New Delhi:Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed theGlobal Business Summit 2026today, where he laid out a compelling narrative of India’s reform journey over the past decade, emphasising that unlike previous periods, today’s transformation is driven by conviction, vision, and long-term planning rather than sheer compulsion. PM Modi, in his keynote address, acknowledged that the last decade was marked by disruptions - a global pandemic, tensions and wars across different parts of the world, and supply chain breakdowns. However, he pointed out that these years also marked a phase of unprecedented development in India.

The Prime Minister noted that the true character of any country is assessed when it grows despite the disruptions and chaos around it, and India stood firm in these challenging times and is marching ahead to realise its dream of becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047.

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"In one decade, world has seen many things. Nation’s ability is seen during troubled times. Amid many disruptions, this decade has brought outstanding development for India. It has brought outstanding delivery and strengthen the democracy," PM Modi said.

“During the pre-2014 period, reforms in India were often driven by sheer compulsion rather than proactive planning... For example, the 1991 economic reforms were implemented only when the country was on the verge of bankruptcy... Similarly, the NIA was established in response to the 26/11 terrorist attacks...,” the Prime Minister noted, highlighting the reactive nature of earlier reforms.

In contrast, the reform that has captured global attention in the past decade is UPI, India’s digital payment system. “This is not just an app; it stands as proof of the successful convergence of policy, process, and delivery. UPI is serving citizens who could never have imagined accessing the benefits of banking and finance…” PM Modi said, pointing to technology-driven solutions as a hallmark of India’s new reform strategy.

“Today, we have considered technology & innovation as core driver of growth. With this very thinking, the startup culture and hackathon culture have been promoted in the country,” he added, noting that India now boasts over 200,000 registered startups.

PM Modi outlined that recent policy and budgetary measures are designed to prepare India for long-term global competitiveness. “This year’s budget has propelled the Reform Express forward... Announcements such as the construction of five university townships, economic regions in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, and seven high-speed rail corridors represent investments in the future of our youth and the nation...”

Highlighting the country’s rising confidence, he said, “Today's India is ready to compete with the world... today's India is full of self-confidence. We have motivated the youth and encouraged a risk-taking mindset.”

The Prime Minister also reflected on India’s growing global contribution. “Today, India is contributing more than 16% to global growth... and I am confident that this contribution will continue to rise,” he stated.

Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now