By Bl New Delhi

Copyright thehindubusinessline

Emphasising that Uttar Pradesh is emerging at the new hub of investment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday encouraged investors to explore investments in the state underscoring the criticality of self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) with focus on business models that promote Swadeshi.

Speaking at the third Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show, the Prime Minister noted that the State is shaping new dimensions of development and has become a new hub of investment and progress.

Uttar Pradesh is full of extraordinary possibilities, he said adding, that in recent years, a revolution in connectivity has reduced logistics costs. UP has now become the State with the most expressways and international airports. Infrastructure projects such as the dedicated freight corridor and defence corridor are transforming UP into an industrial hub.

He also underscored initiatives such as Namami Gange and One District One Product (ODOP) that are promoting cruise tourism and heritage tourism, placing UP on the global map. Modi highlighted that 55 per cent of India’s mobile phone production takes place in UP, and soon a semiconductor facility will be established here, taking the country’s self-reliance to new heights.

Under the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath, UP is progressing rapidly. Its improved connectivity has reduced logistics costs, and with the most expressways and airports, it has become attractive for investment, he added.

Self-reliance

The Prime Minister emphasised strengthening the spirit of Swadeshi, urging that what can be made in India must be made in India.

Aatmanirbharta is a necessity, not an option, the Prime Minister stressed calling on entrepreneurs to design business models that advance self-reliance. Stressing quality, he noted that only user-friendly and sustainable products of the highest standards can give Swadeshi global recognition.

Highlighting self-reliance, he said India’s armed forces now seek Swadeshi equipment. In UP, AK-203 rifle production with Russia is set to begin, while the defence corridor will boost arms manufacturing. A major semiconductor facility near Greater Noida will also make UP pivotal in Atmanirbhar technology. The PM urged investors to tap into UP’s new growth opportunities.

PM Modi said next-generation GST reforms have laid the foundation of India’s growth story by reducing the tax burden on common households. He cited examples—tax on a ₹1,000 shirt has dropped from ₹170 before 2014 to just ₹35 today, while levies on essentials such as hair oil and face cream have fallen from ₹31 to ₹5.

Similarly, taxes on tractors, three-wheelers, and two-wheelers have been cut drastically, giving families an average annual saving of ₹25,000 and the nation a collective saving of ₹2.5 lakh crore.

Highlighting the goal of a developed India by 2047, the Prime Minister said that despite global uncertainties, India is finding new directions. A young and skilled workforce, a dynamic consumer base, and democratic stability make India the most attractive for investment.

He encouraged investment in UP, saying: “with your efforts, we will build a developed India.” The PM said that UP’s progress is the foundation of a self-reliant India.

Published on September 25, 2025