The Prime Minister addressed the iTV Network’s NXT Summit today, 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. Shri 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 Shri 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 Shri 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. Shri 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 Shri 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.Shri 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 Shri 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 Shri 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 Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister detailed a dual-track strategy for India's energy security, focusing on expanding domestic infrastructure and reducing foreign dependency to ensure rapid national development. PM Modi provided a comparative analysis of the gas sector’s growth, noting that LPG connections have surged from 14 crore in 2014 to approximately 33 crore today, effectively covering the vast majority of Indian households. Shri Modi highlighted that this expansion is supported by a significant scaling of bottling capacity, a doubling of LNG terminals, and the extension of the gas pipeline network from 3,500 kilometers to 10,000 kilometers. The Prime Minister remarked that, to further bolster this supply chain, the Government has substantially increased import terminal capacities at major ports to manage the 60 percent of LPG that is sourced internationally. "For India's rapid development, it has been constantly necessary to promote different energy sources and emphasize self-reliance in the energy sector," stated Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister highlighted the massive scale of urban energy transformation, noting that the reach of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) has expanded from a mere 25–26 lakh households before 2014 to over 1.25 crore today. PM Modi further pointed out the significant shift in green mobility, with the number of CNG-powered vehicles rising from under 10 lakhs to more than 70 lakhs within the same period. The Prime Minister attributed this progress to the strategic establishment of City Gas Distribution networks across more than 600 districts over the last decade. "This is only possible because in the past decade, City Gas Distribution networks have been established in more than 600 districts of the country," asserted Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister observed that the current global instability has underscored the strategic necessity for national self-reliance, particularly in critical sectors. PM Modi noted that the government has adopted a holistic approach over the past several years to strengthen India's energy security and reduce vulnerability to external shocks. The Prime Minister stated that this comprehensive strategy aims to ensure that the nation’s growth remains uninterrupted by international fluctuations. "This global crisis has once again shown why it is so essential for any country to be self-reliant," remarked Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister highlighted the government's strategic focus on ethanol and biofuels as a primary means to curtail petroleum dependency, noting that blending capacity has surged from a mere 1–1.5 percent before 2014 to nearly 20 percent today. PM Modi explained that this initiative has prevented the necessity of purchasing an additional 18 crore barrels of oil over the past 11 years, significantly bolstering national reserves. The Prime Minister remarked that Currently, this shift allows India to reduce its annual oil imports by approximately 4.5 crore barrels, resulting in a monumental financial gain for the economy. "The country has saved about one-and-a-half lakh crore rupees from ethanol blending alone," asserted Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister underscored the transformative impact of railway electrification and renewable energy on national fuel savings, noting that while only 20 percent of the rail network was electrified by 2014, today nearly 100 percent of the broad-gauge network is powered by electricity. PM Modi stated that this achievement alone saved Indian Railways approximately 180 crore liters of diesel in 2024-25, significantly reducing the need for crude oil imports. Further highlighting the green energy revolution,The Prime Minister pointed out that India's renewable capacity has reached a historic 250 GW, with solar power capacity alone jumping from 2 GW in 2014 to 130 GW today. He also mentioned the success of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which has empowered 30 lakh families with rooftop solar to transition domestic energy use toward electricity. "Our total renewable capacity today has crossed the historic figure of 250 gigawatts and half of our total installed power generation capacity now comes from renewable sources," asserted Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister detailed the government’s robust efforts in capacity building and waste-to-energy initiatives, noting that over 100 Compressed Bio-Gas plants are now operational under the GOBARdhan scheme with 600 more in progress. PM Modi highlighted a significant shift in national security through the creation of a Strategic Petroleum Reserve exceeding 50 lakh tonnes, a massive leap from the negligible storage capacity that existed before 2014. Furthermore, the Prime Minister pointed out that India’s emergence as a global refining hub is the result of increasing annual refining capacity by over 40 million tonnes in the last decade. PM Modi expressed confidence that these structural strengths would allow the nation to navigate the current global energy challenges effectively. "We will certainly be able to face the crisis created by this war and continue our work to make India self-reliant on a massive scale," asserted Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister expressed his profound confidence in the collective strength of India's 140 crore citizens to navigate the current global uncertainties. Drawing a parallel to the nation's unified response during the pandemic, PM Modi stated that the same spirit of organization and resilience would ensure that the country overcomes the prevailing international crisis. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his administration's commitment to relentless service and proactive measures to safeguard the nation's progress. "In our every decision, the interest of the public will be paramount," remarked Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister observed that while the global market and citizens worldwide continue to feel the repercussions of international conflicts, the Government of India has consistently worked to shield its own people from these external pressures. PM Modi cited the example of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, during which the government heavily subsidized essential supplies to prevent a domestic price surge. The Prime Minister noted that even when international urea prices reached ₹3000 per bag, the government ensured farmers received it at the nominal rate of ₹300 to maintain agricultural stability. "This time too, our every possible effort will be to ensure that the war has the minimum possible impact on the lives of the country's farmers and citizens," asserted Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister issued a call to action for state governments, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance and coordination during the current global situation. PM Modi stressed that preventing the spread of misinformation and curbing illegal trade practices are critical to maintaining social and economic stability. The Prime Minister urged local authorities to maintain a rigorous oversight of market conditions to protect consumers from artificial scarcity or price manipulation. "It is essential that serious monitoring of the situation is conducted and strict action is taken against those engaging in black marketing," asserted Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the last decade has been defined by a shift toward sensitive governance, prioritizing regions and communities that were previously neglected by past administrations. PM Modi noted that through dedicated initiatives like the Aspirational District Program and PM JANMAN, the government has successfully delivered essential infrastructure, including housing, healthcare, and education, to the country's most remote areas. Furthermore, the Prime Minister highlighted the dramatic improvement in internal security, pointing out that the number of districts affected by Maoist terror has plummeted from over 180 in 2013 to single digits today. This shift reflects a national resolve to replace fear with development and inclusive growth. "Today, the number of districts affected by Maoist terror has reached single digits," remarked Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister highlighted the significant successes in internal security over the past year, noting that over 2,100 Naxals have surrendered and more than 300 hardcore militants were neutralized, leading to a resurgence of development in formerly conflict-ridden areas. PM Modi emphasized that the momentum of India’s progress is now unstoppable, driven by the "next level" aspirations of 140 crore citizens which he views as a vital capital of public trust rather than a burden. Concluding his address, he reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling the national dream of a self-reliant and developed nation, fueled by the continued blessings of the people. "India will become self-reliant in every sector and India will become developed in every circumstance," asserted Shri Modi.
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One goal, one destination... Viksit Bharat. pic.twitter.com/QTG8R5Qbtn
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 12, 2026
Despite many global crises, the world's leaders and experts look to India with great hope. pic.twitter.com/BoEMfjcsGS
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 12, 2026
If you want to be part of the future, you have to be in India. pic.twitter.com/8nPrWxVcMh
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 12, 2026
India is not just progressing.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 12, 2026
India is moving to the Next. pic.twitter.com/mF8Sr2Yw2Y
India will make every effort to ensure that its farmers and citizens are protected from the burden of global challenges. pic.twitter.com/oqP4tNUvr8
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 12, 2026
