Continued from P1

"We are a nation of 1.4 billion people brimming with aspirations; we are impatient and eager. We are the world's fastest-growing economy, yet we aim to become one of the top three economies in the world as quickly as possible. Because our driving force is 'Grow More, Achieve More'," he added.

Modi said the mantra of "Nagrik Devo Bhava" has become the guiding principle of governance in India. "The foundation of India's big dreams and great aspirations is its people... We, the People," he said, adding that the government's policies are centred on citizens' welfare.

The PM talked about the rapid progress taking place in India, based on sustained high growth, policy reforms, digital revolution and next-generation infrastructure development. "Today, India has become the world's second-largest 5G market. Moreover, India is rapidly working on 'Made in India' 6G technology as well. This is because Indians believe in the mantra: "Grow More, Achieve More'," he said.

"India does not want to stop here...a new manufacturing ecosystem -- spanning everything from chips to ships -- is being developed in India today," he added. He underlined that India's approach was not just to focus on its own progress, but to walk hand in hand with its friends and partners.

PM Modi also mentioned 'Operation Sindoor', saying the world has witnessed the capability and credibility of India's defence platform. "You must have seen the demo during 'Operation Sindoor'. Explosions were taking place at the terrorists' hideouts, and the echo was reverberating across the world," he said. "Did you feel proud of the action taken against terrorist camps?" Modi asked, amid cheers and applause from the audience.

Modi said India has more than 200,000 registered start-ups and more than 4,000 new start-ups are being registered every month. He said hundreds of start-ups are working in sectors such as defence and space. These sectors were opened to private entrepreneurship only a few years ago, and today, India's first private space start-up is set to launch a satellite on its own rocket very soon, he said.

"You are all aware of Chandrayaan's landing on the Moon's south pole. No country, other than India, has been able to achieve this. But India is not satisfied with this. As we say, 'Grow more. Achieve More.' Now India will send Gaganyaan, and we are working towards the goal of building our own space station," Modi said.