Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Republic Plenary Summit 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, delivering a speech filled with optimism and a vision for a developed India. He lauded the role of youth in shaping the nation’s future and praised Republic TV for engaging young minds through grassroots initiatives and hackathons. Modi emphasized that when the youth actively participate in national discourse, fresh ideas emerge, creating an environment brimming with energy and possibilities.
The Prime Minister declared that the world now recognizes this century as “India’s century,” with the nation driving global growth like never before. Reflecting on India’s economic journey, he pointed out that the country, which was once dismissed as a struggling economy, has transformed into the world’s fifth-largest economy within a decade, rapidly advancing toward the third spot. He recalled that in 2007, India’s entire annual economic activity was valued at $1 trillion, while today, the same level of activity is achieved within just one quarter. Modi stressed that this growth is not just about numbers but about tangible changes that have improved millions of lives, lifting 25 crore people out of poverty and ensuring that government benefits reach the people directly without corruption.
The Prime Minister underscored India’s remarkable strides in various sectors. A decade ago, India lagged in solar energy production, yet today, it ranks among the top five countries in solar capacity, with solar module manufacturing increasing thirtyfold. The country’s defense sector has undergone a transformation as well, with defense exports growing twentyfold. The same progress can be seen in India’s manufacturing industry, where the nation has emerged as the world’s second-largest steel producer and mobile phone manufacturer, while also boasting the third-largest startup ecosystem. Infrastructure has expanded at an unprecedented rate, with capital expenditure increasing fivefold, the number of airports doubling, and AIIMS institutions tripling in the last decade.
Modi expressed his confidence in India’s ability to achieve ambitious goals, emphasizing that today’s India dreams big and delivers results. He contrasted this with past governments that stifled aspirations, noting how people once asked for drought relief work but now demand high-speed Vande Bharat trains and international airports. He credited this shift in mindset to the nation’s growing confidence in its leadership and governance.
The Prime Minister highlighted that removing obstacles has been key to unlocking India’s potential. He pointed to the space sector, where opening up opportunities for private startups has led to the development of rockets like Vikram-S and Agnibaan. Similarly, reforms in geospatial mapping and nuclear energy have paved the way for innovation and investment. He also addressed rural development, explaining how the Swamitva Scheme is granting property rights to village households, enabling them to access bank loans and secure their financial futures.
Focusing on the role of youth, Modi described them as the “X-Factor” in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation, where “X” stands for Experimentation, Excellence, and Expansion. He noted that young innovators have been solving real-world problems through government-backed initiatives like the Smart India Hackathon, which has already engaged 10 lakh students in designing governance solutions. Modi commended Republic TV for fostering this culture of innovation and participation.
Reflecting on governance, Modi said the last decade has been a shift from “impact-less administration” to “impactful governance.” He noted that while government schemes existed before, they were ineffective until his administration focused on last-mile delivery. He highlighted how housing policies have evolved from being government-driven to owner-driven, empowering beneficiaries to design and build their homes with financial support. Unlike the past, when incomplete homes were handed over to the poor, today’s government ensures that homes come equipped with essential services like water, gas, and electricity.
Modi also addressed national security, asserting that India is far safer today than a decade ago. The country, once plagued by frequent terror attacks and Naxalite violence, has seen a dramatic reduction in these threats. He noted that the number of Naxal-affected districts has dropped from over 100 to less than two dozen, thanks to extensive development efforts, including new roads, schools, hospitals, and mobile networks. However, he warned against the rise of “Urban Naxals” infiltrating political circles, attempting to hinder India’s progress. He commended journalist Arnab Goswami for his efforts in exposing such elements and urged continued vigilance.
The Prime Minister concluded his speech by expressing confidence in India’s ability to overcome challenges and reach new heights. He praised Republic TV for its commitment to journalism driven by a “nation-first” spirit and hoped that it would continue to inspire a developed and aspirational India. His address left a lasting message of optimism, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the nation’s potential to shape the future.
