BHUBANESWAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong message on Tuesday, emphasising that India cannot continue to rely on exporting raw materials while importing finished products.
Speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Utkarsh Odisha, Make in Odisha Conclave’ in Bhubaneswar, the Prime Minister underscored the need for value addition to occur within India, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to industrial and economic growth.
“The minerals are extracted here and exported to other countries where value addition is done. These finished products are then sent back to India. This trend is unacceptable to me,” Modi declared, calling for a transformation in the country’s manufacturing ecosystem.
He highlighted that India’s development hinges on fostering value addition domestically rather than merely acting as a supplier of raw materials. “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,” he said, positioning this shift as a cornerstone of his government’s strategy to drive India’s economic progress.
Eastern India: The growth engine
Reaffirming his belief in the potential of eastern India, Modi described the region, particularly Odisha, as a “growth engine” for the nation. He pointed out that the state’s abundant resources, strategic location, and hardworking population make it a critical player in India’s development story.
“History shows that during times when India significantly contributed to global growth, eastern India also made important contributions. Odisha has opportunities, and its people have shown an unmatched spirit of outperforming,” he said.
Modi expressed optimism that Odisha is poised for an unprecedented leap in development. “I am confident that Odisha will very soon reach heights of development that no one has ever imagined. The entire team of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is committed to accelerating the state’s growth,” he noted, signaling alignment between the central and state governments.
Aspiration is driving force
Calling aspiration the true driver of India’s progress, Modi said the needs and dreams of millions of Indians are propelling the nation forward.
“This is an era of AI, and everyone is talking about Artificial Intelligence. But for me, the aspiration of India – our people’s ambition – is the real AI. Aspiration grows when the needs of the people are fulfilled, and in the last decade, the country has witnessed the benefit of empowering millions,” Modi said, tying this empowerment to the development of states like Odisha.
Modi also highlighted growing international interest in India’s industrial potential, specifically pointing to ASEAN countries showing a keen interest in strengthening trade ties with Odisha. He emphasised the role of Odisha’s minerals and industrial capabilities in making India a global hub for finished goods.
“Odisha represents the originality and optimism of the new India. It’s outstanding in its potential, and with the right focus on value addition, it can lead the country to export finished goods that carry the stamp of India’s innovation and excellence,” he said.
The path ahead
Modi’s remarks underline a crucial policy pivot – moving from being a resource exporter to a value-driven manufacturing hub. By prioritising domestic value addition, India aims to reduce its reliance on imported finished goods, build global trade partnerships, and empower its states as centers of innovation and growth.
With Odisha at the forefront of this transformation, the Prime Minister’s call to action sends a clear message: India must leverage its resources, talent, and innovation to create world-class products, ensuring the country leads the charge in global manufacturing and exports.
