Prime Minister Narendra Modi has positioned India as an emerging growth model for the world while emphasizing that development should remain the highest priority for all governments, regardless of political affiliations. The Prime Minister delivered this powerful message during the sixth Ramnath Goenka Lecture organized by The Indian Express newspaper in New Delhi on Monday evening.
States Called to Compete on Development Parameters
In his address, Modi urged state governments to actively compete across three critical areas: creating superior investment environments, enhancing ease of doing business, and advancing development parameters. The Prime Minister emphasized that such competitive federalism would ultimately earn the trust of citizens, who naturally gravitate toward political parties demonstrating sincere commitment to fulfilling their aspirations through development-focused governance.
India's Economic Resilience Amid Global Challenges
Modi highlighted the remarkable resilience demonstrated by the Indian economy, which maintained strong growth momentum throughout 2022-23 despite the European crisis disrupting global supply chains and energy markets. Even as conditions deteriorated in West Asia during 2023, India's growth rate remained robust, with the current year projecting approximately 7% GDP growth despite ongoing global instability.
The government's Economic Survey 2024-25 had initially projected GDP growth between 6.3-6.8% for the current fiscal year. However, chief economic advisor V Anantha Nageswaran recently indicated greater confidence in growth exceeding 6.8%, signaling stronger-than-expected economic performance.
India as Emerging Model of Hope
"At a time when the world is fearful of disruption, India is confidently moving in the direction of a bright future," Modi stated, adding that "India is not just an emerging market, but also an emerging model." He emphasized that the international community now views the Indian growth narrative as a model of hope and confidence.
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of embracing Indian models of growth, innovation, and cultural heritage. He called upon citizens to take a pledge over the coming decade to liberate themselves from colonial-era mentalities, specifically criticizing 19th century British MP Thomas Babington Macaulay for his education policies during British rule.
Modi pointed out that when nations fail to honor their own identity, they inevitably reject their indigenous ecosystems, including contemporary initiatives like the Make in India manufacturing framework.
Heritage Pride as Tourism Foundation
Addressing tourism development, the Prime Minister noted that successful tourism destinations universally share one common trait: pride in historical heritage. He emphasized that without genuine pride in heritage, there exists no motivation for preservation, and without preservation, such heritage deteriorates into mere ruins of brick and stone.
Modi concluded that such pride in cultural and historical legacy serves as an essential prerequisite for tourism growth, completing his vision of comprehensive national development spanning economic, cultural, and social dimensions.
