KOCHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, April 25, dedicated to the nation various developmental projects, including the Kochi Water Metro, and said as Kerala develops, the country will develop faster.

Prime Minister said the central government lays emphasis on cooperative federalism and believes that if the states develop, it will help in the overall development of the country. ''As Kerala develops, India will develop faster,'' Modi said at an event held at the Central Stadium in Kochi today.

Earlier in the day, the PM flagged off the state's first Vande Bharat Express train from the Central Railway Station at Thiruvandapuram. The service will connect the state capital with Kasaragod.

Addressing a massive crowd at the stadium, PM Modi -- dressed in a traditional Kerala attire of 'kasavu' Dhothi, shawl and kurta -- said many are aware of the economic situations of the countries across the world. Despite those global headwinds, India has been globally seen as the 'Vibrant Spot of Development', Prime Minster, who is on a 2-day visit to the southern state since Monday, said.

PM said, India is where the majority of the nation's public transit systems, including the Kochi Water Metro, are produced. Indians residing abroad have benefited from the federal government's international outreach efforts.

He went on to say, there are many factors contributing to the world's belief in India, including the central government's commitment to "Ease of Living" and "Ease of Doing Business," its unprecedented investments in infrastructure development, and investments aimed at capturing the demographic dividend.

PM's Big Outreach in Kerala, Vande Bharat, Digital Park and more

PM to flag off the first Vande Bharat Express to Kerala tomorrow

PM to launch Kerala's first Vande Bharat Express on April 25, See full list of programme here