Bhubaneswar, Jan 28: At the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 in Bhubaneswar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Odisha’s pivotal role in India's economic and cultural resurgence.
In his address, the PM underscored the importance of Eastern India as the growth engine of the nation, with Odisha serving as a cornerstone in this development narrative.
A Record-Breaking Conclave
PM Modi praised the Make in Odisha Conclave as a historic event, noting that it is the largest investors' summit in Odisha's history, with five to six times more participation than previous editions.
He commended the Odisha government for organizing this monumental event, emphasizing that such gatherings are instrumental in driving the state’s development and fostering investment opportunities.
PM Narendra Modi said, "I have been told that this is the biggest investors summit in the history of Odisha - 5 to 6 times more investors are participating in it. I congratulate the govt of Odisha for this. I believe Eastern India is the growth engine of the country and Odisha is an important part of it. When India used to have a massive contribution to global growth, India's eastern part had a huge contribution to that. Odisha used to be the main centre of trade with South East Asia."
Eastern India: India’s Growth Engine
The Prime Minister passionately described Eastern India’s historic and future significance to India’s economic growth. He stated, “When India had a massive contribution to global growth, Eastern India played a crucial role. Odisha, as the main center for trade with Southeast Asia, was at the forefront of this development.”
PM Modi also reflected on Odisha's legacy, with its ancient ports acting as gateways to India. He expressed optimism about Odisha reclaiming its historical role as a trade and cultural hub in the 21st century.
Odisha’s Southeast Asia Connection
Highlighting Odisha’s deep cultural ties with Southeast Asia, PM Modi shared a personal anecdote about Indonesia’s President, who remarked that Odisha is in his DNA. He also mentioned Singapore’s excitement about its growing relationship with Odisha and the ASEAN nations’ interest in revitalizing trade and traditional connections with the state.
"...The president of Indonesia was on India's visit - he said that Odisha is in his DNA. Odisha has a legacy that connects it to Southeast Asia. In this century, Odisha is again working to revive that legacy..." the PM said.
Building Infrastructure for the 21st Century
Describing the era of “connected infrastructure and multi-modal connectivity,” PM Modi stressed the importance of ongoing projects in Odisha to improve logistics and reduce costs for industries. With thousands of crores invested in developing railways, highways, and ports, Odisha is poised to become a leading state in India’s blue economy.
He explained how these developments align with India’s focus on green technology and sustainability, ensuring a future-ready Odisha. He also encouraged Bhubaneswar to establish a world-class convention center, positioning it as a hub for conference tourism and the burgeoning "concern economy."
Odisha: A Land of Opportunities
Describing Odisha as a state of “Optimism, Originality, and Opportunity,” the Prime Minister lauded its people for their passion to outperform. He assured investors of unmatched growth opportunities, saying, “Yahi samay hai, sahi samay hai,” reiterating his confidence in Odisha’s potential.
“Odisha is truly Outstanding... Odisha symbolises the Optimism and Originality of New India. Odisha is a land of Opportunities... And the people here have always shown a passion to Outperform,” said the Prime Minister.
Modi said, "So many doors of opportunity are opening now, more than ever since independence. I invite every investor present here, and I would like to repeat what our Chief Minister has said. 'Yahi samay hai sahi samay hai,' Your investment in Odisha's development journey will take you to new heights of success, and this is Modi's guarantee."
Aspirations and AI-Driven Growth
PM Modi framed India’s development journey as one driven by the aspirations of its citizens. He linked this aspiration to the transformative role of artificial intelligence, emphasizing that for India, AI represents not just a technological tool but the empowerment of people.
Modi said, "Today, India is on a path of development driven by the aspirations of crores. We are in the era of AI, and while artificial intelligence is a major topic, for India, AI is not just a tool, it represents the aspirations of India. And these aspirations grow stronger when the needs of the people are met."
A Personal Bond with Odisha
PM Modi’s affection for Odisha was evident as he recounted his frequent visits to the state—nearly thirty as Prime Minister, more than all his predecessors combined. He expressed unwavering faith in the potential of Odisha and its people, pledging the central government’s full support in achieving a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
“As Prime Minister, I have come to Odisha more than 30 times. I have visited Odisha than all the PMs taken together since Independence. My love for Odisha is known to all; the state will get all the support it needs,” said the PM.
