New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, delivering the keynote address at the third edition of TV9 Group’s What India Thinks Today Global Summit 2025 (WITT) on Friday, said that the country has come a long way—from being a nation that dreams to a nation that delivers. He highlighted India’s role in delivering vaccines to the world during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Addressing the Indian diaspora and the global audience, the Prime Minister stated that there is growing curiosity about India, with people worldwide keen to learn more about the country.
India’s economic growth
– India has progressed from being the 11th to the 5th largest economy.
– As per the latest IMF announcement, India is the only economy to have doubled its GDP in five years.
– 25 crore people have risen out of poverty and joined the neo-middle class, contributing to a more vibrant economy.
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India’s global influence and policy shifts
Talking about India’s changing role in global affairs PM Modi said, earlier the country’s foreign policy was based on maintaining equal distance, but now it focuses on equi-closeness. He also highlighted how its growing global stature ensures its active participation in shaping the world order.
Discussing disaster resilience, PM Modi mentioned the recent earthquake in Myanmar, noting that the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) was established to protect global infrastructure from natural disasters. He stressed that past international organisations were influenced by only a few nations, whereas India advocates for inclusive participation.
Leadership in sustainable energy
PM Modi highlighted India’s leadership in the energy sector, including the International Solar Alliance (ISA), which aims to secure the energy needs of Global South countries. Over 100 countries have joined this initiative.
Strengthening global trade networks
Addressing global trade challenges, the Prime Minister spoke about the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (I-MEC). He said that this ambitious initiative will offer alternative trade routes, strengthening the global supply chain and positioning India as the voice of the Global South.
Transformational development
PM Modi contrasted past and present achievements, stating that India has transitioned from aspiration to achievement and from desperation to development. He highlighted several milestones:
– Over 30 crore women now have bank accounts.
– The ‘Har Ghar Nal Se Jal’ initiative is providing piped water to households, an achievement considered impossible before 2013.
– Passport services have expanded from just 77 centres to over 550, reducing waiting times from 50 days to less than 7.
TV9 Group’s expanding influence
Commending the TV9 Group, the Prime Minister noted that, apart from a vast regional audience, the network now enjoys significant global reach.
The two-day What India Thinks Today Global Summit 2025 is being held on 28-29 March at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi. It brings together key personalities from politics, sports, cinema, and business to discuss pressing national and international issues. Alongside PM Modi, several Union Ministers are also participating in the discussions.
