Key facts
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for India's next decade to focus on excellence and achievement.
- India is advancing confidently on its growth path despite global instability.
- India achieved a 7.7% growth rate in 2025-26.
- Leveraging India's demographic dividend and promoting women-led development are key drivers for a developed India.
- Cooperative federalism and collaboration between the Centre and states are crucial for development.
- Free trade agreements are opening new opportunities for exports and MSMEs.
- Harnessing India's young population is a historic opportunity.
- NITI Aayog can serve as a platform for states to exchange ideas and work towards a developed India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India is confidently advancing on its growth path despite global instability, emphasizing that the country's focus on free trade agreements, youth development, and cooperative federalism will be key to achieving the goal of a developed nation by 2047. Chairing the 11th meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog, Modi highlighted that India has continued to advance "with confidence and determination" even as the world grapples with uncertainty and instability.
Modi noted that India's recent free trade agreements with multiple countries are opening up fresh opportunities for exports and businesses, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He described India's demographic advantage as a "historic opportunity" that must be harnessed through quality education, demand-driven skilling, and greater employment opportunities, stating that empowered youth will drive the journey towards Viksit Bharat (developed India).
Calling for closer collaboration between the Centre and states, Modi said dialogue and cooperation should remain the foundation of policymaking, with NITI Aayog serving as a platform for states to exchange ideas. He also highlighted the role of women in India's growth story, describing women-led development as a key pillar of the country's long-term vision and urging states to focus on women's education, skilling, safety, and empowerment.