Modi Announces Ambitious Infrastructure, Clean Energy Goals for India

NEW DELHI - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced plans to spend $1.35 trillion on building modern infrastructure to give a fillip to the economy and said the country will move toward greater use of clean energy to achieve its climate goals.

The announcement came during an address to the nation during the country’s Independence Day celebrations. Speaking from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort in New Delhi amid tight security, he said the infrastructure plan to be launched soon will “create employment opportunities for hundreds of thousands” and make local industries globally competitive. He also said that his government will boost manufacturing and exports and encourage homegrown industries to ensure that economic benefits trickle down to villages and towns.