Modi Calls on Industry to Boost Investments and Focus on Research to Strengthen Manufacturing

Prime Minister stresses quality, sustainability, and innovation to leverage free trade opportunities

NEW DELHI, Mar 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called on industry leaders to increase investments, adopt emerging technologies, and prioritize research and development to fully harness opportunities arising from India’s free trade agreements.

“The days of cutting corners in research are over. We must now make substantial investments in R&D and ensure our products meet global quality standards. Our mantra must be   Quality, Quality, Quality,” Modi said during the second webinar on Budget 2026-27.

He highlighted that India’s trade pacts with multiple countries open a wide array of opportunities for Indian businesses. “Our responsibility is to never compromise on quality. The world is looking for reliable and resilient manufacturing partners, and India is well-positioned to fill this role,” the prime minister added.

Modi emphasized the need for India Inc to focus on scaling production and exports, stating, “Build more, produce more, connect more, and now, export more.” He pointed out that global markets are increasingly prioritizing sustainability alongside cost-efficiency, citing the Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage Mission as a key initiative driving the transition toward cleaner technologies.

Highlighting infrastructure and logistics as crucial pillars of growth, Modi noted that the Budget 2026-27 proposes record capital expenditure to support these priorities. He concluded that India’s robust economy and evolving global supply chains position the country as a beacon of hope, with rapid development forming the cornerstone of the Viksit Bharat vision.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi