11 YEARS OF MODI TRANSFORING INDIA’S ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, AND STRATEGIC LANDSCAPE

The UPA government, led by the Indian National Congress came to power in 2004, with Dr. Manmohan Singh becoming the Prime Minister. Following a successful first term, it was re-elected in 2009. However, its second term was marred by numerous challenges, leading to its defeat in the 2014 general elections. Several factors contributed to this defeat. The coalition pressure stalled the reforms, soaring inflation reaching 10% and a decline in GDP growth from 8-9% during UPA-1 to 4.7% in 2013-14. Dr. Manmohan Singh’s authority weakened and he was perceived as a silent Prime Minister, overshadowed by Sonia Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi’s perceived lack of leadership maturity was demonstrated on many occasions, notably his tearing up of the ordinance. The 2014 elections marked a major shift from Congress’s welfare focused politics to BJP’s development-nationalism narrative, powered by Modi’s dynamic campaign. 

In the 2014 general elections, the BJP secured a clear majority with 282 seats (NDA 336) becoming the first party since 1984 to win an outright majority. Narendra Modi was sworn in as the Prime Minister on 26th May 2014. The NDA returned to power in 2019 with the BJP winning 303 and the alliance securing 353 seats. In the 2024 elections, the BJP won 240 seats and the NDA 293. With this, Modi became the second Prime Minister after Jawahar Lal Nehru to serve three consecutive terms. The key achievements and challenges of the past eleven years include:

Economy

In 2014, India’s GDP stood at $2 trillion with growth rate of 4.7%, and inflation at 10%. At that time, India ranked as the 11th largest economy in the world. Over the next eleven years,


GDP has risen to $4.2 trillion with a 6.4% growth rate and inflation reduced to 4.6%. India is now the fourth largest economy and is projected to become the third largest, behind only America and China. The implementation of GST and the major tax reforms have improved economic efficiency. FDI inflows have also increased.

Infrastructure

India’s infrastructure development has been a hallmark of this transformation. National highways expanded from 91,000 km in 2014 to 147,000 km in 2024, with construction speed rising from 12km per day to 34 km per day. Rural road networks have grown significantly, promoting economic inclusion.     Indian Railways laid over 27000 km of new tracks in last 10 years averaging of 7.4 km/day, much higher than the previous decade. India now leads in locomotive manufacturing, producing 1,681 units last year. Railway connectivity has expanded to the Northeast, boosting national integration. A recent highlight is the launch of Vande Bharat train from Katra to Srinagar crossing the world’s highest rail bridge over the Chenab River. Indian Railways now serves over 20 million passengers daily. The metro network has grown from 248 km in 2014 to 1013 km in 2025.

Operational airports increased from 74 in 2014 to 160 in 2025, averaging eight new airports per year.

Digital Revolution

One of the most significant successes has been the rapid expansion of India’s public digital infrastructure. Platforms like UPI and Aadhar have enabled real-time payments, direct benefit transfers (DBT), and expanded rural banking through Jan Dhan accounts and digital service points. According to government data, Rs.44 lakh crore has been transferred through DBT, greatly reducing corruption. As Rajiv Gandhi once said in the Lok Sabha, only 15 paise of every rupee released reached the people. The World Bank has recognized that the Digital Payment Infrastructure (DPI) has accomplished in six years what usually takes decades. This model has now been adopted in over 12 countries. India has 116 crore mobile subscribers, a strong optical fiber network, and over 2.14 lakh gram panchayats are connected to digital services. Affordable internet has become a reality.

Women Empowerment

Women have emerged as key drivers in India’s growth story. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam has secured one third reservation for women in legislatures. Women now constitute 43% of STEMM enrollments and over two crore MSME entrepreneurs. Self Help Groups have grown to over 90 lakh, fostering grassroots leadership. Women have received over 35 crore Mudra Loans worth Rs.14.7 lakh crore, 68% of the total disbursement. The government has pledged to support three crore women in becoming ‘Lakhpati Didis’. In 2014, there were about 3,000 women officers in the defence forces, today, the number exceeds 11,000.

Healthcare

Under Ayushman Bharat Scheme, over 36 crore health cards have been issued, saving citizens over Rs.1.25 lakh crore in medical costs. Over 400 new medical colleges have been established, medical seats have doubled, and AIIMS institutions have tripled. Maternal and infant mortality rates have significantly declined.

Agriculture

Agriculture budget has increased nearly sixfold, with substantial hikes in minimum support prices rising for major crops. Over Rs.3.68 lakh crore has been directly transferred to over 11 crore farmers under PM-Kisan Scheme. Claims worth Rs.1.75 lakh crore have been settled under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, providing crop-loss insurance. Nearly 25 crore soil health cards have been distributed, and Rs.one lakh crore disbursed under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund. Institutional credit to agriculture has nearly tripled.

Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation

Several schemes have targeted poverty alleviation. The Ujjwala Yojana provided free LPG connections to over 10 crore households. Over fifty crore bank accounts were opened under Jan Dhan Yojana. More than four crore pucca houses have been built under PM Awas Yojana, and 12 crore toilets under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The PM Garib Kalyan Yojana ensures free food grain to over 80 crore people. According to the World Bank, 27 crore people have risen out of poverty in the past 11 years. 

Education

The National Education Policy (NEP), introduced after more than three decades, aims to make learning more flexible and modern. Over 1.6 crore individuals have been trained under PM Kaushal Vikas Yogana. The PM SHRI scheme is modernizing over 14,500 schools. Additionally, 7 new IITs and 8 new IIMs have been established.

Preserving Culture...The government has prioritized cultural conservation through major redevelopment and restoration projects. Iconic sites like Kedarnath, Somnath, Mahakaal, Kashi-Vishwanath, and Ram Mandir have received renewed attention. Over 640 stolen artifacts have been repatriated since 2014. Initiatives like Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and opening of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor highlight India’s spiritual and historical heritage.

Defense Sector

India’s defence budget has risen from Rs.2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs.6.81 lakh crore in 2025-26. Indigenous defence manufacturing has gained momentum, with two defence corridors established in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The shift from import dependence to domestic production has been both strategic and swift. The defence exports have gone from Rs.686 crore in 2013-14 to Rs.23,622 crore in 2024-25. The BrahMos missile showcased India’s technological prowess in Operation Sindoor.

Abrogation of Article 370

The abrogation of article 370 and 35A was a historic step to integrate Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India under a common constitutional framework. Central government’s welfare schemes now reach the region, and infrastructure development is visibly progressing. Terrorism has significantly declined (despite incidents like the Pahalgam attack), and tourism has surged, with over two crore visitors last year.

Terrorism and Internal Security

There has been steady decline in Nexalite-related violence, with many districts now insurgency free. The government aims to completely eradicate Naxalism by March 2026. Communal riots have reduced significantly. Pakistan has been firmly responded to through surgical strikes, the Balakot air strike, and most recently Operation Sindoor. India’s decision to put the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance has exerted strategic pressure on Pakistan.

Challenges Ahead
Despite notable achievements in economy, infrastructure, foreign policy, and welfare, challenges persist. India’s defence strategy remains overly Pakistan-centric, even as China poses a greater strategic threat. While development in the Northeast has progressed, Manipur still requires focused attention. Allegations of misuse of central agencies like ED, CBI, and IT need impartial investigation. Pending corruption cases involving high profile people such as Robert Vadhra (land scam), Rahul and Sonia Gandhi (National Herald case), Arvind Kejariwal and Manish Sisodia (liquor scam) must be resolved quickly as per the law.  Muslims representation in the government should be addressed, like in the past the BJP should send a few Muslim members to the Rajya Sabha. Poverty and unemployment continue to demand greater attention.

|Conclusion
 Over the past eleven years, the Modi government has not faced any major corruption allegations. It has demonstrated strong leadership, visible development, and effective implementation of inclusive growth initiatives. The government has reshaped India’s economic and strategic trajectory while building a modern, digital and a self-reliant nation.

By Manoj Dubey
Principal (Retd.) 
Delhi Public Schools

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