New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, underscoring India’s rapid economic rise, structural reforms, and vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Linking the nation’s present momentum with next-generation reforms, he declared that India is not merely catching up with global opportunities but is determined to “sit in the driver’s seat” of future growth.
The Prime Minister highlighted that India is currently the fastest-growing major economy and is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy soon, contributing nearly 20 percent to global growth. He credited this performance to a decade of macro-economic stability, fiscal discipline, and deep structural reforms that have strengthened markets, banks, and investor confidence.
PM Modi cited key milestones — India adding 22 lakh formal jobs in June alone, achieving 100 GW solar PV capacity, Delhi Airport entering the elite 100-million-plus global club, and S&P Global Ratings upgrading India’s credit rating after two decades. He positioned these developments as markers of resilience and credibility on the global stage.
The address also touched upon India’s leap in technology, telecom, and semiconductors, with the PM stressing that unlike the past when governments “missed the bus”, India now leads with an indigenous 5G rollout and is set to launch Made-in-India 6G and semiconductor chips by year-end.
Marking National Space Day, the PM showcased India’s transformation in the space sector — from just 42 missions in 35 years (1979–2014) to over 60 missions in the past 11 years, with the private sector now driving innovation. He highlighted upcoming milestones like Gaganyaan and a future Indian space station.
PM Modi also drew attention to Parliament’s Monsoon Session reforms, including Jan Vishwas 2.0, simplification of Income Tax law, and long-pending reforms in mining, shipping, and sports. He unveiled the Khelo Bharat Policy, aimed at building a sports economy and preparing India for global sporting events.
On the global front, the Prime Minister stressed that India’s speed, scale, and scope are shaping resilience in energy, exports, and research. From doubling R&D spending and a 17-fold rise in patents filed since 2014 to setting up a ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Scheme, he positioned India as an emerging hub for sunrise sectors.
Closing his address, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to “Reform, Perform, Transform”, stating: “We are not people who sit by the shore of stagnant water, throwing stones for amusement — we are the people who change the course of fast-flowing rivers.”