25 years of leadership

Twenty-five years of continuous leadership at the helm of government is an extraordinary political milestone. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s journey from Gujarat to the national stage has been defined by an emphasis on development, welfare, reform, national security and a stronger global role for India. The Union Cabinet’s resolution marking the occasion is therefore more than a ceremonial tribute as it is an assessment of a quarter-century of political leadership. The most notable feature of this journey has been the attempt to translate governance experience into national programmes. Initiatives that took shape in Gujarat, including technology-driven grievance redressal and improved power management, subsequently found wider application. At the national level, this approach expanded into digital governance, direct benefit transfers and platforms designed to improve accountability and project implementation. The emphasis on the poor has been another defining element. Jan Dhan accounts, housing, sanitation, drinking water and healthcare have sought to combine welfare with dignity and financial inclusion. Programmes targeting women, farmers, tribal communities and young people have similarly aimed at widening participation in economic development. The Modi years have also been marked by ambitious structural reforms, from GST and changes in welfare delivery to efforts aimed at strengthening manufacturing, infrastructure and technological capability. UPI, semiconductor initiatives, space achievements and the expansion of digital services reflect an India seeking greater self-reliance. National security and diplomacy have acquired greater prominence as well. Surgical strikes, Balakot and Operation Sindoor have projected a more assertive security posture, while India’s engagement with the Global South and major international groupings has expanded its diplomatic influence. Yet 25 years also demand reflection beyond achievements. Sustaining growth, creating quality employment, strengthening institutions and ensuring that development reaches every section will remain crucial. The enduring test of leadership is ultimately not the length of tenure, but whether it leaves behind a stronger, more confident and more inclusive nation. India’s journey towards 2047 will provide the clearest measure of that legacy.