Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s strides in energy security and infrastructure development during his visit to Karnataka, asserting that these efforts have fortified the nation against the disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. While inaugurating infrastructure projects valued at over ₹15,600 crore, Modi emphasized the strategic investments made in energy security over the past decade, which have bolstered India’s resilience.
At the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, Modi detailed India’s initiatives to boost domestic fuel production, establish crude oil storage facilities, and expand renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. These measures, he stated, are critical in mitigating the impact of geopolitical tensions involving Iran and Gulf countries on the country’s energy supply.
During his visit, the Prime Minister launched a new segment of the Bengaluru Metro, extending the network’s operational stretch to over 100 kilometers. He also laid the foundation stones for several key projects designed to enhance fuel storage, distribution, and waste management infrastructure. Notable projects include an LPG facility in Mangaluru, set to increase storage capacity by 80,000 metric tonnes, and the Devangonthi marketing terminal, which aims to streamline the supply of petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel. Additionally, a compressed biogas plant in Bengaluru is expected to produce about 13 tonnes of biogas daily, contributing to waste reduction and decreasing reliance on imported natural gas.
Modi highlighted India’s renewable energy capacity, which has surpassed 300 gigawatts, and underscored programs like the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and the PM-KUSUM scheme, which support rooftop solar installations and solar-powered irrigation pumps, respectively. He noted these initiatives as pivotal in promoting sustainable energy and reducing environmental impact.
Further addressing the audience in Mysuru, Modi discussed India’s advancements in space technology, astronomy, and scientific research. He pointed out the practical applications of satellite technology in areas such as weather forecasting for fishermen, railway monitoring, and crop insurance assessments. The opening of the space sector to private entities and startups, he added, has spurred innovation and enhanced the country’s technological prowess.
Concluding his remarks, Modi highlighted the role of India’s burgeoning middle class as a catalyst for economic development, driving demand in sectors like automobiles, electronics, tourism, education, and healthcare. This economic momentum, he suggested, is integral to India’s continued progress on the global stage.