Tuticorin: The Indo-UK FTA will benefit the Tamil Nadu (TN) youth, MSMES, and Startups, PM Narendra Modi said at Tautikorin Airport, where he launched a infrastructure projects of more than Rs 4,800 crore in Southern TN on Saturday. The new airport of Rs 450 crore designed to handle 2 million passengers annually in the major projects unveiled.He said, “After FTA, 99% of Indian products sold in Britain will be tax-free, Indian manufacturing will be promoted and new opportunities will be created. The agreement will serve as a catalyst for industries inherent in TN’s traditional powers, from handloom to seafood exports,” He said while addressing the gathering.Modi said that TN is looking at unprecedented development under the NDA government at the center. “The infrastructure and energy becomes the backbone of the development of any state. In the last 11 years, the continuous attention on these regions shows the priority for the progress of the state,” he said. The PM said that in the last 11 years, Rs 3 lakh crore was developed in TN central taxes, which was allocated under the previous UPA government.He inaugurated several projects related to road, rail, port and electricity sectors. All launch, including ribbon-cutting of the terminal, were made symbolically from the airport. He stopped the electrification of three railway infrastructure upgrades and Madurai-Bodinayakanur line. He also put a foundation for Rs 550 crore 765 KV Transmission Corridor Project to vacate electricity from Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Units 3 and 4.Modi said that there has been a lot of change in India’s global perception. “Today, the world sees its growth in India’s development,” he said. Recalling India’s success in Operation Sindoor, he said, “All of you recently saw the power of ‘Make in India’ during Operation Sindoor. Made-in-India weapons played an important role in reducing terrorist hideouts in the rubble. Even today, the weapons manufactured in India continue to shake the sleep of those who give blessings to terrorism.”He said that the NDA government gave priority to the coastal economy, which ensured inclusive development. “The growth of TN is an important component of our vision for Vikasi Bharata,” he said. Modi also called upon the memories of freedom fighters and poets, including VO Chidambapurner, Virpandia Kattbomman, Alagumuthu Kon and Subramania Bharti. Modi arrived at the Tuttikorin Airport at 7.45 am and received him by Governor RN Ravi, Union Ministers L. Murugan and Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjrapu, TN Finance Minister TNGM Thenarasu and Industry Minister TRB Raja. In this program, a brief political slogan was given between BJP and DMK cadres near the airport.
