‎Nation first drives India’s rise as credible global power, says Modi at Republic Summit-2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that India has emerged not only as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies but also as a credible and reliable global power, declaring that the principle of “Nation First” remains the guiding force behind the country’s transformation.

‎Delivering the keynote address at the Republic Summit 2026 on the theme “Great Power India: Nation First,” Modi outlined his vision of India’s evolution from a rising power to a nation capable of shaping global developments.

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‎Addressing policymakers, industry leaders and opinion-makers at the summit, the Prime Minister said the country’s progress over the past decade had been driven by a shift in public confidence and national ambition.

‎”India is not only a fast-growing economy, but also a credible one,” Modi said. “Along with being a rising power, India is also a reliable power.”

‎Emphasising the government’s overarching philosophy, he added, “For India, Nation First is the highest guiding principle.”

‎The Prime Minister said one of the country’s greatest achievements had been a transformation in public mindset, replacing pessimism with confidence and determination.

‎”The shift in mindset from ‘this can never be done’ to ‘this will be done’ is India’s greatest achievement,” he said, describing the change as the foundation of India’s economic, technological and social advancement.

‎Modi also highlighted the government’s focus on empowering the poor and the middle class, stating that welfare measures, infrastructure development and economic reforms had been designed to create opportunities and improve living standards across society.

‎On internal security, the Prime Minister claimed that Left-wing extremism was nearing its end in the country.

‎”Maoist terror is breathing its last in India,” he said, crediting security forces and development initiatives for weakening insurgent networks in affected regions.

‎The Prime Minister’s speech also touched on key policy priorities and long-term national objectives. He reiterated the government’s commitment to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India, and promoted domestic manufacturing under the slogan “Daam kam, dum zyada” (low cost, high performance).

He highlighted sectors such as semiconductors, electric vehicles and defence manufacturing as central to India’s industrial growth strategy.

‎According to the broad policy roadmap outlined during the summit, the government is working towards strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities and expanding India’s role in high-technology sectors. The Prime Minister also referred to ongoing economic reforms aimed at boosting competitiveness and supporting domestic markets.

‎On national security, Modi underscored the need for continued military modernisation and reaffirmed the government’s tough stance on terrorism. He said India had adopted a “new normal” in dealing with security threats and would not differentiate between terrorists and those supporting them.

‎The Prime Minister also spoke about governance reforms, including efforts to bring greater public participation into policymaking and administration.

‎Addressing social issues, Modi called for swift justice in cases involving crimes against women and stressed the importance of safeguarding India’s long-term socio-economic interests through demographic planning and development initiatives.

‎The Republic Summit has emerged as a major annual platform for discussions on governance, public policy, economics and national security. Modi’s address came at a time when India continues to project itself as a leading voice among developing nations while pursuing ambitions of becoming a major global economic and strategic power.

‎The Prime Minister further said India’s journey toward becoming a great power would continue to be guided by national interest, public participation and confidence in the country’s capabilities, asserting that the nation was entering a new era of growth, security and global influence.