New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asserted that India is not only a rapidly growing global power but also a “reliable power”, emphasizing that the decisions being taken today will shape the country’s trajectory for the next millennium.
Addressing the Republic Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Modi said India’s rise is built on trust, stability and a commitment to the larger global good. He stressed that while the world often describes India as a rising or emerging superpower, the country’s true strength lies in its reliability and credibility on the global stage.
The Prime Minister remarked that India is a civilization with a deep historical memory and a unique ability to learn from both progress and adversity. He said the nation is not reacting to short-term global events but is laying the foundation for the future. According to Modi, the actions and policies being implemented today will help write the story of the next 1,000 years of Indian history.
Highlighting the theme of “Nation First,” Modi said this principle has guided India’s transformation over the past decade. He pointed to initiatives such as Swachh Bharat, Make in India, the promotion of khadi and support for local products as examples of how citizens and government have worked together to advance national interests.
The Prime Minister also highlighted progress in regions once affected by Left-Wing Extremism, stating that thousands of kilometres of roads, mobile towers, banking facilities and communication networks have been established over the last decade. He said Maoist violence is now in its final phase due to a combination of security measures and accelerated development.
Speaking about economic progress, Modi noted that India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies while also becoming a credible and trusted partner internationally. He cited the emergence of a large neo-middle class and said that nearly 25 crore people have moved out of poverty in recent years, contributing to stronger economic activity and greater opportunities.
The Prime Minister further emphasized infrastructure growth, healthcare expansion, digital governance and tax reforms as key drivers of India’s development journey. He said empowering the poor and middle class remains central to the government’s agenda and is essential for achieving the vision of a developed India.
Concluding his address, Modi called on India’s youth, entrepreneurs, innovators and startups to seize emerging opportunities in a rapidly changing world. He expressed confidence that the collective efforts of 1.4 billion Indians would help realize the vision of Viksit Bharat and strengthen India’s position as a trusted global leader.
