'Weapons made in India unsettle terrorism's masters': PM Modi hails indigenous arms in Operation Sindoor; pushes for manufacturing and economic growth
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday highlighted the key role of indigenous "Made-in-India" weapons in
Operation Sindoor
, stating that they continue to unsettle those who support terrorism.
Speaking at a public event in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi, he also launched a range of development projects aimed at boosting infrastructure and economic growth in the region.
"Today, the Government of India is strongly emphasising
Make in India
and Mission Manufacturing. You all recently witnessed the power of Make in India during Operation Sindoor. The weapons made in India played a major role in reducing terrorist hideouts to rubble.
Weapons made in India are still keeping the masters of terrorism awake at night," the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi also spoke about the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) recently signed between India and the United Kingdom, calling it a major step toward making India the world's third-largest economy.
"Today, we are here advancing the vision of a developed Tamil Nadu and a developed India through our efforts. A Free Trade Agreement has been made between Britain and India, which also accelerates this vision.
This agreement will also give new strength to India's economy; it will further speed up our pace to become the world's third-largest economy," he said.
He added that the agreement would open new markets for Indian goods by eliminating tariffs and increasing competitiveness. "After this FTA agreement, 99% of Indian products sold in Britain will be tax-free. When Indian goods are cheaper in Britain, their demand will increase...
The India-Britain FTA will benefit Tamil Nadu's youth, our small industries, MSMEs, and start-ups the most," PM Modi said.
During the visit, the Prime Minister inaugurated the new terminal at Thoothukudi Airport, built at a cost of Rs 450 crore. The upgraded facility increases the airport's capacity from 3 lakh to over 20 lakh passengers annually.
"...Today, the inauguration of the new advanced terminal at Thoothukudi Airport is another big step in this direction.
This terminal, built at a cost of Rs 450 crore, will now be able to host more than 20 lakh passengers annually, whereas earlier, the annual capacity was only 3 lakh passengers," he said.
He also dedicated two major road projects worth around Rs 2,500 crore to improve connectivity between Thoothukudi and Chennai. These projects are expected to strengthen port connectivity, ease travel, and create more job opportunities.
"Today, we have also dedicated two major road projects to the people of Tamil Nadu. These roads, built at a cost of approximately Rs 2,500 crore, will connect two major development areas to Chennai... The connectivity of Thoothukudi port has also significantly improved. This will enhance the ease of living in this entire region and open new avenues for trade and employment," the Prime Minister said.
In all, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development projects worth Rs 4,900 crore, including port infrastructure upgrades, airport expansion, highway construction, rail electrification, and clean energy initiatives.
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