Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India’s ability to withstand global disruptions is clearly reflected in its strong economic performance. In an interview with news agency PTI, he described India as a “bright spot of growth” despite challenging global conditions.
Placing India in the context of a changing global order, the Prime Minister said the post-pandemic world has created new opportunities for partnerships in trade and innovation. He noted that many countries are keen to collaborate with India, while the country’s young and increasingly skilled population remains one of its biggest strengths.
“We are living in a post-pandemic world order that is opening new doors for India. Countries are eager to partner with us in trade and innovation. We have a young and skilled population, and we are focusing on strong growth with low inflation and macroeconomic stability,” he said.
According to him, these factors have led many to see the present phase as a historic opportunity for India.
Speaking about the Union Budget, PM Modi said it is aimed at capturing this moment and accelerating the country’s growth journey. He described it as the next step in advancing reforms and preparing the youth for opportunities in a rapidly changing world.
Govt’s vision behind the Budget
The Prime Minister underlined that the government’s approach to the Budget is guided by long-term planning rather than short-term political gains. He said India’s “national character” has consistently shown resilience, helping the country stand out even during global uncertainty.
Referring to his Independence Day message from the Red Fort — “Yahi Samay Hai, Sahi Samay Hai” — he said the sense of urgency that once drove the government has now become a shared national resolve.
“The feeling that ‘now is the time’ has always been there, but today it has turned into a national conviction. There is a renewed confidence across the country,” he said.
A ‘we are ready’ moment
When asked whether the latest Budget marks a decisive leap toward making India a developed nation by 2047, PM Modi said it should not be seen as a do-or-die moment.
“This is not a ‘now or never’ situation born out of compulsion. It is a ‘we are ready’ moment, built on preparation and inspiration. This Budget reflects our collective aspiration to become a developed nation,” he said.
Calling it the first Budget of the second quarter of the 21st century, he said it consolidates the progress made since 2014 and sets the direction for the next 25 years. According to him, the decisions taken today are laying the groundwork for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Focus on reforms over populism
Highlighting capital expenditure as a key feature of his government’s economic strategy, PM Modi said the focus has consistently been on productive spending rather than short-term populist measures.
“High capital expenditure reflects our emphasis on infrastructure and long-term capacity building. We are investing in assets that generate productivity, jobs and future growth,” he said.
He added that outdated infrastructure had long held the country back and could not support the ambitions of a fast-growing economy. Over the past decade, he pointed to major expansions in airports, metro rail networks, highways, digital connectivity and freight corridors as examples of this shift.
The Prime Minister also said that successive budgets under his leadership have followed a clear roadmap instead of being routine financial documents.
“Each Budget carries a vision, a roadmap and time-bound action plans. Implementation is reviewed and carried forward in the following years,” he said.
He further noted that the government has worked to address structural gaps, accelerate reforms, expand opportunities for the poor, empower youth and women, and strengthen support systems for farmers.
“At the same time, we have built an inclusive, technology-driven and human-centric welfare system that reaches the last mile and ensures no one is left behind,” he said.