‘Dream big; the bigger your dream, the bigger my resolve’: PM Modi inaugurates Vibrant Gujarat summit

Several leaders of countries like the United Arab Emirates, Mozambique, Timor-Leste, Czech Republic, Japan, Nepal, Estonia, Morocco and Vietnam were present at the event along with captains of industry and hundreds of people from India and abroad.

UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was the chief guest of the inaugural event, left early after delivering a brief speech.

PM Modi spoke about the achievements of his government in the last 10 years and said that he guaranteed that India would be the world’s third largest economy in the next few years. “Every rating agency in the world is claiming that India will be the third largest economy in the world in the next few years. People of the world may keep on doing their analysis, (but) it is my guarantee that it will be done,” Modi said to applause. “At a time when the world is full of uncertainties, India has emerged as a ray of hope,” he added.

“India’s priorities are very clear. India’s priorities are sustainable industry, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Today, India’s priorities are new-age skills, futuristic technology, AI and innovation, green hydrogen, renewable energy, semiconductors and its ecosystem,” Modi said.

Explaining the reasons behind India’s growth, PM Modi said, “All of you are well aware of the global situation. In such a scenario, if India’s economy is showing resilience and momentum, it is because of our focus on structural reforms in the last 10 years. These reforms have increased the capabilities and competitiveness of the Indian economy.”

The PM added, “In the last 10 years, India’s capex has increased five times. India is doing work on alternate energy sources and green energy at unprecedented speed. India’s renewable energy capacity has increased three times and solar energy capacity has increased 20 times.”

Modi said that the government’s policies have brought a digital revolution in India while changing people’s lives. He added that the change in India is improving people’s ease of living while empowering them. He also said that more than 13.5 crore people have come out of poverty in the last 10 years and the average income of the middle class and the participation of women in the workforce are increasing constantly.

The Prime Minister said that 10 years ago, there were 74 airports in India and this has now gone up to 149. Similarly, the national highway network has doubled and the Metro train network has more than tripled, he added, urging the global community to join India’s ‘Vikas Yatra’ or journey of progress.

PM Modi said that those investing in India are not merely making investments but are “shaping a new generation of young creators and consumers”.

Modi also spoke about the principle of ‘One world, one family and one future’, saying it was an indispensable requirement for world welfare.

“Friends, in the current rapidly changing world, India is moving ahead in the role of a friend of the world. Today, India has given confidence to the world that we can set a common aim and achieve it. India’s commitment, sincerity, attempt and hard work for the welfare of all is making the world more secure and prosperous,” Modi said.

“The world looks at India as an important pillar of stability. A friend who can be trusted, a partner who believes in people-centric development, a voice that believes in global growth…A democracy that delivers,” he added.