Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India is building a new manufacturing ecosystem "from chips to ships" as it moves towards becoming a developed nation. Addressing the Indian community in Melbourne during his Australia visit, he said the country is also working on 6G technology to lead global innovation.
Highlighting India's rapid growth, Modi said the country has grown from a few hundred startups to over two lakh registered startups, with more than 4,000 new ventures launching every month. He credited India's youth for transforming the country into the world's third-largest startup ecosystem, adding that these startups are thriving not just in major cities but across districts.
"Hundreds of startups are working in advanced sectors like defence and space, with an Indian space startup preparing to launch a satellite on its own rocket in the near future," he said.
The Prime Minister also outlined India's future ambitions, including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission and plans to establish its own space station. Referring to the successful Chandrayaan mission, he said India continues to strengthen its position in space exploration and scientific innovation.
Speaking about the country's manufacturing push, Modi said the past 12 years have transformed 'Make in India' into a global brand, with Indian-made mobile phones, automobiles and defence equipment earning international recognition. He added that India's defence sector today represents both capability and credibility on the global stage.
Referring to India's recent counter-terror operation, Operation Sindoor, Modi said the world had witnessed the country's military strength.
"You must have seen the demonstration in Operation Sindoor. The explosions were taking place at terrorist bases, and their echoes were heard across the world. Did you feel proud on the action taken against terrorist camps?" he asked, drawing loud applause from the audience.
He added that the foundation of India's aspirations lies in its people and said the mantra of "Nagrik Devo Bhava" has become the guiding principle of governance.
Praising the Indian diaspora, Modi said Indians living in Australia continue to remain emotionally connected to their homeland despite the geographical distance. While contributing to Australia's growth through their hard work, they closely follow India's progress and development.
Recalling his first visit to Australia in 2014 after a gap of 28 years by an Indian Prime Minister, Modi said this was now his third visit in 12 years, describing it as a "hat-trick" that reflected the growing strength of India-Australia ties.
"Over the past 12 years, this is my third visit to Australia. It reflects the heights India-Australia relations have reached. And do you know who deserves the biggest credit for this? Not Modi, but all of you. The Indian diaspora has played the biggest role," he said.
He also praised Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for his popularity among the Indian community.
Earlier, PM Modi received a rousing welcome from members of the Indian diaspora in Melbourne, with chants of "Modi-Modi" and "Vande Mataram".
"The weather in Melbourne may be cold but the warmth of the welcome from the Indian community was truly unforgettable. Their affection and unwavering bond with India continue to be a source of immense joy and pride," Modi wrote on X.
During the event, he witnessed several cultural performances, including a fusion of Australia's ancient Didgeridoo and India's tabla, a 10-piece symphony orchestra presentation of Maa Tujhe Salaam, and a Kathak performance.
"Witnessed a truly exceptional musical performance featuring Australia's ancient Didgeridoo and India's Tabla. The harmony between these two timeless instruments beautifully reflected the deep cultural connect between our two nations," he said.
Modi arrived in Australia after concluding his visit to Indonesia, where India signed several agreements covering agriculture, defence and cooperation on the BrahMos cruise missile system. He is scheduled to travel to New Zealand on Friday before returning to India.
