'Don't Export Raw Materials To Import Finished Goods, Add Value In India': PM Modi Stress Infrastructure At Utkarsh Odisha Conclave

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his disapproval of the current trade situation where raw materials are being exported from the country, only for finished products to be imported back. He emphasised that the process of adding value to these materials should occur within the country itself.

At the opening of the 'Utkarsh Odisha, Make in Odisha Conclave' held at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday (28 January), Modi expressed his belief that eastern India serves as the nation's growth engine, with the state of Odisha playing a significant part in this.

"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,” the PM was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

“The minerals are extracted here and exported to some other country where value addition is done and new products are made. These finished products are then sent back to India. This trend is not acceptable to Modi,” he added.

Modi stated that the ambitions of crores of individuals are propelling India's journey towards progress. "This is an era of AI, and everyone is talking about AI. However, the aspiration of India, not just AI, is the power of our country," he said.

"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,” the PM added.

Modi stated that the 21st century is characterised by interconnected infrastructure and diverse modes of connectivity. “India is building specialised infrastructure at unprecedented speed and scale. It will make India a great destination for investment,” he said.

The PM stated that the current times demand research and innovation. “The government is working to build a vibrant ecosystem for research and a special fund has also been generated for the same. Industries should come forward and work with the government,” he said.