Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], August 26 (ANI): Honorary Consul of Japan Mukesh Patel on Tuesday said that it is a proud moment for Gujarat as PM Modi inaugurated e-VITARA, which is Suzuki's first-ever global strategic Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) at the company's motor plant in Hansalpur, Ahmedabad.

'This is a day full of pride for Gujarat. Gujarat and Japan have been close friends for years. Suzuki Motors is going to produce the e-VITARA battery electric car here. The exclusive production done here will be exported to around 100 countries. We are taking a huge step towards 'Atmanirbhar Bharat',' Mukesh Patel said to the reporters.

Earlier on Tuesday, PM Modi flagged off the e-VITARA. The Made-in-India BEVs will be exported to more than one hundred countries, including advanced markets such as Europe and Japan. With this milestone, India will now serve as Suzuki's global manufacturing hub for electric vehicles.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated two historic milestones at the Suzuki Motor plant. Together, these landmark initiatives underscore India's emergence as a global hub for green mobility while advancing the Prime Minister's commitment to Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Taking large strides towards becoming 'Aatmanirbhar' in the field of green energy, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate the next phase of India's battery ecosystem with the start of local production of hybrid battery electrodes at the TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant in Gujarat.

The plant, a joint venture of Toshiba, Denso and Suzuki, will boost domestic manufacturing and clean energy innovation. This development ensures that more than eighty per cent of the battery value will now be manufactured within India.

Meanwhile, PM Modi, on Monday, inaugurated, laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth Rs 5,400 crore at Khodaldham ground in Ahmedabad. The Prime Minister also held a roadshow following his arrival in Ahmedabad and was warmly welcomed by the people. (ANI)