Over the last three decades, I have had the honour of serving India from close quarters in various capacities, witnessing its remarkable transformation journey. From the corridors of influence in Uttar Pradesh to the remotest villages, I have seen the heart of this nation-its people-thrive on resilience and get inspired by their aspirations.
Today, as we stand at an inflection point for India, the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047-a fully developed nation-feels closer and realistically attainable. This vision is not just about
economic milestones but a roadmap for an India with boundless opportunities, innovation as a way of life, and efficient governance as a norm. It is a dream of a Bharat that takes pride in its heritage, builds unapologetically on its strengths, marches ahead by embracing technology, and ensures prosperity for every citizen.
India – A Nation of Job Creators, Not Just Job Seekers
Development is not solely about creating employment; it is about nurturing the inherent entrepreneurial spirit of our people. India has always been a land of startups-from the skilled artisans in villages to the tech innovators in cities. Our Micro, Small, and Medium
Enterprises (MSMEs), forming the economic backbone, are poised to take centre stage in India’s growth story. With the right mix of policy support, access to finance, and digital empowerment, these businesses can drive innovation, social transformation, and global wealth creation.
The gig economy has emerged as a significant employment contributor. According to NITI Aayog, in 2020–21, 7.7 million workers were engaged in the gig economy, constituting 2.6% of the non-agricultural workforce. By 2029–30, this number is expected to rise to 23.5 million, forming 6.7% of the non-agricultural workforce, reflecting the shifting dynamics of work in a new Bharat.
Phygital India – Blending Human Capital with Technology
Uniquely positioned, India’s growth is at the intersection of vast human potential and a digital revolution. Today, we are already a Phygital nation-where physical and digital infrastructures complement each other for inclusive growth.
A farmer from a remote village accessing global markets, a student learning from the world’s best teachers, and an artisan leveraging ONDC to sell products worldwide are no longer distant possibilities but cherished realities.
Our globally celebrated digital infrastructure – Aadhaar, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), DigiLocker, and AI-driven governance—is making service delivery faster, personalized, and transparent. UPI transactions alone have surged from 92 crore in FY 2017-18 to 13,116 crore in FY 2023-24, marking a 129% CAGR, cementing India’s leadership in digital payments.
The Journey from Welfare to Wealth Creation
India has always supported its weaker sections. However, true empowerment goes beyond welfare—it provides people with tools to shape their own futures. The idea of Viksit Bharat stems from the philosophy of our honourable Prime Minister that ‘no one is left behind’, not because of government aid, but because they are given tools that help them build their own future.
Initiatives like PM SVANidhi have enabled street vendors to become micro-entrepreneurs, and One District, One Product (ODOP) has connected artisans to global markets. Over the past decade, approximately 25 crore people have moved out of multidimensional poverty, reducing the poverty headcount ratio from 29.17% to 11.28%, showcasing the effectiveness of targeted reforms.
Building an Inclusive and Equitable Bharat
True development ensures equal opportunities for every citizen. The dream of a Viksit Bharat hinges on inclusivity, where rural communities enjoy urban facilities, women play leading roles across sectors, and the marginalized find equal footing in national progress.
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has been a game- changer, providing Rs 5 lakh annual health coverage per family. Over 30 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued, enabling 5.7 crore hospital admissions worth Rs 70,000 crore.
Further, the recent expansion to cover citizens above 70 years will benefit an additional 6 crore senior citizens, reinforcing the government’s commitment to healthcare accessibility. These initiatives have significantly reduced Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE), which has declined from 62.6% to 47.1% of total health expenditure, making healthcare more affordable and inclusive.
A Resilient and Green Nation
A truly developed nation is not only an economic powerhouse but an environmentally responsible society. With a firm commitment to net-zero emissions, India is leading the charge in renewable energy and sustainable urban planning.
The country has witnessed a massive leap in solar energy, increasing installed capacity from2.82 GW in 2014 to over 100 GW in 2025, with an additional 84.10 GW under implementation. The National Green Hydrogen Mission, backed by Rs 19,744 crore, is set to position India as a global leader in green hydrogen production.
Simultaneously, EV adoption is accelerating, supported by government incentives and expanding charging infrastructure, steering India towards clean mobility. More than just environmental efforts, these initiatives transform challenges into economic opportunities, making India a leader in green energy and a circular economy.
An India That Stands Tall on the Global Stage
India is no longer just an emerging power—it is a defining force shaping the 21st century. The economy is expanding, not only in size but in global influence. India has positioned itself as a voice of wisdom, a pioneer of inclusive policies, and an architect of unprecedented digital infrastructure.
India’s defence exports have surged from Rs 686 crore in FY 2013-14 to Rs 21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, an increase of over 30 times. Major exports include Dornier-228 aircraft, BrahMos Missiles, Akash Missile Systems, and Advanced Towed Artillery Guns.
In space technology, India has become a trusted satellite launch partner. Since 2014, we have launched satellites for 34 countries, including the United States (232 satellites), the United Kingdom (83), and Germany (3). Notably, the European Space Agency’s Proba-3 mission was launched using India’s PSLV-XL rocket, underscoring our growing role as a global commercial launch provider.
Under visionary leadership of our honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Viksit Bharat is a nation that neither bows to any power nor seeks dominance. It leads with confidence, fosters global partnerships, and embodies the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family.
A Future Ready for Greatness
As India marches toward Viksit Bharat 2047, the foundation has been laid with strategic economic policies, digital transformation, social inclusion, and sustainability. Our entrepreneurs, workers, innovators, and leaders are shaping a future where no talent is wasted, and no citizen is left behind.
This is Bharat—a nation of boundless ambition, resilience, and global leadership. The journey is long, but the destination is in sight. Together, we will build a strong, inclusive, and prosperous India, ready to claim its rightful place in the world.