New Delhi, Aug 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday declared that India is rapidly advancing toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy, a statement made shortly after US President Donald Trump had dismissed India as a “dead economy.”
Addressing the public after laying the foundation stone for the Rs 15,610 crore Bangalore Metro Phase 3 project, Modi underscored the country’s swift economic progress and technological strength. “During the past 11 years, India’s economy has grown from the 10th position to the top five globally, and we are moving fast to become one of the top three economies of the world,” he said. “How did we get this speed? Through the spirit of reform, perform and transform,” he added, noting the role of clear intention and honest efforts.
Modi also referenced Operation Sindoor, a military campaign demonstrating India’s capability to destroy terrorist hideouts deep inside enemy territory. “This operation showed the strength to bring Pakistan, which defended terrorists, to its knees within hours. The world witnessed this new face of India,” he said, attributing the success to advances in technology and the strength of ‘Make in India’ in the defence sector.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Metro Rail Yellow Line in Bengaluru, valued at about Rs 7,160 crore, and flagged off three Vande Bharat Express trains. These launches, however, sparked a dispute over credit between the Centre and Karnataka state officials.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah pointed out that the state has been spending more than the Centre on Bengaluru’s metro network, despite the project being intended as a joint effort. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the Centre “has very little role in the Bengaluru Metro Rail project,” claiming that 80 to 90 percent of the costs were borne by the state government. “The Centre has fully neglected Karnataka, but to respect Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we requested him to inaugurate the Metro Yellow Line,” Shivakumar added.
Karnataka Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge accused the BJP of “hijacking” credit for the Yellow Line project. Responding to the allegations, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the increase in the railway budget for Karnataka, rising from Rs 835 crore before 2014 to Rs 7,500 crore after Modi became Prime Minister.
Focusing on broader economic goals, Modi emphasized the importance of self-reliance, particularly in technology. “Indian tech companies have made a mark globally, developing software and products for the entire world,” he said. He urged the nation to prioritize becoming self-reliant in technology as the next major objective under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
With rapid growth across multiple sectors and major infrastructure projects underway, India’s economic trajectory appears poised to accelerate further, Modi added.
