World’s leaders, experts look to India with great hope: PM

New Delhi, Mar 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday addressed the iTV Network’s NXT Summit, marking the historic anniversary of the Dandi March and drawing a parallel between India’s struggle for independence and its current pursuit of becoming a developed nation.
Modi emphasized that just as the 1930 march unified the country toward freedom, the current “Viksit Bharat” mission is the collective goal of 140 crore Indians. “Today, nearly 100 years after that historic journey, we Indians have set out on a new journey once again for a ‘ Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India),” said the PM.
Reflecting on the unique challenges of the 21st century, the Prime Minister noted that India is emerging as a beacon of hope and stability despite global conflicts and disrupted supply chains. The Prime Minister highlighted how top global leadership and experts now view India as the primary driver of the new world order, noting that during a recent visit, the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, remarked that the direction of the world will now be decided by the Global South.
PM Modi further mentioned that Mark Carney of Canada identified India as the center toward which the world’s Economic Gravity is shifting over the next three decades, while French President Macron views the nation as an essential partner for solving global challenges. “If you want to be part of the future, you must be associated with India and you must be in India,” asserted Modi.
The Prime Minister spoke about the unprecedented level of confidence and aspiration among Indian citizens, comparing the public’s interest in economic growth to the national passion for cricket. He highlighted how the country has transitioned to “Next Level” operations, particularly in digital payments and large-scale reforms that were once deemed impossible. “India is not just progressing; India is moving to the Next,” asserted Modi.
The Prime Minister drew a vivid parallel between the nation’s passion for cricket and the current public interest in India’s growth story, noting that just as citizens eagerly track a T-20 World Cup score, they now seek a “running commentary” on the country’s economic status. PM Modi emphasized that this unprecedented curiosity reflects the rising aspirations and self-confidence of the Indian people, which serves as the foundation for global trust in the nation.
Modi underscored that with the world’s eyes on India’s progress, the collective responsibility of all citizens to maintain this momentum has grown. “When so many expectations are attached and the world is looking at our country, our responsibility increases significantly,” remarked the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister emphasized that modern India is no longer merely progressing but is actively elevating itself to the “Next Level” through the creation of world-class physical and digital assets. PM Modi noted that the rapid evolution of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has transitioned the nation’s financial ecosystem into a new phase, making India the global leader in real-time digital transactions. This transformation in infrastructure is serving as a catalyst for a more connected and efficient economy. “Today, India has become the country with the fastest real-time digital payments in the world,” highlighted Modi.
The Prime Minister observed that India is currently on a high-speed trajectory of “Next-Generation Reforms,” successfully executing decisions that were long considered impossible. PM Modi highlighted landmark achievements such as the abrogation of Article 370, the inclusion of over 50 crore citizens into the banking system through Jan Dhan accounts, and the enactment of the law providing 33% reservation for women in legislatures.
Modi further noted that India has shattered previous technological limits by venturing into advanced frontiers through dedicated missions in space, semiconductors, and quantum computing. “Today Moon Mission, Semiconductor Mission, and Quantum Mission are taking India toward the Next Frontier of Technology,” remarked the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the nation has moved beyond the stage of mere aspiration to a phase of concrete implementation and realization of its goals. PM Modi noted that the global community has recognized this shift in momentum, acknowledging that India’s growth is no longer incremental but transformative in nature. This new reality reflects a nation that is actively turning its long-held visions into tangible achievements across all sectors. “India is not just progressing; India is moving to the Next,” asserted Modi.
The Prime Minister emphasized that a nation’s development is fundamentally defined by its resilience in the face of sudden global shifts, citing the consecutive challenges of the pandemic and ongoing international conflicts. PM Modi noted that the current war which is going on nearby has triggered a worldwide energy crisis, serving as a critical test of national character that requires dealing with circumstances through peace, patience, and increased public awareness. Highlighting the collective responsibility of political parties, media, and industry, the Prime Minister recalled how united action during the pandemic multiplied India’s strength and called for a similar spirit of cooperation to address current challenges. “We must make collective efforts and perform our duties by keeping the national interest supreme,” remarked Modi.
The Prime Minister addressed the ongoing discussions surrounding LPG. The Prime Minister urged for a responsible discourse that prioritizes facts over misinformation during global uncertainties.
The Prime Minister observed that the far-reaching consequences of the current global conflict have impacted every nation, necessitating a proactive and multi-level response from the Indian government. PM Modi shared that he has been in continuous dialogue with top world leaders to navigate these complexities and find sustainable solutions to the global crisis. Furthermore, the Prime Minister emphasized that the government is working relentlessly to address and overcome the various disruptions that have emerged within international supply chains. “Continuous efforts are also underway to determine how we can overcome the disruptions that have occurred in the supply chain,” asserted Modi.