Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that India’s strategic investments in energy security have enhanced the nation’s resilience amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Speaking at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, Modi highlighted how efforts to boost domestic fuel production and expand renewable energy resources have positioned India to better manage disruptions caused by conflicts involving Iran and Gulf countries.
During his visit to Karnataka, Modi inaugurated infrastructure projects worth over ₹15,600 crore, including a new section of the Bengaluru Metro, extending its operational length beyond 100 kilometers. He laid the foundation stone for several energy and infrastructure projects, such as an LPG facility in Mangaluru, which will increase India’s storage capacity by 80,000 metric tonnes, and a marketing terminal in Devangonthi to enhance the supply of petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel.
India’s renewable energy capacity has surpassed 300 gigawatts, Modi noted, underscoring the expansion of rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and solar-powered irrigation pumps through the PM-KUSUM scheme. A new compressed biogas plant in Bengaluru is also set to produce around 13 tonnes of biogas daily, reducing waste and reliance on imported natural gas.
Modi highlighted the role of India’s growing middle class as a catalyst for economic development, driving demand across various sectors, including automobiles, electronics, tourism, education, and healthcare. He also pointed to advancements in space technology, noting that satellite applications are increasingly used for practical purposes such as weather forecasting, railway monitoring, and crop insurance assessments.
As part of enhancing space technology capabilities, Modi remarked on the opportunities emerging from opening the sector to private companies and startups, which have bolstered innovation and technological prowess. During his visit to Mysuru, he lauded India’s progress in space technology, astronomy, and scientific research.