India moving forward with new confidence: Modi

New Delhi, Mar 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday addressed the TV9 Summit themed ‘India and the World’ today.
Acknowledging the unprecedented and grave global circumstances, the Prime Minister lauded TV9 Network for creating an important platform for the exchange of ideas at a critical juncture. “Today, the serious circumstances the world is passing through are unprecedented and extremely grave, and amidst these, TV9 Network has created a very important platform for ideas,” stated Modi.
Speaking on India’s position in a world riddled with conflicts, the Prime Minister emphasized that India’s economy is progressing rapidly, leaving behind the pre-2014 conditions and marching ahead with renewed confidence. He noted that despite challenges escalating since the Corona pandemic, 140 crore citizens have stood united, enabling India to overcome every adversity. “In these 23 days since February 28, India has demonstrated its Relationship Building Capacity, Decision Making Capacity, and Crisis Management Capacity,” highlighted Modi.
Addressing India’s diplomatic outreach amidst a fractured global order, the Prime Minister underscored that India has built unprecedented bridges, from the Gulf to the Global West, and from the Global South to neighbouring countries, establishing itself as a trusted partner for all. On the question of India’s alignment, he gave a clear and emphatic answer. “We are with India, with India’s interests, with peace, and with dialogue,” affirmed Modi.
Highlighting India’s model of diversification and resilience at a time when global supply chains are faltering, the Prime Minister noted that whether it is energy, fertilizers, or essential goods, continuous efforts have been made to ensure that citizens face the least possible difficulties. “India has presented a model of diversification and resilience, and ensuring that our citizens face the least possible difficulties has been our continuous endeavour,” remarked Modi.
Speaking on the impact of the West Asia conflict on India, the Prime Minister referred to his statement delivered in the Lok Sabha earlier in the day, noting that while wars are geographically distant from India’s borders, no country can remain insulated from their adverse effects in today’s interconnected world. “This is a time for restraint and sensitivity; when countrymen unite to face a crisis, the results are always meaningful,” stated Modi.
Underscoring that India’s development momentum remains uninterrupted despite global upheavals, the Prime Minister gave a detailed account of the 23 days since February 28. He highlighted the inauguration of key Delhi Metro Rail corridors, the foundation stone laying for the Silchar high-speed corridor and the new Kota airport, and the elevation of Madurai Airport to international status. He also noted the approval of 100 plug-and-play industrial parks, the green signal to the Small Hydro Power Development Scheme to add 1,500 MW of new capacity, the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission till 2028, the direct transfer of over Rs 18,000 crore under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, and a Rs 500 crore relief package for MSMEs and exporters. “All these steps are proof of how fast the country is working to build a Viksit Bharat,” affirmed Modi.
Drawing from management principles, the Prime Minister expanded upon the well-known adage ‘What gets measured, gets managed,’ adding that what gets measured also gets improved and ultimately gets transformed. Modi highlighted that highway construction speed has risen from 11–12 km/day to nearly 30 km/day; ship turnaround time at ports has reduced from 5–6 days to less than 2 days; the number of registered startups has grown from 400–500 to over 2 lakh; MBBS seats have increased from 50–55 thousand to over 1.25 lakh; bank accounts have expanded from 25 crore to over 80 crore (including 55 crore Jan Dhan accounts); and airports have grown from fewer than 70 to more than 160. “Today, India is on the fast track, today, resolves are turning into achievements,” remarked Modi.
The Prime Minister highlighted the transformative changes underway. He noted that Assam, once scarred by the sound of bullets, is now home to a semiconductor unit; Odisha is witnessing growth in sectors from semiconductors to petrochemicals; Bihar has seen more than 5 new bridges in the last decade; and Uttar Pradesh has transitioned to a global hub for mobile phone manufacturing. “India is converting the developmental imbalance of the past into opportunities for the future,” highlighted Modi.
Turning to West Bengal, the Prime Minister acknowledged its historical significance as a hub of culture, education, industry, and trade, and noted the Central Government’s substantial investments over the past 11 years for the state’s development. “It is essential that national interest be placed above party interest, because above politics, there is the nation and its development,” asserted Modi.