SOURCE ; NEW18
Last Updated:May 24, 2025, 20:27 IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened the NITI Aayog meeting at New Delhi, his first meeting with the CMs and LGs after India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ against Pakistan.
PM Modi interacting with CMs of different states on Saturday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all Chief Ministers were united in their condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack last month during the NITI Aayog meeting held in Delhi on Saturday. All leaders extended support to Operation Sindoor, which was aimed at destroying terror launchpads in Pakistan and PoK.
According to NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam, there was absolute unanimity across states on Operation Sindoor, which was seen as a symbol of national solidarity to take revenge for the heinous terror attack on April 22. There was widespread expression of solidarity and commitment across party lines.
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The leaders were also commended for rising above ideological divides in support of national security. PM Modi stressed during the meeting that Operation Sindoor was not just a display of military might, but a reflection of India’s social strength.
In a press release soon after the meeting, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) quoted the Prime Minister saying that “Operation Sindoor should not be treated as a one-off initiative and we must adopt a long-term approach.”
The release further stated that PM Modi urged states to modernise civil preparedness, highlighting recent mock drills that have renewed focus on civil defence, and called on them to institutionalise civil defence measures.
The chief ministers and lieutenant governors praised Operation Sindoor for its precise, targeted strikes that successfully destroyed terror infrastructure. Speaking with one voice, they lauded the Prime Minister’s leadership and the bravery of the Armed Forces. They also commended efforts towards self-reliance (Aatmanirbharata) in the defence sector, which have strengthened the armed forces and boosted confidence in India’s defence capabilities.
This was the first major meeting of the Prime Minister with the chief ministers of states and lieutenant governors of Union Territories after India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ against Pakistan.
‘United Approach Needed For Viksit Bharat’
The Prime Minister pushed for cooperation between the Centre and all states for the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He said a united approach was needed to achieve a developed India, just like it had been during Operation Sindoor.
He said once every state joined the Viksit Bharat wave, the mission shifted to auto-pilot and the momentum built itself. He laid specific emphasis on accelerating the pace of development in all states.
In terms of trade and investment, the Prime Minister announced that the Centre is removing regulations that hindered ease of doing business, and that several Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) were already signed, with more on the horizon. The onus was on states to leverage these opportunities by focusing on initiatives like ‘One District, One Product’, he added.
Stressing the need for ease of travel and tourism, PM Modi said every state should develop at least one tourist destination of global standards, with all facilities and infrastructure available.
“With focused efforts on agriculture, education, and healthcare, and full implementation of central programmes, I am confident we can achieve Viksit Bharat,” Modi said during the NITI Aayog meeting. “Just as the call for Purna Swaraj once united the nation, this mission can empower us to hand over a truly developed India to the next generation.”
However, Subrahmanyam clarified to News18 that the recent tariff threats on Apple products by US President Donald Trump were not discussed during the meeting, as they do not affect India as significantly as other nations. He also emphasized India’s strengths, including a youthful workforce and increasing competitiveness, while acknowledging that infrastructure continues to be a major challenge.
- First Published:
May 24, 2025, 19:07 IST
