Prime Minister Narendra Modi today exhorted India Inc to develop a business model that promotes the spirit of ‘Atmanirbhar’ (self reliant) Bharat.
Addressing traders, entrepreneurs and investors after inaugurating the 3rd edition of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS) 2025 at Greater Noida, Modi said self reliance was vital for economic development in the backdrop of growing uncertainties in the global trade and geopolitical landscapes.
He described the recently implemented Next Generation GST reform as a landmark in India’s economic journey. “The reform has not only provided major relief to consumers, but has also energised trade and industry.”
He said GST reforms are putting monthly savings directly into the pockets of Indian families, and these savings will further strengthen India’s growth story.
Calling upon investors to explore the immense opportunities in UP, Modi noted the state, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is scaling new heights of development, and has now emerged as a vibrant hub of investment.
The PM emphasised the importance of promoting indigenous products and establishing their global identity.
“Whatever can be made in India, must be made in India,” he said, adding self-reliance is no longer an option but a necessity, as dependence on others restricts growth.
Urging entrepreneurs to design business models that strengthens ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, he emphasised that only user-friendly and durable products can build the credibility of Indian manufacturing.
Highlighting UP’s transformation, Modi described the state as a hub of investment and development brimming with opportunities.
He pointed out in recent years, UP has witnessed a connectivity revolution that has significantly reduced logistics costs.
With the highest number of expressways and international airports in the country, the state has become a gateway of progress.
He cited major infrastructure projects, such as the Dedicated Freight Corridor and the Defence Corridor, which are shaping UP into an industrial powerhouse.
The PM also mentioned flagship initiatives like Namami Gange and One District One Product (ODOP), which are boosting cruise and heritage tourism while placing Uttar Pradesh firmly on the global map.
He noted UP now contributes 55% of India’s mobile phone production, and a new semiconductor facility soon to be commissioned here will take India’s journey towards self-reliance to the next level.
Referring to India’s fintech revolution, he cited open platforms such as UPI, Aadhaar, and DigiLocker, which are enabling prosperity for all, from mall shoppers to street vendors.
He highlighted that through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, 2.5 million sellers, including small shopkeepers, are supplying directly to the government.
Goods worth Rs 15 trillion have been procured via GeM, of which Rs 7 trillion came from small industries, a true reflection of Antyodaya in action, Modi noted.
Emphasising the importance of self-reliance in the defence sector, he said the armed forces are increasingly seeking indigenous products.
“The production of AK-203 rifles will soon commence in UP with Russian collaboration, while the Defence Corridor is poised to become a major hub for weapons manufacturing,” he underscored.
He highlighted that UP is poised to play a significant role in the semiconductor sector, with the construction of a large facility set to begin just a few kilometres from Greater Noida, an important step toward making India self-reliant in technology.
Appealing to global and domestic investors, the PM urged them to invest in UP, a state that is charting new dimensions of development.
He described the recently implemented Next Generation GST reforms as a cornerstone of India’s unfolding growth story.
Modi observed under the leadership of Yogi, UP is progressing rapidly. “Improved connectivity has cut logistics costs, and the state’s expanding network of expressways and airports has made it a highly attractive investment destination.”
He praised the ODOP initiative, which has taken local crafts and products to the international market, noting that the ODOP catalogue itself is now enough to introduce foreign guests to the diversity of UP.
Stressing the role of innovation, he emphasised that progress cannot be achieved without research and private sector participation and that UP is making strong advances in this direction.
With its growing presence in defence production, semiconductors, and mobile manufacturing, the state is emerging as India’s manufacturing hub.