Prime Minister Narendra Modi today underscored Bengaluru’s pivotal role in India’s defence technology and the Make in India mission, linking the city’s dynamic tech ecosystem and skilled workforce to the success of Operation Sindoor. The operation, which involved precise strikes on terrorist camps and swift military dominance over Pakistani forces, has been celebrated as a showcase of India’s burgeoning military capabilities, powered by indigenous innovation and technology.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Bengaluru Metro Yellow Line and the foundation laying of Phase 3, PM Modi commended Karnataka’s youth for their contributions to defence manufacturing and technology. He emphasised that Bengaluru is not only a global IT hub but also a rising centre for high-end defence production. “The success of Operation Sindoor is a testament to the strength of our technology and defence capabilities built on the foundation of Make in India,” he stated. “Bengaluru’s youth and Karnataka’s industrial ecosystem have played a major role in this achievement.”
The Prime Minister praised Bengaluru’s unique blend of tradition and innovation, paying tribute to its founder, Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, for envisioning a city that harmonises heritage with progress. On the infrastructure front, PM Modi inaugurated the Yellow Line of the Bengaluru Metro, connecting key areas from RV Road to Bommasandra and enhancing urban mobility. He also laid the foundation for Phase 3 of the metro, including the Orange Line, which is expected to serve 2.5 million daily passengers, further strengthening the city’s public transport network.
In a move to boost regional and national connectivity, the Prime Minister flagged off three new Vande Bharat Express trains. The Bengaluru-Belagavi route, in particular, is set to significantly enhance trade and tourism between Karnataka’s commercial centres. Additional trains running between Nagpur-Pune and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Amritsar will serve millions, including pilgrims, fostering greater economic integration.
Highlighting India’s economic growth, PM Modi noted that over the past 11 years, the country has climbed from the world’s 10th largest economy to the top 5, with ambitions to reach the top 3. This growth is driven by relentless reforms and transformational initiatives, such as expanding metro rail networks from 5 cities in 2014 to 24 cities today, creating over 1,000 kilometres of metro lines—the third largest network globally.
The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s achievements in railway electrification, airport infrastructure, and national waterways. Electrified rail routes have doubled, airports have increased from 74 to over 160, and operational national waterways have grown from 3 to 30, enhancing multimodal transport options.
On social infrastructure, PM Modi pointed to the expansion of health and education facilities, with AIIMS institutions growing from 7 to 22 and medical colleges from 387 to 704, adding over 100,000 new medical seats. The number of IITs and IIITs has also increased, broadening access to higher education. He noted the government’s push to improve quality of life by constructing over 40 million pucca houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and building over 120 million toilets, enhancing dignity, hygiene, and safety, particularly for women.
Digital transformation was another key focus, with PM Modi citing India’s leadership in digital payments via UPI, which handles over 50 percent of the world’s real-time transactions. More than 2,200 government services are now available on mobile platforms, and initiatives like the UMANG app and DigiLocker have simplified citizens’ access to government services and documents. India is also investing in emerging technologies such as AI-powered threat detection and aiming for global leadership in AI and space technology, including the development of a Made-in-India chip.
Calling for stronger emphasis on technological self-reliance, PM Modi urged Karnataka and Bengaluru’s tech industry to prioritise the development of high-quality, zero-defect, zero-impact products that maintain environmental standards. He emphasised that innovation and manufacturing must go hand-in-hand to sustain India’s growth story.
In governance, PM Modi praised ongoing reforms, such as the decriminalisation of certain laws and the introduction of competency-based training programs for government employees under Mission Karmayogi. He encouraged state governments to identify and remove outdated criminal provisions and adopt new learning frameworks to enhance administrative efficiency.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that Karnataka, through collaborative efforts between the central and state governments and active citizen participation, would reach new heights of development and contribute significantly to the vision of a developed India.
