Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India is increasingly being viewed as a pivotal force in shaping the future of the global economy and stability, noting that leaders and experts across the world are looking toward the country with optimism despite multiple international crises.
Speaking at the NXT Summit in New Delhi, Modi said India is undergoing rapid transformation and steadily emerging as a key player on the global stage. “One goal, one destination — Viksit Bharat,” he said, referring to his government’s vision of transforming India into a developed nation. “If you want to be part of the future, you have to be in India. India is not just progressing; India is moving to the next.”
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Highlighting India’s growing global influence, the Prime Minister said several international leaders now describe the country as the “centre of gravity for the entire world.” He attributed this shift to India’s steady economic growth and political stability at a time when many nations are grappling with uncertainty. “The world is passing through a difficult phase, but India is moving ahead fast and steadily,” he said.
PM Modi pointed out that ongoing conflicts, particularly in West Asia, have led to a serious global energy crisis. “A big war has pushed the world into a severe energy crisis and it is very important how we deal with it as a country,” he said.
Seeking to reassure citizens, the Prime Minister said the government is working on multiple fronts to safeguard the country’s energy security. “No country is untouched by this crisis, but India is fully committed to addressing this challenge and is leaving no stone unturned,” he said.
He added that India’s preparedness has improved significantly over the past decade, especially in terms of strategic petroleum reserves. “Before 2014, India had negligible storage capacity for strategic petroleum reserves. Today, we have significant reserves,” Modi said, adding that the government has adopted a holistic strategy to strengthen self-reliance in the energy sector.
Taking a swipe at opposition parties for raising concerns about possible fuel shortages amid the West Asia conflict, Modi said attempts were being made to create unnecessary panic. “Some people are trying to create panic on LPG. Without making a political point, I will say they are exposing themselves,” he said.
The Prime Minister urged state governments to play an active role in preventing hoarding and black marketing during such crises. “I request state governments to enhance monitoring to stop black-marketers and hoarders in such times,” he said.
Emphasising the government’s commitment to protecting citizens from the fallout of global conflicts, Modi said, “Our resolve is clear — citizens should not face any problems due to wars in different parts of the world.”
Drawing parallels with the country’s response during the pandemic, he expressed confidence in the resilience of the Indian people. “I have full confidence in 140 crore Indians that just like during the Covid time, we will overcome this crisis too,” he said.
PM Modi also highlighted broader achievements of his government over the past decade, including progress in tackling internal security challenges. He said sustained efforts have led to a significant reduction in Maoist activity in several regions.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of farmers and citizens, Modi said India will continue taking steps to shield them from the impact of global disruptions. “India will make every effort to ensure that its farmers and citizens are protected from the burden of global challenges,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that the growing confidence the world has in India also brings greater responsibility. “When the world looks to India with hope, it also increases our responsibilities,” he said, emphasising that the country is determined to play a leading role in shaping the future global order.