Is India on the Verge of Becoming the Third Largest Economy?

Port of Spain, July 4 (NationPress) Emphasizing that India has emerged as the fastest growing major economy globally and is poised to soon become the third largest economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday.

"The benefits of India's development are reaching those most in need," he stated, underscoring that India's growth is yielding positive outcomes for the underprivileged through various welfare initiatives introduced by both the Central and state governments.

"The World Bank has recognized that India has raised over 250 million people out of extreme poverty in the past decade. Our growth is being fueled by our innovative and dynamic youth," the Prime Minister remarked.

"Currently, India is the third largest startup ecosystem worldwide, with nearly half of these startups led by women. Approximately 120 startups have achieved unicorn status. Our national missions in Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductors, and Quantum Computing are set to become the new growth engines. In essence, innovation is evolving into a mass movement," he stated.

"India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has transformed digital transactions. Nearly half of the world's real-time digital transactions occur in India. I congratulate Trinidad & Tobago for being the first nation in the region to adopt UPI. Now, sending money will be as simple as sending a 'good morning' text! And I assure you, it will be quicker than West Indies bowling," he quipped.

"Our Mission Manufacturing aims to establish India as a manufacturing hub. We have become the second largest mobile manufacturer globally and are exporting railway locomotives worldwide."

"Our defense exports have surged 20-fold in just the past decade. We are not merely manufacturing in India; we are producing for the world. As we progress, we ensure that our growth is mutually beneficial," PM Modi stated.

"Today's India is a land of opportunities. Be it in business, tourism, education, or healthcare, India has much to offer," he added.

"Your ancestors embarked on a long and arduous journey, spanning over 100 days across the seas, to arrive here – Saat Samandar Par! Today, that same journey can be completed in just a few hours. I encourage you all to visit India more in person, rather than just virtually on social media!"

"Explore the villages of your forefathers. Walk the ground they trod. Bring your children, your neighbors, anyone who enjoys chai and a good story. We will receive you all with open arms, warm hearts, and jalebi!" PM Modi added.

The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the Indian diaspora present for the affection shown towards him by the Caribbean nation.

PM Modi thanked Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for bestowing upon him Trinidad and Tobago's highest national honor.

Commending India's space program in Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the site of the Chandrayaan-3 probe's landing on the Moon has been named 'Shiv Shakti Point'.

"An Indian astronaut is currently aboard the International Space Station. We are actively working on a manned space mission, 'Gaganyaan'. Soon, an Indian will set foot on the moon, and India will possess its own space station," he said while addressing the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago.

PM Modi also mentioned that India is sharing the benefits of its achievements with the global community.

"I am certain that each of you feels immense pride when India flourishes. In New India, even the sky is not the limit. You all must have celebrated when India's Chandrayaan landed on the moon. The location of its landing has been named Shiv Shakti Point," the Prime Minister remarked.

He also praised the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago, referring to them as 'Rashtradoot' and as the "Ambassadors of values and cultures".

"We greatly value the strength and support of our diaspora. With over 35 million people across the globe, the Indian diaspora is our pride. As I have reiterated, each of you is a Rashtradoot – an Ambassador of India's values, culture, and heritage," the Prime Minister added.

He also stated: "This year, during the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Bhubaneshwar, Trinidad and Tobago President Christine Carla Kangaloo was our Chief Guest. A few years back, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Ji graced us with her presence."

"At the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, I announced several initiatives to commemorate and connect with the Girmitiya community worldwide. We are documenting the past and fostering connections for a brighter future. We are diligently working to create a comprehensive database for the Girmitiya community, documenting the villages and cities in India from where their ancestors migrated, identifying their settlement locations, studying and preserving the legacy of the Girmitiya ancestors, and organizing World Girmitiya Conferences regularly. This will further strengthen our deep and historic ties with our brothers and sisters in Trinidad and Tobago," the Prime Minister added.

"I am sure you all celebrated the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after a span of 500 years... You had sent holy water and Shila for the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. I have also brought something with me, infused with the same sense of devotion. It is my privilege to present a replica of the Ram Mandir and some water from the Holy Saryu," Mr. Modi stated.

He emphasized that the sixth generations of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago are now set to receive their Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards, affirming that they are not merely linked by blood or surname, as India has wholeheartedly embraced them.

"Today, I am pleased to announce that OCI cards will be issued to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago. You are not only connected by blood or surname but also by a sense of belonging. India watches over you, India welcomes you, and India embraces you," Prime Minister Modi declared during his address to the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago.

He also noted that PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar's ancestors hailed from Bihar's Buxar region.

"People regard her as the daughter of Bihar... Bihar's heritage is a source of pride for India and the world... For centuries, Bihar has led the way in various fields. New opportunities will emerge from Bihar in the 21st century as well," he added.

The Prime Minister joyously welcomed the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years, expressing profound faith and devotion towards Lord Ram.

Addressing the Indian diaspora, PM Modi remarked, "We remember that you sent holy water and Shilas for constructing the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya."

"I have also brought something with me, reflective of the same sense of devotion. I have a replica of the Ram Mandir and some holy water from the Sarayu River," he added.

PM Modi also stated: "The Ram-Leelas in Sangre Grande and Dow Village are known to be truly unique. Shri Ram Charit Manas states, राम धामदा पुरी सुहावनि। लोक समस्त बिदित अति पावनि।। This means, the sacred city of Prabhu Shri Ram is so beautiful that its glory is renowned across the world. I am confident you all welcomed the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years with immense joy."

"Prabhu Shri Ram mentions that Ayodhya's glory springs from the sacred Sarayu. Anyone who dips in its waters finds eternal union with Shri Ram himself," PM Modi proclaimed.

"You are all aware that earlier this year, the world's largest spiritual gathering, the Maha Kumbh, took place. I have the honor of carrying water from the Maha Kumbh with me. I kindly request PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar ji to offer the sacred waters of the Sarayu River and Maha Kumbh to the Ganga Dhara here. May these holy waters bless the people of Trinidad and Tobago," the Prime Minister added.

He also mentioned: "I recognize that the narrative of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is one of resilience. The challenges faced by your ancestors could have shattered even the strongest spirits. Yet, they confronted hardships with hope, met challenges with perseverance, and left the Ganga and Yamuna behind while carrying the Ramayan in their hearts. They departed from their land but not from their essence. They were not mere migrants but messengers of an eternal civilization. Their contributions have enriched this nation culturally, economically, and spiritually. Just observe the impact you have made on this beautiful country."

"Our bond transcends geography and generations," PM Modi noted.

The Prime Minister also remarked: "Kamla Persad-Bissessar Ji – as the first female Prime Minister of this nation. Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo Ji - as President. The late Basdeo Pandey, the son of a farmer, rose to become Prime Minister and a respected global leader. Eminent mathematician Rudranath Capildeo, music icon Sundar Popo, cricketing talent Darren Ganga, and Sewdass Sadhu, whose devotion built the Temple in the Sea. The roster of achievers continues to expand."

"You, the descendants of Girmitiyas, are no longer defined by struggle. You are defined by your achievements, your service, and your values. Honestly, there must be something magical in the doubles and dal poori — for you have doubled the success of this great nation!" PM Modi declared during his address to the Indian community here.

"When I last visited 25 years ago, we all admired the cover drives and pull shots of Lara. Today, it is Sunil Narine and Nicholas Pooran who spark the same excitement in our youth. Between then and now, our friendship has only grown stronger."

"Benaras, Patna, Kolkata, Delhi may be cities in India, but they are also street names here. Navratra, Mahashivratri, Janmashtmi are celebrated here with joy, spirit, and pride. Chowtal and Baithak Gana continue to flourish here."

"I can see the warmth of many familiar faces. And I sense curiosity in the bright eyes of a younger generation - eager to learn and grow together. Truly, our connections extend far beyond geography and generations.