New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday detailed his administration’s priorities for the next decade, framing a vision of sustained economic and societal transformation for India. He identified continued structural reforms, a deepening of innovation across key sectors, and further simplification of governance as the cornerstones of his agenda, aiming to propel India towards becoming a “Viksit Bharat” – a developed nation.
In an interview with the Press Trust of India (PTI), Modi asserted that his government’s approach to reform has evolved beyond incremental adjustments, achieving instead “systemic transformation” that has demonstrably benefited Indian citizens. He expressed a commitment to maintaining momentum on this front.
When pressed to prioritize specific economic reforms for the coming decade, Modi indicated a broad strategic direction rather than a rigid, limited list. “Our direction is clear,” he stated, outlining three key areas of focus. “First, we will continue structural reforms that improve competitiveness and productivity. Second, we will deepen innovation in technology, manufacturing and services. Third, we will simplify governance further so that citizens and businesses can operate with greater ease and trust.”
The Prime Minister highlighted the digital revolution underway in India, citing the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as a prime example of fundamental reform driving positive change. “India is a digital leader in the world made possible by fundamental reforms in how people transact via the UPI platform,” he said. He also emphasized the growing importance of data infrastructure, envisioning data centers as significant job creators for India’s youth and extending an invitation for data from around the world to be hosted within the country.
Infrastructure development is also a key priority, with Modi noting that India is currently experiencing an “unprecedented expansion” and that future projects are being planned with long-term needs firmly in mind. He described productive capital expenditure as a defining characteristic of his government, pointing to the recent Union Budget’s prioritization of capital outlays over short-term populist measures as evidence of this commitment.
India’s growing role in the global economy was also addressed, with Modi pointing to record-breaking goods exports as a reflection of improved competitiveness and increased global integration. He characterized India as a “bright growth spot” amidst global economic uncertainty, highlighting the nation’s resilience in challenging times.
Trade policy, according to Modi, is being strategically crafted to expand opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). He specifically mentioned that free trade agreements are designed to improve market access for MSMEs in sectors such as textiles, leather, chemicals, handicrafts, and gems.
Looking ahead, Modi stressed the crucial role of private sector investment in achieving the ambitious goal of a developed India by 2047. “The next leap to Viksit Bharat will depend on bold investment by the private sector in innovation, long-term capacity, and global competitiveness,” he stated. He also underscored the vital contribution of women to India’s development journey, expressing his conviction that they will play the “most important role” in realizing the vision of a developed nation.
The Prime Minister framed the current policy direction as laying the groundwork for long-term national goals, emphasizing that the reforms and investments being made today are intended to ensure sustained growth over the next quarter-century. This vision aligns with the broader “Viksit Bharat 2047” initiative, which aims to transform India into a developed country by the centennial of its independence.
