New Delhi [India], June 23 (HBTV): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India is a fast-growing economy, a rising power, and a reliable global partner, asserting that the country's actions today will shape the future for the next thousand years.
Speaking at the Republic Summit 2026, the Prime Minister said India's civilisational depth and long-term vision set it apart from nations driven by short-term developments.
'India is not a nation that reacts impulsively to fleeting events. We are the people who have both witnessed and endured the cycles of growth and destruction. We are a nation that carries the "memory chip" of ages within its consciousness. I say this with a deep sense of responsibility. What India is doing today will shape the future for the next thousand years,' he said.
'India is a fast-growing economy and a credible one, too. It is a rising power and India is a reliable power. I returned from the G7 Summit just a few days ago, and every world leader and nation fully understands that for the India of today, "Nation First" is the supreme mantra and the guiding principle,' he added.
The Prime Minister said the NDA government recently completed 12 years in office and that its decisions have consistently been guided by the spirit of 'Nation First'.
'If you weigh all the achievements the country has had in the last 12 years on the scales, every decision, every step, every effort... at their core, the spirit of "Nation First" is what remains at the centre. From the Swachh Bharat campaign to Make in India, emphasis on buying khadi and local products... people of the country fulfilled their duty by placing the nation above all. For this, I salute the citizens of the country,' he said.
PM Modi also highlighted measures aimed at providing relief to the middle class.
'In 2013-14, income above INR 2 lakh was subject to taxation, and the middle class bore a significant portion of this tax burden. Today, income up to INR 12 lakh per annum is exempt from tax, resulting in a substantial increase in tax-free income. The introduction of GST reforms has also benefited the middle class by simplifying the tax process, saving both time and effort in tax filing. Individuals can now file their Income Tax Returns (ITR) from home with ease,' he said.
'Healthcare, particularly expenses related to diabetes treatment, is a major concern for the middle class. Jan Aushadhi Kendras are addressing this issue by providing medicines at an 80 per cent discount, leading to total savings of INR 40,000 crore for the people,' he added.
The Prime Minister also spoke about infrastructure development and efforts to improve facilities in aspirational districts.
'In 2014, approximately 28 lakh people travelled by metro each day. Today, that number has risen to about 1.28 crore daily commuters. Additionally, Namo Bharat, Vande Bharat, and Amrut Bharat trains are now connecting different regions across the country. Over the past few years, the number of airports has doubled, providing greater opportunities for the middle class to travel by air,' he said.
He said the government had focused on transforming districts and blocks that had historically lagged behind on development indicators.
'We undertook the challenge of transforming these regions, helping them rise above despair and igniting their aspirations for progress. To reflect this new approach, we renamed them aspirational districts and blocks. Today, these aspirational districts and blocks are driving the growth of the state,' he said.
PM Modi also detailed the government's efforts to combat Naxalism and improve conditions in tribal regions.
'In government policies and decision-making, the principle of "Nation First" has had a profound impact; a prime example of this is the transformation of our tribal regions. For decades, these areas were plagued by Maoist terrorism, which prevented the delivery of basic government amenities well into the 21st century,' he said.
Referring to violence linked to Maoist insurgency, he said that between 2004 and 2014, more than 17,000 violent incidents were recorded, resulting in over 7,000 deaths.
'However, today, Maoist terrorism has been eradicated from these regions--a remarkable achievement that should not be underestimated. A significant proportion of the population in these regions lived in poverty, but over the past few years, 25 crore poor people have overcome poverty, with aspirational districts playing a crucial role in this achievement,' he said.
The Prime Minister also criticised previous Congress governments for not taking sufficient steps to tackle Naxalism.
'Those who frequently brandish the Constitution these days: when they were in power, and people were shot dead for even mentioning the Constitution in Naxal-affected areas--they remained silent. The Constitution was nowhere to be seen in their hands back then; their hands were trembling. The Congress was largely indifferent to that harrowing situation,' he said.
He said the government combined development initiatives with efforts to build trust among local communities in affected regions.
'We installed over 9,500 mobile towers. We extended mobile connectivity to nearly 45,000 villages. More than 1,800 bank branches were opened in Naxal-affected districts, alongside the deployment of around 75,000 banking correspondents and the establishment of over 6,000 new post offices. We didn't rely solely on bombs, guns, and bullets; we dedicated every ounce of strength God gave us to winning over hearts,' he said.
The Prime Minister said these efforts had helped create new opportunities for youth in areas once affected by violence.
'Look at areas like Bastar today; instead of bombs and guns, the "Bastar Olympics" is the talk of the town. Two editions of these games have already been held. Over 1.5 lakh youths participated in the first edition, and nearly 4 lakh in the second. In other words, where terror once prevailed, talent is now finding opportunities, and sports are flourishing,' he said.
PM Modi also referred to the success of Indian entrepreneurs and cited his recent visit to France.
'Sridhar Vembu is seated here. When our entrepreneurs operate with a "Nation First" spirit and set their goals while understanding the country's needs, institutions are built, and the nation prospers. I recently visited VivaTech in France. There must have been around 1.5 to 2 lakh young people present. The French President and I were visiting various stalls to see the work done by these young innovators. We visited the Zoho stall. I was amazed and felt a sense of pride to see the crowd of European youth gathered there. They were eager to understand this new global phenomenon,' he said.
(ANI)