Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, September 25, inaugurated the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS) 2025 in Greater Noida, urging Indian industry to strengthen domestic manufacturing and underlining Russia’s role as a “time-tested partner” in India’s growth journey. The remarks were made during his keynote address.
Push for self-reliance
PM Modi said India’s economic resilience despite global headwinds was proof of its growing capacity, but cautioned that “a country like India does not want to depend on anyone”. He stressed that every product that can be made domestically should be manufactured in India, adding that “swadeshi goods today are better, user-friendly and long-lasting” and therefore must meet the highest quality standards.
He said the government’s aim is to create a value chain “from chips to ships”, ensuring that advanced manufacturing capabilities are built in India. The Prime Minister emphasised that uncompromising quality and greater research investment will be essential to sustaining the momentum of self-reliance.
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Russia as partner country
Russia is the partner country at this year’s edition of the trade show. PM Modi said its participation “further strengthens this time-tested partnership”, reflecting the deep strategic cooperation between India and Russia.
PM Modi announced that the first batch of fully indigenous AK-203 assault rifles, jointly produced by Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) in Amethi, will soon be delivered to the Indian Army. The rifles, locally branded as ‘Sher’, are more advanced than earlier Kalashnikov models such as the AK-47 and AK-56.
PM Modi also pointed to the Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor, where production of BrahMos missiles has begun, as an example of the growing scale of Indo-Russian defence cooperation.
The third edition of the UP International Trade Show is being held from 25 to 29 September at the India Expo Centre and Mart. More than 2,400 exhibitors and 1.25 lakh business-to-business visitors are expected, with the event highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s manufacturing, agriculture, culture and innovation strengths.
