Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show 2025 (UPITS-2025) in Greater Noida, emphasising India’s growth trajectory, reforms, and the need for self-reliance in research, manufacturing, and trade.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of research, stating, “Investment in this domain must increase manifold. Private investment in research is now imperative, and we must create a comprehensive ecosystem for indigenous research, design, and development.”
Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s investment potential, PM Modi said, “The connectivity revolution in recent years has reduced logistics costs. UP has the highest number of expressways in the country, leads in international airports, and is a hub for two major freight corridors.” He added that the state ranks first in heritage tourism and that initiatives like Namami Gange have positioned it on the cruise tourism map.
The Prime Minister cited the One District One Product scheme as a key enabler for promoting local products in international markets. “In manufacturing, UP is setting new records, especially in electronics and mobile production. Nearly 55 percent of India’s mobile phones are produced in Uttar Pradesh. A major semiconductor facility will soon begin operations nearby, further strengthening India’s self-reliance,” he said.
PM Modi also highlighted the defence sector, stating, “India is developing a vibrant defence ecosystem where every component bears the mark of ‘Made in India’. UP is playing a key role, with production of AK-203 rifles commencing soon in collaboration with Russia. A Defence Corridor is also being developed, where BrahMos missiles and other weapon systems are already being manufactured.”
On economic reforms, the Prime Minister pointed to the recent next-generation GST changes, calling them “structural reforms that will propel India’s growth story.” He illustrated the benefits with examples: a shirt priced at ₹1,000 previously attracted ₹170 in taxes in 2014; after GST in 2017 it dropped to ₹50, and with the latest reforms it now costs only ₹35 in tax. He added that essential household items have seen a total saving of ₹26 per ₹100 spent compared to pre-2014 rates, while tractors, three-wheelers, scooters, and motorcycles now attract significantly lower taxes.
“These savings benefit the poor, neo-middle class, and middle class alike,” the Prime Minister said, asserting that his government has reduced taxes, curbed inflation, and increased income and savings for citizens. “With income up to ₹12 lakh now tax-free and GST reforms, citizens will save ₹2.5 lakh crore this year alone,” he noted, declaring the nation is celebrating the GST Savings Festival.
Emphasising investment opportunities, PM Modi said, “India today possesses strong willpower for reforms, democratic stability, policy predictability, a skilled workforce, and a dynamic young consumer base. Investing in India, and in Uttar Pradesh in particular, is a win-win situation.”
The UP International Trade Show 2025 will run from September 25 to 29. This five-day event, themed “Ultimate Sourcing Begins Here”, will showcase over 2,200 exhibitors and host more than 1,25,000 B2B and 4,50,000 B2C visitors. Russia is participating as the partner country, with the event highlighting innovation, integration, and internationalization. It will feature handicrafts, textiles, leather, agriculture, food processing, IT, electronics, AYUSH, and more, alongside Uttar Pradesh’s rich art, culture, and cuisine.
