. They agreed to continue discussions in order to reach a mutually acceptable solution at an early date.

Appreciating the renewal of the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for 2025-2029, which will facilitate greater cultural exchanges in arts, music, and literature festivals, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment on further enhancing people to people contacts and strengthening the cultural cooperation.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the signing of the Executive Program on Cooperation in the Field of Sports for 2025-2028. which will strengthen cooperation in the area of sports including mutual exchange and visits of sportsmen, organising workshops, seminars and conferences, exchange of sports publications between both nations.

Both sides highlighted that education is an important area of cooperation including strengthening institutional linkages and exchanges between higher educational institutions of both countries. Both sides also expressed interest in collaborating on Educational Technology, exploring opportunities for online learning platforms and digital libraries to modernize educational infrastructure.

As part of the activities under the MoU between Sheikh Saud Al Nasser Al Sabah Kuwaiti Diplomatic Institute and the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), both sides welcomed the proposal to organize the Special Course for diplomats and Officers from Kuwait at SSIFS in New Delhi.

Both sides acknowledged that centuries old people-to-people ties represent a fundamental pillar of the historic India-Kuwait relationship. The Kuwaiti leadership expressed deep appreciation for the role and contribution made by the Indian community in Kuwait for the progress and development of their host country, noting that Indian citizens in Kuwait are highly respected for their peaceful and hard-working nature. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi conveyed his appreciation to the leadership of Kuwait for ensuring the welfare and well-being of this large and vibrant Indian community in Kuwait.

The two sides stressed upon the depth and importance of long standing and historical cooperation in the field of manpower mobility and human resources. Both sides agreed to hold regular meetings of Consular Dialogue as well as Labour and Manpower Dialogue to address issues related to expatriates, labour mobility and matters of mutual interest.

The two sides appreciated the excellent coordination between both sides in the UN and other multilateral fora. The Indian side welcomed Kuwait’s entry as ‘dialogue partner’ in SCO during India’s Presidency of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2023. The Indian side also appreciated Kuwait’s active role in the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD). The Kuwaiti side highlighted the importance of making the necessary efforts to explore the possibility of transforming the ACD into a regional organisation.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi congratulated His Highness the Amir on Kuwait’s assumption of the Presidency of GCC this year and expressed confidence that the growing India-GCC cooperation will be further strengthened under his visionary leadership. Both sides welcomed the outcomes of the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers held in Riyadh on 9 September 2024. The Kuwaiti side as the current Chair of GCC assured full support for deepening of the India-GCC cooperation under the recently adopted Joint Action Plan in areas including health, trade, security, agriculture and food security, transportation, energy, culture, amongst others. Both sides also stressed the importance of early conclusion of the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement.

In the context of the UN reforms, both leaders emphasized the importance of an effective multilateral system, centered on a UN reflective of contemporary realities, as a key factor in tackling global challenges. The two sides stressed the need for the UN reforms, including of the Security Council through expansion in both categories of membership, to make it more representative, credible and effective.

The following documents were signed/exchanged during the visit, which will further deepen the multifaceted bilateral relationship as well as open avenues for newer areas of cooperation:● MoU between India and Kuwait on Cooperation in the field of Defence.

● Cultural Exchange Programme between India and Kuwait for the years 2025-2029.

● Executive Programme between India and Kuwait on Cooperation in the field of Sports for 2025-2028 between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India and Public Authority for Youth and Sports, Government of the State of Kuwait.

● Kuwait’s membership of International Solar Alliance (ISA).

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi thanked His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. The visit reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Kuwait. The leaders expressed optimism that this renewed partnership would continue to grow, benefiting the people of both countries and contributing to regional and global stability. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also invited His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait to visit India.