Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the principle of “Nation First” has been the cornerstone of India’s remarkable transformation into one of the world’s fastest-growing, most credible and reliable global powers. Addressing a summit organised by a private media house in the national capital, the Prime Minister highlighted the country’s achievements over the past decade, attributing them to a combination of trust, stability and a commitment to serving both national and global interests.
Referring to his recent participation in the G7 Summit, Prime Minister Modi noted that global leaders increasingly recognise India’s steadfast commitment to prioritising national interests while contributing constructively to the international community. He said this philosophy has become the guiding force behind the country’s policymaking and development agenda.
Reviewing the government’s 12 years in office, the Prime Minister said several flagship initiatives, including the Swachh Bharat Mission, Make in India campaign, promotion of khadi and encouragement of local products, achieved success because citizens actively embraced the spirit of nation-building. According to him, public participation has been central to India’s developmental journey and has strengthened the foundation of inclusive growth.
Highlighting the government’s efforts to uplift the economically weaker sections, Mr. Modi said nearly 25 crore people had moved out of poverty in recent years. This, he said, has led to the emergence of a large neo-middle class, creating new opportunities for consumption, entrepreneurship and economic expansion. He reiterated that empowering the poor and the middle class remains a key focus of the government’s policies.
The Prime Minister pointed to affordable housing schemes, tax reforms, healthcare initiatives and modern urban infrastructure as examples of measures that have improved the quality of life for millions. He noted that the Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH) Fund has helped complete thousands of stalled housing projects, providing relief to homebuyers and boosting confidence in the real estate sector.
Emphasising the role of technology in governance, Mr. Modi said digital platforms and simplified tax systems have reduced compliance burdens, increased transparency and improved service delivery. He added that these reforms have made governance more efficient and citizen-centric.
The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s rapidly expanding infrastructure network, describing it as a key driver of economic growth. He said metro rail systems across the country now serve more than one crore passengers every day, while modern train services such as Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat and Amrit Bharat have significantly enhanced connectivity. Expanded highways, airports and logistics networks have further strengthened the country’s development framework, he added.
In the healthcare sector, Mr. Modi underlined the impact of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in providing affordable medicines to citizens. He also referred to the expansion of healthcare coverage for senior citizens, saying these initiatives have helped reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses for millions of families.
Despite global economic uncertainties and geopolitical disruptions, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in India’s future prospects. He described the current period as one of unprecedented opportunity and called upon the nation’s youth, entrepreneurs, innovators and startup ecosystem to seize emerging possibilities and contribute to national development.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi said that the collective efforts of 140 crore Indians would play a decisive role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India). He expressed optimism that the country’s growth momentum, coupled with the spirit of “Nation First,” would enable India to emerge as a leading force in shaping the future global order.
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