‘Viksit Bharat’ is India’s collective goal as nation moves to the next level: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India is moving toward the goal of a developed nation with renewed confidence, asserting that the country is no longer just progressing but advancing to the “next level” amid global challenges.

Addressing the NXT Summit organised by the iTV Network in New Delhi, the Prime Minister drew a parallel between India’s freedom struggle and its present aspiration of becoming a developed country.

Recalling the historic Dandi March launched by Mahatma Gandhi from Sabarmati Ashram on March 12, 1930, PM Modi said the march had united the nation in the fight for independence.

“Today, nearly 100 years after that historic journey, we Indians have set out on a new journey once again. This is the journey of ‘Viksit Bharat’. We have one goal and one destination – a developed India,” the Prime Minister said.

India seen as key global partner

Highlighting India’s rising global influence, PM Modi said that despite wars, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions, world leaders and experts view India with hope.

“Despite many global crises, the world’s leaders and experts look to India with great hope,” he said.

The Prime Minister referred to comments made by global leaders, including Finland President Alexander Stubb who said the direction of the world will increasingly be shaped by the Global South with India playing a decisive role.

He also mentioned that Canadian PM Mark Carney had noted that the centre of the world’s economic gravity is gradually shifting towards India, while French President Emmanuel Macron views India as an indispensable partner in addressing global challenges.

“If you want to be part of the future, you must be associated with India, and you must be in India,” PM Modi said.

Aspirations of Indians driving growth

The Prime Minister said the aspirations and confidence of Indians are driving the country’s rapid progress.

Drawing an analogy with cricket, PM Modi said the level of interest in India’s economic performance has become similar to the excitement surrounding a match score.

“People today want a running commentary on the Indian economy – where it stood last month and where it stands today,” he said, adding that such curiosity reflects the rising confidence of citizens.

‘India moving to the next level’

PM Modi emphasised that the country has entered a phase of transformative development supported by major reforms and technological progress.

“India is not just progressing; India is moving to the Next Level,” he said.

He highlighted the success of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), saying India has become the world’s fastest real-time digital payments ecosystem.

The Prime Minister also referred to several key reforms that were once considered difficult, including the abrogation of Article 370, financial inclusion through Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, the abolition of Triple Talaq, and the legislation providing 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures.

India, he said, is also making strides in advanced technology through initiatives such as missions related to space exploration, semiconductors and quantum computing.

Energy security and global challenges

The Prime Minister said the recent global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine War and ongoing tensions in West Asia, have triggered an energy crisis worldwide.

He emphasised that dealing with such crises requires unity and cooperation across society.

“A period of crisis is a test for the whole nation. We must deal with situations with peace and patience and increase public trust,” he said.

PM Modi said the government is focusing on both energy access and energy self-reliance to protect the country from global disruptions.

Expansion of gas infrastructure

Highlighting developments in the gas sector, the Prime Minister said LPG connections in India have increased significantly over the past decade.

“From about 14 crore LPG connections in 2014, today the number has crossed 33 crore,” he said.

He also noted the expansion of gas infrastructure, including LNG terminals, gas pipelines and distribution networks.

The reach of piped natural gas has increased from around 25 lakh households before 2014 to more than 1.25 crore today, while the number of CNG vehicles has grown from less than 10 lakh to over 70 lakh.

Push for ethanol and renewable energy

PM Modi said India has taken major steps to reduce its dependence on imported oil through ethanol blending and renewable energy.

“Ethanol blending has increased from around 1-1.5 per cent before 2014 to nearly 20 per cent today,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the initiative has saved India from importing around 18 crore barrels of crude oil and resulted in savings of nearly ₹1.5 lakh crore.

He also noted that India’s renewable energy capacity has crossed 250 gigawatts, with solar capacity rising from 2 GW in 2014 to around 130 GW.

Railway electrification has also expanded rapidly, with nearly the entire broad-gauge network now electrified, helping reduce diesel consumption.

Protecting citizens from global shocks

The Prime Minister assured that the government will make every effort to protect citizens and farmers from the impact of global crises.

“India will make every effort to ensure that its farmers and citizens are protected from the burden of global challenges,” he said.

PM Modi cited the example of fertiliser subsidies during the Russia-Ukraine crisis, noting that even when global prices surged sharply, the government ensured farmers received urea at affordable rates.

Focus on inclusive development and security

The Prime Minister also highlighted government initiatives aimed at inclusive development, including the Aspirational Districts Programme and PM JANMAN.

He said internal security has improved significantly over the past decade, with the number of districts affected by Maoist violence declining sharply.

In the past year alone, more than 2,100 Naxals surrendered and over 300 militants were neutralised, he said.

‘India’s progress unstoppable’

Concluding his address, PM Modi said the aspirations of India’s 140 crore citizens are driving the country’s transformation.

“The pace of India’s progress is now unstoppable,” he said.

“India will become self-reliant in every sector and India will become developed under all circumstances,” the Prime Minister added.