Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi inaugurated the third edition of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida on Thursday, hailing it as a powerful platform for entrepreneurship, innovation, and India’s journey toward economic self-reliance.
Addressing a vibrant gathering of industrialists, exporters, innovators, and youth, Mr. Modi praised the government of Uttar Pradesh and Chief Minister Mr. Yogi Adityanath for successfully organizing the event.
The five-day exhibition, concluding on September 29, features over 2,200 exhibitors, showcasing products and services that represent India’s growing capabilities in sectors ranging from agriculture to aerospace.
Russia Named Country Partner in Strategic Trade Expansion
Highlighting the international nature of the event, Mr. Modi announced that Russia is the country partner this year, strengthening Indo-Russian trade relations and opening new avenues for global market access.
The trade show is not only a commercial event but also a diplomatic and economic engagement tool that reflects India’s growing influence on the world stage.
Antyodaya: Ensuring Development Reaches the Last Mile
Marking the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, the Prime Minister reiterated the guiding philosophy of Antyodaya—uplifting the last person in the queue.
“Development should reach the poor and eliminate all forms of discrimination,” said Mr. Modi. He emphasized that the government’s mission is aligned with social justice and inclusive growth.
Digital and Economic Reforms Paving the Way for a New India
Mr. Modi credited digital reforms such as UPI, Aadhaar, DigiLocker, and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal as catalysts for a silent economic revolution. He revealed that over 2.5 million service providers are now registered on GeM, and procurement through the platform has crossed Rs. 15 lakh crore, with Rs. 7 lakh crore coming from MSMEs, demonstrating support for small-scale industries.
Calling GST a “historic tax reform,” he cited its role in reducing the burden on both families and businesses. “A shirt costing Rs. 1,000 earlier attracted Rs. 117 in taxes; now, it is only Rs. 35,” he said.
Strengthening ‘Make in India’: From Chips to Ships
PM Modi made a strong pitch for domestic manufacturing, stating, “Every product that we can make in India must be made in India.” He urged entrepreneurs to commit to indigenous production, from microchips to massive infrastructure like ships.
He underscored the need for quality control and a robust ecosystem for research, design, and development, affirming that the government stands shoulder to shoulder with the private sector.
Uttar Pradesh: A Rising Industrial Powerhouse
Calling Uttar Pradesh a model of infrastructure-led development, Mr. Modi highlighted that the state is now a national leader in expressway connectivity and is building the highest number of international airports in India.
He also praised initiatives like the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, which has elevated local artisans and district-specific products to global platforms.
In a significant statistic, the Prime Minister noted that 55 per cent of India’s mobile phone production now takes place in Uttar Pradesh. The state also houses strategic manufacturing units such as AK-203 rifles and BrahMos missiles, adding defense manufacturing to its industrial portfolio.
Tax Reforms Empowering the Middle Class
Taking a critical look at the pre-2014 tax regime, Mr. Modi said it was rife with corruption and exploitation. Today, he pointed out, income up to Rs. 12 lakh is effectively tax-free, and tax rates are continuously declining to support honest taxpayers and stimulate spending.
A Call to Investors: Invest in India, Invest in Uttar Pradesh
Reaching out to both domestic and global investors, Mr. Modi said, “Investing in India—and especially in Uttar Pradesh—is a win-win situation.”
He emphasized that in the changing global economic order, reduced dependency on foreign suppliers is key to long-term progress. The trade show, he said, reflects India’s capabilities and the world’s growing confidence in Indian enterprise.
He concluded with a call to action: “Together, we must make India a developed nation by 2047.”
