PM Modi also said that Karnataka is leading the charge in luring Foreign Direct Investment to the nation

Bengaluru is a representation of the startup spirit of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday, adding that it is this spirit that makes the country stand out from the rest of the world.

He also highlighted Bengaluru's significance in shaping India's character in the startup world.

Prime Minister Modi was addressing a public event today in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Earlier in the day, he paid floral tributes to the statues of saint poet Sri Kanaka Dasa and Maharshi Valmiki at Vidhana Soudha. He also flagged off Vande Bharat Express and Bharat Gaurav Kashi Darshan Train at KSR Railway Station.

This was followed by the Prime Minister inaugurating Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru and unveiling a 108-feet-long bronze statue of Sri Nadaprabhu Kempegowda.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi said that as of now, Chennai, Bengaluru, the nation's startup hub, and Mysuru, a historic city, are connected by the first "made in India" train, the Vande Bharat Train.

He dubbed Vande Bharat as a new identity of New India. "Vande Bharat Express is a symbol that India has now left the days of stagnation behind. We are moving with a goal for the total transformation of India Railways," he said.

"Today Bharat Gaurav Kashi Darshan Train, which will enable Ayodhya, Kashi and Prayagraj Darshan for the people of Karnataka, was also launched", he said.

PM Modi stated that the infrastructure at Bengaluru's Kemegowda International Airport's Terminal 2 is more stunning and impressive than the images released yesterday. He also stated that the statue of Nadaprabhu Kemepegowda will serve as motivation for creating the Bengaluru and India of the future.

In outlining his vision for a developed India, the Prime Minister stated that city-to-city connectivity will be essential and will be needed now more than ever. He also hoped that Kemepegowda Airport's new Terminal 2 would increase connectivity by introducing additional facilities and services.

"Airports are creating a new playing field for the expansion of businesses while also creating new employment opportunities for the youth of the nation," he said.

He went on to say that Karnataka is leading the charge in luring foreign direct investment to the nation. He also pointed out that the world is impressed by the advancements India has achieved in the digital payment system by using the example of the UPI payment system.

Prime Minister Modi stated that India is operating on a completely different level, whether in terms of governance or the expansion of physical and digital infrastructure. He argued that Bengaluru should be developed in line with Nadaprabhu Kempegowda's plans.