NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extolled the role of wealth creators in reducing poverty and said a stable government and predictable policy meant that India had a conducive economic environment, especially with inflation well under control. He also announced an investment of Rs 100 lakh crore in infrastructure projects and the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff in his annual Independence Day address.Wealth creators must not be viewed with suspicion as they serve the nation and deserve respect and encouragement, Modi said, calling them the “country’s wealth,” in a reassuring message for corporates from the ramparts of the Red Fort . “Respect for them should increase as, if wealth is not created, it will not be distributed and the poor in the country will not benefit,” he said. “Wealth creation is very important for the country and we have to take this forward too,” the PM said, seeking to dispel what he said were wrong notions that had taken hold about corporates.Modi stressed that a “very conducive environment” existed for economic accomplishments as the “government is stable, policy is predictable and arrangements are stable, raising confidence of the world, which views the political stability of India with respect and pride.”India shouldn’t let this opportunity pass as the world is eager to trade with it, Modi said. Experts have pointed to the economic opportunity for India as the US and China battle over trade issues.“This government has delivered on the significant equation of controlling inflation while raising the growth rate — this is a matter of pride,” the PM said, stressing that the fundamentals of the economy were strong.“In the last five years, we added $1 trillion to our economy. In next five years, we can reach a $5 trillion economy,” he reiterated.Modi countered arguments over the government’s recent measures on Jammu and Kashmir, asking why the Opposition hadn’t taken any decisions on Articles 370 and 35A when it had a majority. He asked why Article 370 hadn’t been made “permanent” if the Opposition had been convinced of its importance. Modi made the point that the government’s steps in Kashmir has been welcomed by many across party lines.“This shows even they knew what was happening was not right but no one had the courage or intent to correct the situation,” he said. “It would have put a question mark on their political future. For me, the country’s future is everything — political future does not matter.” the PM said. Modi said he had fulfilled Sardar Patel’s dream of One Nation, One Constitution within 70 days of his second term by scrapping Article 370, saying his government did not believe in “putting off or harbouring problems.”He juxtaposed this with the 70 years before his government’s advent, saying he had also acted without delay to implement the law abolishing triple talaq.Modi also brought the “population explosion” to the country’s attention, saying that Indians must worry about this. Those who are aware of the issue kept their families small, which was a “patriotic act,” the PM said, asking others to emulate them and not leave a child’s future to fate and society. “Think if you are prepared to fulfil the needs of a child… Will you be able to perform your role in realising the child’s dreams?” Modi said.The PM also appealed to people to avoid holidaying overseas and instead visit 15 domestic destinations by the year 2022 with their children to help create jobs.He also mentioned the need for “reducing the interference of the government in the life of a common citizen” and increasing the “ease of living” of people.”“Independent India means government slowly exiting the lives of people to be able to take decisions of their life… we should build such an ecosystem,” the PM said.Other key appeals by him included shunning single-use plastic by October 2 and reducing the usage of chemical fertilisers.The proposal to establish a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) role has been pending for almost two decades since the Kargil war.“The world is changing and contours of war are changing too,” Modi said. “We cannot think in silos and all our armed force should move forward as a unit. Army, navy, air force – one remains ahead, the other two steps and the third three steps behind – this will not work,” Modi said, adding that a CDS would provide effective leadership at the top level to the three armed forces.Modi also announced Rs 100 lakh crore of investments in modern infrastructure projects in the current government’s tenure for projects such as Sagarmala, Bharatmala, modern railway stations, airports, hospitals and educational institutions. He announced a Jal Jeevan Mission to be launched at the cost of Rs 3.5 lakh crore for taking drinking water to every home as well as water conservation programmes. The PM also appealed to traders to fully adopt digital payments.