PM Modi urges industry to create robust supply and value chains within India in ‘Utkarsh Odisha’
BHUBANESWAR : Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Tuesday (January 28, 2025) urged Indian industrial houses to create robust supply and value chains within the country, ensuring they remain resilient to global fluctuations.
“In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, the challenges of the global supply chain are more apparent than ever. India can no longer rely on a fragmented or import-dependent supply chain. It is imperative to establish a robust and resilient supply and value chain that remains minimally impacted by global disruptions,” Mr. Modi said while inaugurating Utkarsh Odisha, a Business Summit-Make in Odisha Conclave’ in Bhubaneswar’s Janata Maidan, he said that he considers eastern India as the growth engine of the country, and the state plays an important role in it.
“The country’s development is not possible only by exporting raw materials. Therefore, we are changing the entire ecosystem and working with a new vision,” he said.
“The minerals are extracted here and exported to some other country where value addition is done and finished products are then sent back to India. This trend is not acceptable to Modi,” he added, citing the example of the export of marine products for processing in other countries.
Urging all to recognise the challenges of the global supply chain in a changing world, the PM said India cannot rely on fragmented and import-based supply chains.
“Instead, a robust supply and value chain must be built within India to minimise the impact of global fluctuations. This responsibility lies with both the government and the industry,” he said.
The PM said the milestone of a USD 5 trillion economy was not far away for India. He said India’s economy rests on two major pillars — the innovative service sector and quality products.
“The potential for green jobs is also growing significantly. There is a need to adapt to the demands and requirements of the times. India is focusing on green technology and a green future, including solar, wind, hydro, and green hydrogen, which will power the energy security of a developed India,” he said. The PM said the aspirations of crores of people were driving India’s movement on the path of development.
“Today, India is moving on a path of development driven by the aspirations of crores of people. This is an era of AI. However, the aspiration of India, not just AI, is the power of our country. Aspiration grows when the needs of the people are fulfilled. In the last decade, the country has witnessed the benefit of empowering crores of people. Odisha represents the same aspiration,” he said. Modi said the 21st century is about connected infrastructure and multi-modal connectivity.
“India is building specialised infrastructure at unprecedented speed and scale. It will make India a great destination for investment,” he said. The PM said ASEAN countries have shown interest in strengthening trade ties with Odisha. “I consider eastern India as the growth engine of the country, with Odisha playing a crucial role in this. History shows that during times when India significantly contributed to global growth, eastern India also made important contributions,” he said.
Modi said India is on a path of development driven by people’s aspirations. He added this is an era of AI and everyone is talking about it. Modi said aspiration and not just AI is the country’s power. “Aspiration grows when the needs of the people are fulfilled. In the last decade, the country has witnessed the benefit of empowering people. Odisha represents the same aspiration.”
He said Odisha represents new India’s originality and optimism. “Odisha has opportunities, and the people of Odisha have exhibited the spirit of outperformance.”
Modi said measures were being taken to expand the petrochemical sector in the state, and dedicated industrial parks and investment regions were being developed in Paradip and Gopalpur.”I am confident that Odisha will soon reach heights of development that no one has ever imagined,” he said. The PM said that research and innovation were the needs of the time.
Modi said he considers eastern India the country’s growth engine, and Odisha plays an important role in it. He urged industrialists to create an ecosystem in Odisha for aspirations and job opportunities. “To understand India, Odisha is the best destination as it has a rich history, heritage, and natural resources. The state is a perfect model for development and heritage.”
Modi called for exploring Odisha’s immense tourism potential. He added the state has a vast coastline and 33% forest cover, offering the scope of eco and adventure tourism. “Today, India’s focus is ‘wait in India’ and ‘heal in India’. For this, Odisha’s nature and scenic beauty are helpful. There is a lot of potential for conference tourism in the country.”
He said Bhubaneswar has a lot of good convention centres. “There is a lot of potential for concert economy as well. In the last 10 years, the demand for live concerts has gone up. You must have seen fabulous pictures of the Coldplay concerts in Mumbai and Ahmedabad.”
He called for a focus on necessary skills, event management, grooming of artists, security, etc. Modi added there is a lot of scope in this aspect in Odisha. “The state has a major role in Viksit Bharat and the people have taken a pledge for Samruddh Odisha. The Centre is extending all possible help to Odisha.”
Chief Minister Mohan Majhi referred to Odisha’s potential thanks to its rich natural resources, impressive roads, air connectivity, ports, infrastructure, and an industrial-friendly policy. “In the last seven months, the Prime Minister has visited the state nearly five times. This shows his commitment towards the state. The Prime Minister has always brought a lot of welfare schemes and initiatives.”
Majhi said Modi’s presence at the conclave will instil confidence among the investors and business community. “Odisha is not only the land of opportunities, but will soon be the driving engine of the country, especially in eastern India.”
Industrialists Kumar Mangalam Birla, Anil Agarwal, Sajjan Jindal, Naveen Jindal, and Karan Adani and delegates from 16 countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Vietnam, Italy, Belarus, United Kingdom, and South Africa are participating in the conclave.