21st Century Belongs to 140 Crore Indians, Says Modi

Kurnool: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the 21st century belongs to 140 crore Indians and that the country will become “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047. The world, Modi said, is seeing India as a new manufacturing centre, and the basis of this success is the vision of a self-reliant India

“As (Andhra Pradesh CM) N. Chandrababu Naidu said, by 2047, the centenary year of independence, Viksit Bharat will happen. I can confidently say that the 21st century will be India's century. The 21st century belongs to 140 crore Indians,” the Prime Minister said in his address after inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 13,000 crore.

Highlighting the country’s Make in India ecosystem, Modi said, “We saw the might of home-made things in Operation Sindoor”, the military offensive launched at cross-border terror launchpads in Pakistan, after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.

Referring to recent developments, such as the hike in income-tax exemption to Rs 12 lakh and GST rate reforms, the Prime Minister said the vision of the NDA government is “citizen-centric development” and pointed out that continuous reforms are being undertaken to make people's lives easier.

Modi said Andhra Pradesh is fast emerging as a vital force in India’s growth story, crediting the state’s rapid progress to the synergy between the Centre and the State under the double-engine government.

He reiterated the Central government’s commitment to help AP become a hub of infrastructure, energy, and industrial growth. “AP is a land of pride, rich culture, science and innovation”, the Prime Minister said, adding that the state’s limitless potential and the capabilities of its youth are being recognised and harnessed like never before.

“What Andhra needed was the right vision and leadership. Fortunately, today, with leaders like N. Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan, AP has visionary leadership, along with the full support of the central government”, he remarked.

Earlier in the day, Modi performed Rudrabhishekam and offered prayers at Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Varla Devasthanam. He was accompanied by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan.

After the temple visit, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects in roads, railways, electricity, and trade, stating that these initiatives would enhance connectivity across the state, boost industrial growth, and improve the quality of life for citizens. He said the projects will bring new employment and economic opportunities, particularly benefiting Kurnool and nearby regions.

Among the major projects launched was a Rs 3,000-crore transmission project aimed at strengthening the country’s power network. “Eleven years ago, during the Opposition-led Congress government, per capita electricity use was below 1,000 units, and many villages lacked power. Today, with per capita use at 1,400 units, every village has electricity, and supply is reliable for homes and industries”, he said.

Modi also announced the launch of the Natural Gas Pipeline Project from Srikakulam to Angul, and inaugurated Indian Oil’s LPG Bottling Plant in Chittoor. He said that the newly constructed highway between Sabbavaram and Sheelanagar will strengthen road connectivity, while new railway lines and rail flyovers will ease travel and promote industrial movement. “Multi-modal infrastructure is developing rapidly across the country, and we are focusing on connectivity from villages to cities and ports”, he said.

Highlighting recent global investments, Modi said Google has announced a major investment in AP to set up India’s first AI Hub. He said the project will include advanced AI infrastructure, data centre capacity, renewable energy sources, and expanded fibre-optic networks.

Stating that Andhra Pradesh is not only a land of self-respect and culture, but also the hub of science and innovation, the Prime Minister said Google would also establish an International Subsea Gateway in Visakhapatnam with multiple subsea cables connecting India’s eastern coast.

“This will make Visakhapatnam a major hub for AI and global digital connectivity”, he said, congratulating the people of the state.

Modi announced the launch of an Advanced Night Vision factory in Nimmaluru to boost India’s defence production capacity. The unit will manufacture night vision devices, missile sensors, and drone guard systems to enhance the country’s defence exports.

He also lauded the state government’s initiative to develop Kurnool as India’s drone hub. He said the drone industry would open new technology-driven sectors and make Kurnool a centre of innovation and employment in the coming years.

Naidu said Andhra Pradesh is attracting the highest investments with the cooperation of Modi. “With double-engine NDA sarkar both at the Centre and in the state, Andhra Pradesh is reaping incremental benefits. With the cooperation of PM Modi, the state is receiving the highest investments,” Naidu said.

Congratulating Modi for completing 25 years in office, Naidu reiterated that he is the right leader in the right place at the right time. He said India is very fortunate to have him (Modi) as the PM, who is working without rest or break, recalling his association with several other PMs.

Addressing the event, Pawan Kalyan said the Prime Minister is charting a path for the next two to three generations. “With Atmanirbhar Bharat, he is putting the country on the world map and largest projects like Google have come to Andhra Pradesh,” he said.