Can’t accept export of raw materials, value addition must happen in India: PM

Bhubaneswar, PTI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he cannot accept raw materials getting exported and finished products being shipped into the country, asserting that value additions must happen in India. Inaugurating the ‘Utkarsh Odisha, Make in Odisha Conclave’ in Bhubaneswar’s Janata Maidan, Modi said he considers eastern India as the growth engine of the country, and the state plays an important role in it. “ 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.

“The minerals are extracted here and exported to some other country where value addition is done and finished products are then sent back to India. This trend is not acceptable to Modi,” he added, citing the example of the export of marine products for processing in other countries. Urging all to recognise the challenges of the global supply chain in a changing world, the PM said India cannot rely on fragmented and import-based supply chains.

“Instead, a robust supply and value chain must be built within India to minimise the impact of global fluctuations. This responsibility lies with both the government and the industry,” he said. The PM said the milestone of a USD 5 trillion economy was not f a r away for India. He said India’s economy rests on two major pillars -- the innovative service sector and quality products. “The potential for green jobs is also growing significantly. There is a need to adapt to the demands and requirements of the times. India is focusing on green technology and a green future, including solar, wind, hydro, and green hydrogen, which will power the energy security of a developed India,” he said.

The PM said the aspirations of crores of people were driving India’s movement on the path of development. “Today, India is moving on a path of development driven by the aspirations of crores of people. This is an era of AI. However, the aspiration of India, not just AI, is the power of our country. 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,” he said. Modi said the 21st century is about connected infrastructure and multi-modal connectivity.

“India is building specialised infrastructure at unprecedented speed and scale. It will make India a great destination for investment,” he said. The PM said ASEAN countries have shown interest in strengthening trade ties with Odisha. “I consider eastern India as the growth engine of the country, with Odisha playing a crucial role in this. History shows that during times when India significantly contributed to global growth, eastern India also made important contributions,” he said. Modi said measures were being taken to expand the petrochemical sector in the state, and dedicated industrial parks and investment regions were being developed in Paradip and Gopalpur.