India-UK trade pact to benefit youth, MSMEs, startups: PM Modi | India News

India-UK trade pact to benefit youth, MSMEs, startups: PM Modi

TUTICORIN: The India-UK FTA will benefit Tamil Nadu (TN) youth, MSMEs, and startups, PM Narendra Modi mentioned at Tuticorin airport, the place he launched infrastructure initiatives value over Rs 4,800 crore throughout southern TN on Saturday. Among the most important initiatives unveiled was the Rs 450 crore new airport terminal designed to deal with 20 lakh passengers yearly.“Following FTA, 99% of Indian products sold in UK will be tax-free, boosting Indian manufacturing and creating new opportunities. The agreement will serve as a catalyst for industries rooted in TN’s traditional strengths, ranging from handlooms to seafood exports,” he mentioned, addressing the gathering on the airport.Modi mentioned TN is witnessing unprecedented improvement beneath NDA authorities at Centre. “Infrastructure and energy form the backbone of any state’s development. Over past 11 years, the sustained focus on these sectors reflects the priority accorded to the state’s progress,” he mentioned. The PM mentioned Rs 3 lakh crore was devolved to TN central taxes over the previous 11 years, practically 3 times what was allotted beneath earlier UPA authorities.He inaugurated a number of initiatives involving highway, rail, port, and energy sectors. All the launches, together with ribbon-cutting of the terminal, had been finished symbolically from the airport. He flagged off three railway infrastructure upgrades and electrification of the Madurai-Bodinayakkanur line. He additionally laid the inspiration for a Rs 550 crore 765 kV transmission hall challenge to evacuate energy from Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Units 3 and 4.Modi mentioned the worldwide notion of India has shifted considerably. “Today, the world sees its own growth in India’s growth,” he mentioned. Recalling India’s success in Operation Sindoor, he mentioned, “You all recently witnessed the power of ‘Make in India‘ during Operation Sindoor. Made-in-India weapons played a crucial role in reducing terror hideouts to rubble. Even today, arms manufactured in India continue to shake the sleep of those who shelter terrorism.”He mentioned NDA authorities prioritised the coastal financial system, guaranteeing inclusive improvement. “TN’s growth is a vital component of our vision for a Viksit Bharat,” he mentioned. Modi additionally invoked the reminiscences of freedom fighters and poets, together with V O Chidambaranar, Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Alagumuthu Kone, and Subramania Bharati. Modi arrived at Tuticorin airport 7.45pm and was acquired by governor R N Ravi, Union ministers L Murugan and Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, TN finance minister Thangam Thennarasu and industries minister TRB Rajaa. The occasion additionally witnessed temporary political sloganeering between BJP and DMK cadres close to the airport.