New Delhi, Aug 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the remaining years of the century will be extremely significant for India and stressed that the country cannot afford to slow down or pause until it achieves the goal of becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day, PM Modi said the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 is rooted in the capabilities and achievements demonstrated by citizens over the past decade and the country must maintain its momentum to realise the objective.
“The goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 is built upon the capability demonstrated by our fellow citizens over the past 10 to 12 years; it is an intrinsic part of that strength. And that is why, one-fourth of the century has already elapsed, and the upcoming one-fourth is exceptionally crucial for us. We cannot afford to pause now. Our momentum must not slow down. Our trajectory is already set, and we are determined to achieve our objective,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi said that achieving this ambitious target would require India to transform its work culture, raise the collective mindset and significantly increase the speed at which decisions and projects are implemented.
He said that India’s influence and standing across the world have been increasing on several fronts, with the country emerging as a widely accepted and respected nation in the international community.
The Prime Minister said India’s stable political mandate, stable government, vibrant democracy, strong judiciary and the Constitution have contributed to strengthening the country’s position globally.
“Today, India is emerging in the eyes of the world as a widely accepted and respected nation. India possesses a stable political mandate, a stable government, a vibrant democracy, a robust judiciary, and guiding all of us is the Constitution of India. The world has now truly begun to recognise these intrinsic strengths of ours,” he said.
PM Modi also highlighted the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and trade partnerships India has finalised with several countries since 2014.
“And that is why, since 2014, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and trade partnerships have been finalised with nearly 40 nations around the world. Look at what a massive opportunity has opened up before us! These trade agreements present a monumental opportunity. Therefore, I would especially urge our MSMEs: We must not let this golden opportunity slip away,” he said.
The Prime Minister particularly highlighted the potential benefits for India’s coastal states and fishing communities.
“Not only this, from Keralam to Gujarat, and from Tamil Nadu to Bengal — our entire coastal belt and our fisher brothers and sisters — immense opportunities have been unlocked through these FTAs for the export of our shrimp, expanding the global footprint of our seafood sector manifold. Therefore, I urge that by seizing this opportune moment, as we march forward, we make every effort to accomplish these milestones,” he added.
–IANS
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