Fight against Corona is a fight between life and death; we have to win in this battle: PM Modi
If you break the rules of lockdown, it will be difficult to avoid Coronavirus from spreading further: PM Modi
Increase social distancing but reduce emotional distancing: PM Modi during Mann Ki Baat
Our nurses, doctors, para-medical staff are our front-line soldiers: PM Modi
Ongoing lockdown necessary to break the chain of virus transmission and ensure everyone’s safety: PM Modi
Do help the less well-off people and the poor during the lockdown, urges PM Modi during Mann Ki Baat

My dear countrymen, generally speaking, I touch upon varied subjects in Mann ki Baat. But today, the foremost concern in everyone’s mind in the country and all over the world is the catastrophic Corona Global Pandemic. Amidst that, it will not be appropriate on my part to reflect on anything else. But first of all, I extend a heartfelt apology to all countrymen. And I strongly feel from the core of my heart that you will forgive me – since certain decisions had to be taken, resulting in myriad hardships for you. And when it comes to my underprivileged brothers and sisters, they must be wondering on the kind of Prime Minister they have, who has pushed them to the brink! My wholehearted apologies, especially to them. It is possible that many are annoyed with me for their confinement in their homes. I fully understand your situation; I can feel what you are going through. But in order to battle Corona in a country of 130 crore people such as India, there was no other option. The fight against Corona is one between life and death itself…we have to win. And that is why such strong measures had to be resorted to. No one wants to go that way; looking at what the world is going through, this was the only way left. After all, the safety of you and your families has to be ensured.  Once again, I apologize for any inconvenience, any hardship caused to you. Friends, we have an adage-“ Evam Evam Vikar, api  tarunha Saadhyate Sukham”… which means, an illness and its scourge should be nipped in the bud itself. Later when it becomes incurable its treatment is very difficult. Today the whole of India, every Indian is doing just that.  Brothers, Sisters, Mothers and the elderly, Corona virus has incarcerated the world. It is posing a challenge to Knowledge, science, the rich and the poor,

the strong and the weak alike. It is not confined to any nation's borders, nor does it make distinction of region or season. This virus has, in a way, obstinately picked up the gauntlet to annihilate the human race. And that is why humankind will have to rise unitedly, in the resolve to exterminate it. Some may feel that by complying with the lockdown, they are helping others! This is a misconception. This lockdown is a means to protect yourself. You have to protect yourself and your family. For the next many days, you have to continue displaying this patience; abide by the Lakshman Rekha. Friends, I know that no one wants to overstep the law and break rules wilfully. But there are some who are doing so, since they are not trying to understand the gravity of the matter. To them I will say that if they don’t comply with the lockdown rule, it will be difficult to save ourselves from the scourge of the Corona virus! The world over, many people nursed this delusion….all of them are regretting now. Friends, we are familiar with our adage “Aarogyam Param Bhagyam, Swasthyam Sarwaarth Sadhanam” -which means good health is the greatest fortune. Health is the only way to happiness in the world. In that backdrop, those breaking the rules are playing with their lives. Friends, in this war, there are many soldiers who are fighting the Corona virus, not in the confines of their homes but outside their homes. These are our front line soldiers-especially our brothers and sisters on duty as nurses, doctors and paramedical staff. These are people who have defeated corona. Today, we shall draw inspiration from them. During the course of the last few days, I spoke to a few such people over the phone, boosting their zeal, in turn raising my own enthusiasm too. I have learnt a lot from them. It was my earnest desire to share with you excerpts of the conversation I had with them, in Mann ki Baat. The first to join us is Shri RamagampaTeja Ji. He happens to be an IT professional….let’s listen to his experiences.

Yes Ram,

Ramgampa Teja:  Namaste ji

PM: Yes Ram, Namaste

RT : Namaste, Namaste

PM: I have come to know that you have freed yourself from the clutches of the Corona virus!

RT: Yes

PM: I wanted to talk to you. Since you just came out of the danger zone, I wanted to listen to your experience.

RT: I am an employee of the IT sector. I had gone to Dubai for work; for meetings. It just happened willy-nilly. On my return it began with a fever. After 4 or 5 days, doctors conducted a test for Corona virus. It turned out positive. I was admitted to Gandhi Hospital, Government Hospital, Hyderabad, where I recovered after 14 days and was discharged. All this was a bit scary.

PM: You mean when you came to know of the infection?

RT: Yes

PM: And did you know earlier that virus was dangerous and could put you in trouble?

RT: Yes

PM: So, when it happened to you, what was your immediate response?

RT:  First...I was very scared, not ready to believe that it had happened.  And how? Because in India, there were only two or three cases, I didn’t know anything about it. When I was admitted to the hospital, they kept me in a quarantine. The first 2-3 days passed just like that. But the doctors and nurses there…

PM: Yes!

RT: They were very nice to me. They would call me up and talk to me and give me confidence that nothing will happen, I would be okay, they kept on saying. Twice or thrice a day, doctors would speak to me...nurses too. So first I was afraid, but later I felt I was with very good people, who knew what to do. I felt I would get better.

P.M : How were family members feeling?

R.T : When I was admitted to the hospital. Everyone was under stress. Media also created some problem there. Everyone’s attention was drawn to it. But yes. First they all had to undergo a test. The result was negative, which was the biggest blessing for us, for our family and all those around me. After that, there was improvement each day. Doctors were talking to me and informing family too.

P.M. : What precautions did you take? What precautions were there for family?

R.T : When the family first came to know, I was in quarantine. But even after quarantine, doctors told me to stay at home for 14 days…House quarantine for myself in my room. So even after coming home, I am at home mostly in my room, wearing a mask the whole day. When I come out for food, hand washing is most important.

PM: Fine Ram! You’ve returned to good health. Good wishes to you and family.

RT: Thank you.

PM: But I want this experience of yours

RT: Yes!

PM: You are from the IT profession,

RT: Yes

PM: So make an audio and…

RT: Yes

PM: Share it with people, make it viral on social media. What will happen is, people will not be scared and at the same time, points on adequate care and preventive measures will easily reach people.

RT: Yes, when I came out, I saw people feeling that being in quarantine is like being in a jail. It is not like that. Everyone should know that government quarantine is for their sake; for their families. On that I would like to ask maximum people to get the test done and not be afraid of quarantine. There should be no stigma attached to being on quarantine.

PM: Fine Ram. Many good wishes to you.

RT: Thank you, Thank you.

PM: Thank you Bhaiyya…Thanks a lot.

RT: Thank you.

Friends,  as Ram said, he followed Doctor’s instructions fully when suspected of having Corona. And as a result, he is leading a healthy, normal life today. Another friend, who has defeated Corona is joining us now. His entire family had come under the clasp of this scourge, including a teenage son. Come let us speak to Shriman Ashok Kapoor from Agra.

PM: Ashok ji, Namaste!

Ashok Kapoor: Namaskar ji! I am lucky to be talking to you.     

PM: Fine. Am fortunate too. I called you up, since your entire family had to hear the brunt.

AK: ji ji.

PM: I would certainly like to know as to how this infection was diagnosed. What had happened? What happened in the hospital? So that, after listening to you, if something important is to be conveyed to countrymen, I can use that.

AK: Absolutely Sir. I have two sons. They had gone to Italy to attend a shoe fair. We run a factory here, manufacturing shoes.

PM: Yes!

AK: So, when they returned from Italy...

PM: Yes!

AK: Our son in law too had gone there. He stays in Delhi. Feeling a health problem, He went to Ram Manohar Lohiya hospital.

PM: Ok

AK: They said it was positive. They shifted him to Safdurjung.

PM: Yes

AK: They called us up asking both my sons to get tested since they had been with him. Both sons went to Agra District hospital. There they were asked to call family members also. Just for a check. Ultimately all of us went there.

PM: Hmm…

AK: The next day they confirmed six of us positive... both my sons, myself, my wife, my son’s wife and my sixteen year old grandson...By the way, I am 73. I was told to take all of them to Delhi.

PM: O my God!

AK: But we didn’t fear. We thought it was good we came to know. We went to Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi. The Agra Doctors provided us with two ambulances. And we were not charged for that. We are grateful to them and the administration for their efforts and co-operation.

PM: You came in an ambulance!

AK: Yes. We were seated normally inside. Doctors accompanied us till Safdarjung Hospital where their doctors were waiting at the gate. They shifted us to a ward.

All six of us had separate rooms. The rooms were good; had everything. And then Sir, we stayed at the Hospital alone for 14 days. And as far as doctors are concerned,  they were very helpful and treated us well….same for staff.

Sir, actually, when they used to enter wearing their dress, one could not make out if it was a doctor or a ward boy or nurse. We would obey their instructions fully. There we did not face even one percent problem.

PM: You come across as someone with immense self confidence.

AK: Sir, I am perfect...Yes. I have earlier undergone a knee surgery also. Even then I am perfect.

PM: No, but since your entire family went through a bad time, including the young sixteen year old…

AK: And Sir, it was time for his ICSE papers! We said no…that can be thought of later. If life stays on, all papers will be managed. Not to worry.

PM Modi: That is true. Your experience in life came to be of use in this crisis and imparted confidence as well as courage to the entire family.

Ashok Kapoor: Yes, we all went there, the entire family, we supported each other and though we did not meet, we would talk on the phone. We wouldn’t meet but the doctors took complete care of us –to the maximum extent possible. We are grateful to them for their compassion. The staff nurses took full care of us.

PM Modi: Let me extend my best wishes to you and your entire family.

Ashok Kapoor: Thank you ji | Thanks | We are all very happy that I have spoken to you.

PM Modi: No! It is a pleasure for us.

Ashok Kapoor: Even then, Sir, I speak for all of us, if it is needed to go anywhere to spread awareness, or to do something, we are ready at all times.

PM Modi: No, in your own way, do it in Agra. If someone is hungry, feed him, be empathetic to the poor, and follow the rules. You must explain to the people that your family was in the clutches of this disease, but you managed to save your family by following the rules, if everyone follows the rules then the country too will be saved.

Ashok Kapoor: We sir, Modi sir, we have shot our videos, and sent them to the TV channels.

PM Modi: Good.

Ashok Kapoor: The channels have also telecast them so awareness can be spread in people and…

PM Modi: This  should be streamed in social media also so they become popular.

Ashok Kapoor: Yes. Yes. And in our colony where we live,  it is a neat and clean colony, we have told everyone that, look, we have come back from Quarantine, so do not be afraid. If anyone has a health scare, go and get it tested. And those who met should also get their tests done, and remain protected by the mercy of God. Yes sir.

PM Modi: Alright. I wish everyone all the best.

Friends, we pray for the long life of Ashok ji and his entire family. As he mentioned, without panicking, following the right steps on time,  contacting doctors on time without getting afraid and by taking proper precautions, we can defeat this pandemic. Friends, to know the capability with which we are dealing with this pandemic at the medical level, I also spoke to some doctors who are leading the front line in this battle. Their daily activity is synchronous with that of their patients. We now joined by  Dr. Nitesh Gupta from Delhi…

PM Modi: Hello doctor.

Dr. Nitesh Gupta: Hello Sir

PM Modi: Namaste Niteshji, you are right there on the front, so I want to know what is the mood of the rest of your colleagues in the hospitals? Tell us how is it?

Dr. Nitesh Gupta: Everyone's mood is upbeat. Your blessings are with everyone. Whatever cause you are supporting in the given hospital or whatever we are asking for in line treatment, you are providing it all. So, we are engaged in exactly the same way just like the army battles on the border! And, our only duty is to get the patient back home after being cured.

PM Modi: You are right! This is a war-like situation and you all are managing a frontline.

Dr. Nitesh Gupta: Yes sir.

PM Modi: You must also be counselling the patient along with his treatment?

Dr. Nitesh Gupta: Yes sir that is the most important thing. Because the patient gets traumatized upon hearing what is happening with him. They have to be explained that there is nothing to fear and post quarantine lasting 14 days he will be fine and return home for sure!. So far we have managed to send 16 such patients home.

PM Modi: So what comes across over-all when you converse with such scared patients, are they plagued by worries?  

Dr. Nitesh Gupta: They think mostly about what will happen next? What will happen now? It is because what they witness in the outside world with morbid mortality rates and wonder if the same will happen to them! So we explain to them which one of their afflictions will be cured during a particular time frame. We counsel them that their case is very mild akin to a case with a common cold and since one gets well in five-seven days, they too will be fine after a similar period of convalescence. Then we will tell them that after tests which are bound to report as negative and then they can be send home. So that's why we visit them repeatedly after intervals of two-three-four hours, we meet them, ask about their wellbeing. They also feel comfortable throughout the day.

PM Modi: So they have their confidence restored after being scared initially?

Dr. Nitesh Gupta: Initially, they are scared, but when we have counselled  and by the second or third day when they start recovering, they also start believing that they can be cured.

PM Modi: But do all the doctors are imbued with the feeling that the work of rendering the greatest service in their lives has to be shouldered by them, is this emotion shared by all of them?

Dr. Nitesh Gupta: Yes, it is. We keep our team motivated to the utmost extent that there is nothing to fear, and there is no such thing that we should fear! If we observe precautions thoroughly, and explain these precautions to the patient that he is to follow, then everything will be fine.

PM Modi: Ok Doctor, a large amount of patients come to you and you are absolutely devoted to their cause. It was nice talking to you. But in this battle, I'm with you!  Keep on fighting

Dr. Nitesh Gupta: We seek your blessings. This is what we wish.

PM Modi: Many good wishes Bhaiya

Dr. Nitesh Gupta: Sir Thank you.

PM Modi: Nitish ji, plenty of plaudits to you. Due to efforts of people like you, India will surely achieve victory in the battle against Corona. I urge you to take care of yourself...take care of your loved ones...take care of your family. The world’s experience tells us that in this illness, the number of patients infected with it suddenly grows exponentially. On account of this sudden rise, we have seen the best health systems crumble. In order to ensure that India does not have to face such a situation, we have to keep trying ceaselessly. Another doctor joins us from Pune...Shriman Doctor Borse.

PM Modi: Namaste Doctor

Doctor: Namaste Namaste

PM Modi: You are working relentlessly in the true spirit of ‘Service to Mankind is service to God’. I want to speak to you today on something that will be a message for our countrymen. Firstly, a question that strikes the minds of many is when to contact doctors and when to go for the Corona test! As a doctor, you have dedicated yourself completely in the service of patients. Your words carry weight. I want to hear it from you.

Doctor: Sir, I am a Professor at B.J.Medical College, Pune. And in Pune, there is a Muncipal Corporation Hospital, named Naidu Hospital. It has a fully functional screening centre since Januray 2020. Here till date, 16 Covid -19 positive cases

have been diagnosed. And out of those 16 cases, after due quarantine, isolation and treatment, 7 patients have been discharged Sir. And the remaining nine cases are also very stable and doing well. Despite the virus being inside their bodies, they are getting well; they are recovering out of the Corona virus. Here the sample size is tiny Sir...only 16 cases. But cases of the young population getting affected are coming to light. And despite that, the disease itself is not that serious a disease. It’s a mild disease and patients are successfully recovering. And those remaining 9 people are also going to be well, they are not going to deteriorate, we are keeping a watch on them on a daily basis. They are also going to be well in another 4-5 days. From people who come here as suspects; international travellers and those who come into contact with them...we take a swab... oropharyngeal and nasal. If the nasal swab report is positive, the patient is being admitted to the positive ward. If negative, we advise the patient on home quarantine, how it is to be done at home. After this advice, they are sent home.

PM Modi: What do you explain to them? While at home what aspects do you elucidate to them?

Doctor: Sir, even if one stays at home, one has to stay quarantined there. Observing  a 6 feet distance is mandatory. Secondly, one has to use a mask and wash hands very frequently. If you do not have sanitisation, you can use simple soap and water to wash hands, but you have to keep doing it frequently. And while coughing or sneezing, use a simple handkerchief to cough on, so that droplets are not able to spread, nor fall on the floor, thus preventing hand contact and further spread. We explain this Sir. The second thing is, when they are supposed to be in a home quarantine, they are not supposed to leave home at all. During the current lockdown, they ought to be home quarantined properly for a minimum of 14 days...we are informing them, this is our message to them Sir.

PM Modi: Fine Doctor, you are doing a great service and with selfless dedication...your entire team is at work. I firmly believe that all our patients there return home safely. We shall win this battle...it will be victory for the country...with the help from all of you.

Doctor: Sir we believe we shall overcome. We shall win this battle.

PM Modi: Doctor, many good wishes to you. Thank You.

Doctor: Thank you, Thank You Sir.

Friends, all these people, all these friends are persevering to the best extent possible to chase out this scourge. What they tell us is not just for us to listen to; it is to be practised in life in the truest spirit. Today when I witness the sacrifice, perseverance and dedication on part of doctors, I am reminded of the touching words of Acharya Charak while referring to doctors. And it is so visible in Doctor’s lives today! Acharya Charak had said...

Na Aatmarthan Na Api Kaamartham Atbhoot Dayam Prati

Vartate yat Chikitsaym Sa Savarma Iti Vartate

Which means: The one who strives for his patient’s well being in the spirit of service and compassion, with no desire, monetary or otherwise, is the greatest Doctor.

Friends, today I salute the embodiment of humanity...the Nurse. The selfless spirit of service with which you perform your duty is beyond compare. It’s a coincidence that the world is celebrating year 2020 as the International year of the Nurse and Midwife. This goes back 200 years ago, i.e. 1820, the year that is associated with the birth of Florence Nightingale who lent a new identity, a new paradigm to the term ‘Service to humanity’ and the field of Nursing, taking it to newer heights. Dedicated to the spirit of service of every nurse in the world, this year has come as a challenging examination for the entire Nursing community...I believe, all of you will not only clear the exam successfully, you will also save many lives.

We are able to fight a battle on such a massive scale, only on account of the zeal and grit of  frontline warriors like you...Be you a Doctor, a nurse, a para medic, Aasha, an ANM worker, sanitation worker, the country is also concerned about your health. Keeping that in mind , for around 20 lakhs colleagues from these fields, the government has announced a health insurance cover of upto Rs 50 lakhs, so that in this battle, you can lead the country with greater self confidence.

My dear countrymen, in this battle against Corona virus we have many examples of real heroes in the society. People who are at the forefront even in these conditions. On the Narendra Modi app, the Namo app, Niranjan Sudhaakar Hebbaale of BengaLuuru has written, that such people are daily life heroes. And that is quite right too. These are people due to whom our daily life runs smoothly.

Just imagine, if the water in your taps runs dry for just a day, or there is a sudden power outage in your house. At that time, it is these daily life heroes who banish

our troubles. Think about the small retail store in your neighbourhood. In these troubled times, he too is taking a great risk. After all, for whom? Isn't it because he wants to ensure that you do not face any difficulty in buying essential goods? Similar to that, think about those drivers and workers, who are continuing to work ceaselessly, so that the nation's supply chain of essential goods is not disrupted. You might have noticed that the government has kept the banking services open. And those working in the banking sector are there at your service – with full commitment and dedication – leading us in this fight. These services are not trivial at a time like this. We cannot thank these bank personnel enough for their service. Many of our friends are engaged with e-commerce companies as delivery personnel. These people are continuing delivering grocery even in these trying times.

Just think, as you watch television during this lock down, using the phone and internet even while being home bound, someone is working hard to ensure that these services continue uninterrupted. During this time, many of you are able to make digital payments with ease, many people are working hard to facilitate that. These are the people who are bearing the burden of the country's work during this lock down. On behalf of all countrymen, today I wish to express my gratitude to all these people, and request them, that they follow all the safety precautions, take care of themselves and their family members.

My dear countrymen, I have come to know of some instances, that some of those people who were suspected to have corona virus and asked to stay in home quarantine, are being ill-treated by others. I am greatly pained to learn of these instances. This is very unfortunate. We need to understand that in the current circumstances, we need to ensure social distance, not human or emotional distance. These people are not criminals. They are merely suspected to be infected with the virus. These people have isolated and quarantined themselves to protect other people from getting infected. At many places, people have taken

their responsibilities very seriously. They have quarantined themselves even when they were asymptomatic. They did so because they had travelled abroad recently and were being doubly cautious. They wanted to ensure that nobody else got infected by this virus. So when people are behaving so responsibly, it is unfair to ill-treat them. On the contrary, they need to be shown sympathy and cooperation.

Social distancing is the most effective way of fighting against corona virus. But we have to understand that social distancing does not mean ending social interaction. Actually, this is the time to give a new lease of life to all your existing social relationships. To energise these relationships. In a way, this time teaches us to reduce emotional distance and increase social distance. Yashvardhan from Kota have written on the Namo app, that they are increasing family bonding during the lock down. They are playing cricket and board games with kids; p reparing new dishes in the kitchen. Nirupama Harsheya from Jabalpur writes on the Namo app, that she finally got an opportunity to fulfil her wish to make a quilt. On top of that she is also fulfilling her gardening hobby. I also happened to read the posts of Pareekshit from Raipur, Aaryaman from Gurugram and Suraj from Jharkhand, and they have discussed about having an e-reunion with their school friends. Their idea is very interesting. It's possible that you too might not have gotten a chance to talk to your school and college mates for decades. You too can try out this idea. Pratyush of Bhubaneswar and Vasudha of Kolkata have mentioned that they are reading books that they had hitherto not been able to read. I also saw on social media, that many people took out musical instruments like table  and Veena that were lying unused for years– and started practising on them. You too can do that.

That will not only give you the joy of music, but also take you on a trip down the memory lane. In this crisis, you have got a rare opportunity to not only connect with yourself but also with your passion. You will also get an opportunity to connect with your old friends and with your family.

Shashi ji from Roorke has asked me on the Namo App - what do I do for my fitness during the lock down? How do I observe the Navaraatri fast in these circumstances? Let me reiterate, that although I have urged you to

avoid stepping out of your houses, I have also given you an opportunity to take a look inwards at yourself. This is your chance, don't go out, but go inside, try to know yourself. As far as the navaraatri fast is concerned, that is between me and my faith and the supreme power. As regards fitness, I think that will be quite a lengthy topic, so what I'll do is, I'll upload some videos on this topic on the social media. You can surely see those videos on the Namo app. What I do, possibly, can aid and inspire some of you. But do remember, that I am not a fitness expert, I am also not a yoga teacher. I am merely a practitioner. I do concede however, that some yogaasanaas have greatly benefited me. It's possible that some of these tips might help you too during the lock down.

Friends, this battle against corona is unprecedented as well as challenging. Hence the decisions being taken during this time are unheard of in the history of the world. The steps being taken by Indians to stop the spread of corona, the efforts that we are currently making, will ensure that India conquers this corona pandemic. The determination and restraint of each Indian will also aid in facing this crisis. In addition, our sympathy for the poor should also be far greater. Our humanity stems from the fact that whenever we see a poor or hungry person, we first try and feed him or her in this time of crisis. We should think of their needs and India can do this. These are a part of our values and culture.

My dear countrymen, today every Indian is confined to the home, to ensure his or her own safety, but in the times to come, the very same Indian will tear down all walls on the road to our progress and take the country forward. Stay at home with your family, be careful and safe, we need to win this battle. And we will win. We will meet in Man ki baat again next month. By then we should have overcome this crisis – with this hope, and this wish, I thank you all.

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Why global AI leaders are flocking to the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi

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Why global AI leaders are flocking to the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi
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In this decade of the 21st century, India is riding the Reform Express: PM Modi at ET Now Global Business Summit
February 13, 2026
Amid numerous disruptions, this decade has been one of unprecedented development for India, marked by strong delivery and by efforts that have strengthened our democracy: PM
In this decade of the 21st century, India is riding the Reform Express: PM
We have made the Budget not only outlay-focused but also outcome-centric: PM
Over the past decade, we have regarded technology and innovation as the core drivers of growth: PM
Today, we are entering into trade deals with the world because today's India is confident and ready to compete globally: PM

You are all welcome to this Global Business Summit; I extend my greetings to each one of you. We are here to discuss the theme “A Decade of Disruption, A Century of Change.” After listening to Vineet ji’s speech, I feel my task has become much easier. But let me make a small request-since you know so much, it should sometimes also be reflected in ET.

Friends,

The past decade of the 21st century has been one of unprecedented disruption. The world has witnessed a global pandemic, tensions and wars in different regions, and supply chain breakdowns that shook the global balance, all within a single decade. But friends, it is said that the true strength of a nation is revealed in times of crisis, and I take great pride in the fact that amid so many disruptions, this decade has been one of unprecedented development for India, marked by remarkable delivery and the strengthening of democracy. When the previous decade began, India was the eleventh-largest economy. Amid such turbulence, there were strong apprehensions that India might slip further down. But today, India is moving rapidly toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy. And the “Century of Change” that you speak of will, I say with great responsibility, rest significantly on India. Today, India contributes more than 16 percent to global growth, and I am confident that in every coming year of this century, our contribution will keep increasing steadily. I have not come here like an astrologer making predictions. India will drive global growth; it will emerge as the new engine of the world economy.

Friends,

After the Second World War, a new global order took shape. But after seven decades, that system is breaking down. The world is moving toward a new world order. Why is this happening? It happened because the foundation of the earlier system was based on a “One Size Fits All” approach. It was believed that the world economy would be centered in the core and that supply chains would become strong and dependable. Nations were seen merely as contributors within that framework. But today, this model is being challenged and is losing its relevance. Every country now realizes that it must build its own resilience.

Friends,

What the world is discussing today, India made part of its policy as early as 2015, ten years ago. When NITI Aayog was established, its founding document clearly articulated India’s vision: India would not import a single development model from any other country. We would pursue an Indian approach to India’s development. This policy gave India the confidence to make decisions according to its own requirements and in its own national interest. That is a key reason why, even during a decade of disruption, India’s economy did not weaken but continued to grow stronger.

Friends,

In this decade of the 21st century, India is riding on a Reform Express. The greatest feature of this Reform Express is that we are accelerating it not out of compulsion but with conviction, and with a commitment to reform. Many distinguished experts and stalwarts of the economic world are present here. You have seen the period before 2014. Reforms were undertaken only when circumstances forced them, when crises struck, when no other option remained. The reforms of 1991 happened when the country faced the danger of bankruptcy and had to pledge its gold. That was the approach of earlier governments-they undertook reforms only out of compulsion. After the 26/11 terrorist attack, when the Congress government’s weaknesses were exposed, the NIA was formed. When the power sector collapsed and grids began to fail, only then did reforms in the power sector occur out of necessity.

Friends,

There is a long list of examples reminding us that when reforms are made under compulsion, neither the correct results nor the desired national outcomes are achieved.

Friends,

I am proud that in the last eleven years, we have carried out reforms with complete conviction-reforms in policy, in process, in delivery, and even in mindset. Because if policy changes but processes remain the same, if the mindset remains unchanged, and if delivery does not improve, reforms remain merely pieces of paper. Therefore, we have made sincere efforts to transform the entire system.

Friends,

Let me speak about processes. A simple yet crucial process is that of Cabinet notes. Many here would know that earlier, it would take months just to prepare a Cabinet note. How could a nation develop at that speed? So we changed this process. We made decision-making time-bound and technology-driven. We ensured that a Cabinet note would not remain on any officer’s desk beyond a fixed number of hours-either reject it or take a decision. The nation is witnessing the results today.

Friends,

Let me also give the example of approvals for railway overbridges. Earlier, it would take several years to get a single design approved. Multiple clearances were required, and letters had to be written at various levels-and I am speaking not about the private sector, but about the government. We changed this as well. Today, see the pace at which road and railway infrastructure is being built. Vineet ji elaborated on this extensively.

Friends,

Another interesting example is border infrastructure, which is directly linked to national security. There was a time when even constructing a simple road in border areas required permissions from Delhi. At the district level, there was practically no authority empowered to make decisions; there were wall upon walls, and no one could take responsibility. That is why, even decades later, border infrastructure remained in poor condition. After 2014, we reformed this process, empowered local administration, and today we are witnessing rapid development in border infrastructure.

Friends,

One reform in the past decade that has created a stir worldwide is UPI, India’s digital payment system. It is not merely an app; it represents an extraordinary convergence of policy, process, and delivery. Those who could never even imagine accessing banking and financial services are now being served by UPI. Digital India, the digital payment system, the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile trinity-these reforms were not born of compulsion but of conviction. Our conviction was to ensure the inclusion of citizens whom previous governments had never reached. Those who were never cared for, Modi honors and empowers. That is why these reforms were undertaken, and our government continues to move forward with this same spirit.

Friends,

This new mindset of India is also reflected in our Budget. Earlier, when the Budget was discussed, the focus was only on outlay-how much money was allocated, what became cheaper or costlier. On television, budget discussions would revolve almost entirely around whether income tax had increased or decreased, as if nothing beyond that existed in the country. The number of new trains announced would dominate headlines, and later no one would ask what happened to those announcements. Therefore, we transformed the Budget from being merely outlay-centric to being outcome-centric.

Friends,

Another significant change in the Budget discourse is this: before 2014, there was extensive discussion about off-budget borrowing. Now, there is the discussion about off-budget reforms. Beyond the Budget framework, we implemented next-generation GST reforms, replaced the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog, removed Article 370, enacted legislation against triple talaq, and passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Act.

Friends,

Whether announced within the Budget or beyond it, the Reform Express continues to gather speed. In just the past year, we have carried out reforms in the ports and maritime sector, taken numerous initiatives for the shipbuilding industry, advanced reforms under the Jan Vishwas Act, enacted the Shanti Act for energy security, implemented labor law reforms, introduced the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, reformed the Waqf law, and introduced a new GRAM G Act to promote rural employment. Numerous such reforms have been undertaken throughout the year.

Friends,

This year’s Budget has propelled the Reform Express even further. While the Budget has many dimensions, I will speak about two important factors-Capex and Technology. As in previous years, infrastructure spending has been increased to nearly ₹17 lakh crore in this Budget as well. You are aware of the significant multiplier effect of capex; it enhances the nation’s capacity and productivity and generates large-scale employment across numerous sectors. The construction of five university townships, the creation of city economic regions in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, and seven new high-speed rail corridors, such Budget announcements are, in the truest sense, investments in our youth and in the nation’s future.

Friends,

Over the past decade, we have regarded technology and innovation as core drivers of growth. With this vision, we promoted a start-up culture and a hackathon culture across the country. Today, India has more than two lakh registered start-ups operating across diverse sectors. We encouraged our youth and fostered a spirit that rewards risk-taking. The results are evident before us. This year’s Budget further strengthens this priority. Significant announcements have been made, particularly for sectors such as biopharma, semiconductors, and AI.

Friends,

As the country’s economic strength has grown, we have also empowered the States proportionately. Let me share another figure. Between 2004 and 2014, over ten years, the States received around ₹18 lakh crore as tax devolution. In contrast, from 2014 to 2025, States have been given ₹84 lakh crore. If I add the approximately ₹14 lakh crore proposed in this year’s Budget, the total tax devolution to States under our government will reach nearly ₹100 lakh crore. This amount has been transferred by the Union Government to various State governments to advance development initiatives in their respective regions.

Friends,

These days, there is considerable discussion about India’s FTAs-Free Trade Agreements. As I entered here, the conversations had already begun, and analyses are taking place across the world. Today, however, let me present another interesting perspective-perhaps not the angle the media seeks, but one that may be useful. I firmly believe that what I am about to say may not have crossed your minds either. Have you ever wondered why such extensive free trade deals with developed nations did not materialize before 2014? The country was the same, the youthful energy was the same, the government system was the same-so what changed? The change came in the government’s vision, in its policy and intent, and in India’s capabilities.

Friends,

Reflect for a moment-when India was labeled among the “Fragile Five” economies, who would have engaged with us? In a village, would a wealthy family agree to marry their daughter into an impoverished household? They would look down upon it. That was our situation in the world. When the country was gripped by policy paralysis, surrounded by scams and corruption, who could have placed their trust in India? Before 2014, India’s manufacturing base was extremely weak. Earlier governments were hesitant; hardly anyone approached India, and even if efforts were made, they feared that deals with developed nations would result in those countries flooding our markets and capturing them. In that atmosphere of despair, before 2014, the UPA government managed comprehensive trade agreements with only four countries. In contrast, the trade deals concluded by India over the past decade cover 38 countries across different regions of the world. Today, we are entering trade agreements because India is confident. Today’s India is prepared to compete globally. Over the past eleven years, India has built a robust manufacturing ecosystem. Therefore, India today is capable and empowered, and that is why the world trusts us. This transformation forms the foundation of the paradigm shift in our trade policy, and this paradigm shift has become an essential pillar in our journey toward a Developed India.

Friends,

Our government is working with full sensitivity to ensure that every citizen participates in development. Those left behind in the race for progress are being prioritized. Previous governments only made announcements for persons with disabilities; we too could have continued that path. But sensitivity defines governance. The example I am about to give may seem small to some of you. Just as our country has linguistic diversity, sign language too was fragmented-one form in Tamil Nadu, another in Uttar Pradesh, a third in Gujarat, a fourth in Assam. If a differently-abled person from one state travelled to another, communication became difficult. This may not appear to be a major task, but a sensitive government does not consider such matters trivial. For the first time, India has institutionalized and standardized Indian Sign Language. Similarly, the transgender community had long struggled for their rights; we enacted legislation granting them dignity and protection. In the past decade, millions of women were freed from the regressive practice of triple talaq, and reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies was ensured.

Friends,

The mindset within the government machinery has also transformed, becoming more sensitive. This difference in thinking is visible even in schemes like providing free food grains to the needy. Some in the opposition mock us; certain newspapers amplify such mockery. They ask why free rations are given when 250 million people have supposedly risen out of poverty. It is a peculiar question. When a patient is discharged from a hospital, does the doctor not still advise precautions for several days? Yes, the person has come out of poverty, but that does not mean support should immediately cease. Those with narrow thinking fail to understand that lifting someone out of poverty is not sufficient; we must ensure that those who have entered the neo-middle class do not slip back into poverty. That is why continued support in the form of free food grains remains necessary. Over the past years, the Central Government has spent lakhs of crores on this scheme, providing immense support to the poor and the neo-middle class.

Friends,

We also observe a difference in thinking in another context. Some people question why I speak of 2047. They ask whether a Developed India will truly materialize by then, and whether it matters if we ourselves are not present at that time. This, too, is a prevalent mindset.

Friends,

Those who fought for India’s independence endured lathi charges, imprisonment in Cellular Jail, and even mounted the gallows. Had they thought that independence might not come in their lifetime and questioned why they should suffer for it, would India ever have attained freedom? When the nation comes first, when national interest is paramount, every decision and every policy is shaped for the country. Our vision is clear-we must continue working tirelessly to build a Developed India. Whether we are present in 2047 or not, the nation will endure, and future generations will live on. Therefore, we must dedicate our present so that their tomorrow is secure and bright. I sow today so that the generations of tomorrow may reap the harvest.

Friends,

The world must now prepare to live with disruption. Its nature may evolve over time, but rapid change in systems is inevitable. You can already witness the disruption brought by AI. In the coming years, AI will usher in even more revolutionary transformations, and India is prepared. In a few days, India will host the Global AI Impact Summit. Nations and technology leaders from across the world will gather here. Together with all of them, we will continue striving to build a better world. With this confidence, I once again extend my best wishes to all of you for this Summit.

Thank you very much.

Vande Mataram.