PM Modi Inaugurates UP International Trade Show 2025, Highlights India’s Progress and Reform Agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show 2025 (UPITS-2025) in Greater Noida on Thursday, showcasing India’s ongoing economic transformation and the state’s growing importance in trade, manufacturing, and investment.

In his address, PM Modi emphasized the critical role of research and development in India’s self-reliance journey. “We need to significantly boost investment in research,” he said, urging greater private sector involvement and the development of a strong ecosystem for homegrown innovation, design, and development.

Praising Uttar Pradesh’s rapid infrastructure development, the Prime Minister highlighted the state’s exceptional connectivity. “UP now has the most expressways in the country, leads in international airports, and hosts key freight corridors,” he noted. This, he added, has helped reduce logistics costs and turned the state into a strategic investment destination. He also pointed to UP’s leadership in heritage and cruise tourism, bolstered by programs like Namami Gange.

PM Modi also spotlighted the success of the “One District One Product” (ODOP) initiative, which promotes unique local products on global platforms. He praised UP’s achievements in manufacturing—particularly in electronics and mobile production—stating that over half of India’s mobile phones are now made in the state. He announced that a new semiconductor plant would soon begin operations nearby, reinforcing India’s push for technological self-sufficiency.

Turning to the defence sector, the Prime Minister said India is building a robust domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem. He mentioned that production of AK-203 rifles, in collaboration with Russia, will soon begin in UP, and that the state’s Defence Corridor is already producing BrahMos missiles and other advanced systems.

Discussing economic reforms, PM Modi highlighted the positive impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). He noted how structural tax changes have lowered prices for essential goods and consumer products. For example, taxes on a ₹1,000 shirt dropped from ₹170 in 2014 to ₹35 after recent reforms. He added that families now save ₹26 on every ₹100 spent compared to the pre-2014 tax regime.

These tax reductions, he said, directly benefit the poor and middle class. With income tax exemptions now extended up to ₹12 lakh, citizens are expected to save ₹2.5 lakh crore this year—a benefit he called the “GST Savings Festival.”

Encouraging investment, PM Modi said, “India offers political stability, reform-driven governance, policy certainty, a skilled workforce, and a large, young consumer base. Investing in India—and especially in Uttar Pradesh—is a smart choice.”

Running from September 25 to 29, the UP International Trade Show 2025 will host over 2,200 exhibitors and welcome more than 125,000 business visitors and 450,000 consumers. Russia is the partner country this year. The five-day event, themed “Ultimate Sourcing Begins Here,” will showcase a wide range of industries, including textiles, agriculture, electronics, IT, AYUSH, and more—alongside Uttar Pradesh’s vibrant art, culture, and cuisine.