PM Modi Highlights Scale of Rajasthan Refinery
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a community event in Jakarta, Indonesia, on July 7, 2026, underscored the monumental scale of India's newly inaugurated refinery in Rajasthan. He noted that the amount of steel used in its construction could build forty new Eiffel Towers or five Burj Khalifas, while the length of cabling employed is sufficient to wrap around the entire Earth twice. This achievement, he said, has propelled India into the top four nations globally in terms of refining capacity.
Refinery Inauguration and Specifications
On July 4, PM Modi dedicated India's first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex to the nation at Pachpadra in Balotra, Rajasthan. Developed as a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and the Government of Rajasthan, the 9 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) complex was established with an investment exceeding Rs 79,450 crore. It integrates refining and petrochemical production, with a petrochemical capacity of 2.4 MMTPA. The refinery features a high Nelson Complexity Index of 17.0 and petrochemical yields exceeding 26%, aligning with global benchmarks for efficiency and sustainability.
Impact on Energy Security and Industrial Growth
The project is expected to significantly strengthen India's energy security, enhance petrochemical self-sufficiency, and drive industrial growth. It will serve as an anchor industry for the development of a Petrochemical and Plastic Park in the region, promoting downstream industries and ancillary sectors. PM Modi emphasized that such initiatives have elevated India's refining capacity to among the top four worldwide.
India-Indonesia Ties and Indonesian President's Remarks
During his speech, PM Modi referred to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's earlier comment that he has Indian DNA. The Prime Minister stated, "You said it back then, and you have said it again today. You also mentioned at that time that you possess India's DNA. I observed that it was precisely that remark which drew the loudest applause." He described this as a DNA forged from mutual trust and shared heritage. Highlighting geographical proximity, he noted that the distance between India's Great Nicobar Island and Indonesia's Aceh is approximately 150 kilometres, making them immediate neighbours.
Government Welfare Schemes: Insurance and Direct Benefit Transfer
PM Modi also highlighted two major government insurance schemes. Under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, around 60 crore people receive accidental insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh for an annual premium of just Rs 20. The Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana offers life insurance for a daily premium of about Rs 1.50, with 28 crore people enrolled. Claims worth approximately Rs 22,000 crore have been paid out under these schemes. He further praised the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system as a foolproof mechanism ensuring full amounts reach beneficiaries without leakage.
Maritime Ties and Future Potential
Emphasizing the deep-rooted connection between India and Indonesia, PM Modi said, "India, Indonesia, and the Indian Ocean—these names themselves bear witness to our deep-rooted connection. For millennia, our ports have linked us to the rest of the world, and our ships have carried trade and culture to distant lands." He urged both nations to elevate their relationship to new heights by drawing upon the vastness of the Indian Ocean.
