Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India is establishing an all-encompassing manufacturing ecosystem spanning “from chips to ships” while simultaneously pioneering next-generation technologies like 6G to power its journey toward becoming a fully developed nation.
Addressing a vibrant gathering of the Indian diaspora in Melbourne, Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s phenomenal trajectory as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. The nation now boasts over two lakh registered startups, with more than 4,000 new ventures emerging every month. Crucially, he noted that this entrepreneurial surge has broken out of major metropolitan hubs and is actively thriving across various districts.
The Prime Minister drew attention to the strategic strides being taken by homegrown enterprises, noting that hundreds of startups are now operating in the defense and space sectors. He highlighted a landmark milestone where an indigenous space startup is currently preparing to launch a satellite using its own rocket hardware. Furthermore, he reiterated India’s grand space ambitions, including the upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission and the ultimate goal of establishing an independent Indian space station.
Emphasizing a people-centric approach to governance, PM Modi remarked that the country’s development roadmap is entirely driven by its citizens, anchored by the philosophy of “Nagrik Devo Bhava” (the citizen is divine).
Reflecting on his bilateral journey, the Prime Minister fondly recalled his first visit to Australia in 2014—which broke a 28-year hiatus for an sitting Indian Prime Minister—and celebrated his current trip as a personal “hat-trick” of three visits over the last 12 years. He credited the Indian diaspora for this geopolitical milestone, asserting that their contribution has been instrumental in elevating India-Australia relations to historic heights
