Union Minister Nitin Gadkari delivered a stirring address at ‘Sagar Manthan 2.0’, where he unveiled a daring strategy for India’s economic resurgence. Centered on a pivot from heavy imports to bolstering exports, Gadkari’s approach redefines patriotism in the context of trade and self-reliance, particularly in the realm of fuel consumption.
Gadkari, leading the Road Transport and Highways Ministry, tied the reduction of petrol and diesel imports to combating global terrorism. His assertion, “Till this import is not stopped, terrorism will not stop across the world,” marks a stark revelation of his vision. He envisions an India completely independent of foreign fuel, a milestone he equates with a ‘new freedom’.
The financial stakes are immense. With the nation’s petrol and diesel import bill at INR 16 lakh crore, Gadkari suggests that lowering this expenditure could channel resources towards elevating India’s impoverished. This strategic shift includes embracing alternative energy sources like biofuel, aligning with the global trend towards sustainability.
Under Gadkari’s stewardship, the Indian automobile industry has flourished, leaping from an INR 7 lakh crore to an impressive INR 12.5 lakh crore sector, simultaneously fuelling employment for 4.5 crore individuals and contributing significantly to GST revenues. This growth trajectory not only strengthens the economy but also solidifies the industry’s pivotal role in national development.
Gadkari’s ambitions for the sector are sky-high. He predicts India’s ascendancy to the pinnacle of the global automobile market within five years. This goal, aligned with the vision of India as a ‘vishwaguru’ (world leader) and a $5 trillion economy, received a boost recently as India surged to the third spot in global automobile exports, outstripping Japan.
The minister’s statements resonate with the broader ethos of ‘atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) and ‘sushaasan’ (good governance). This dual strategy positions India at the forefront of economic innovation and international trade, priming the nation not just for growth, but for a leadership role in the global economic arena.
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