The third convocation of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) was held today, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh joining virtually as the chief guest. He lauded India’s unprecedented transformation in infrastructure and logistics, calling it a foundation for economic development.
The Union Minister described logistics as a game changer for 21st-century India, offering immense opportunities for youth. He urged young people to take responsibility in building a developed nation through this critical sector driving growth and security.
Emphasising the strategic value of logistics, the Defence Minister said strong logistics directly strengthen India’s borders. Timely delivery of defence equipment and food supplies boosts border guard morale, underscoring logistics’ vital role in national security.
Highlighting government initiatives, the Union Minister praised the creation of multimodal transport hubs and mission mode schemes. These efforts have significantly lowered logistics costs while promoting data-driven decision-making, enhancing efficiency across sectors.
The Defence Minister reiterated that seamless logistics management was key to Operation Sindoor’s success, transforming chaos into control. He stressed logistics’ role in stabilising the nation during war, disasters, and crises through coordinated resource management.
He also pointed to logistics as a pillar of economic progress, linking pre-production to consumption. During COVID-19, efficient logistics enabled rapid delivery of vaccines and medical supplies, demonstrating the sector’s critical role in emergencies.
The Minister noted India’s infrastructure growth over the past decade, driven by reforms and integrated projects. He said the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan is building a future-ready economy by linking railways, roads, ports, airports, and logistics infrastructure.
Speaking on the National Logistics Policy, the Union Minister said it aims to create a unified, cost-efficient logistics network. The policy targets reducing costs to global levels, increasing competitiveness, and boosting enterprise growth through data-based planning.
Praising GSV, he called the university a mission driving India’s rapid, organised logistics development. He highlighted digitisation, automation, AI-enabled forecasting, and sustainable freight systems as national priorities, appreciating GSV’s role in advancing these technologies.