Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India’s steady rise in the global economy is a matter of immense national pride. Addressing a public gathering in Gandhinagar, the Prime Minister recalled the sense of excitement across the country when India moved from being the sixth to the fifth-largest economy in the world. He noted that this enthusiasm was especially visible among the youth.
PM Modi described the moment India surpassed the United Kingdom—its former colonial ruler—as historic. “India is now the fourth-largest economy in the world,” he said, “and there is growing pressure to reach the third position soon.”
He reiterated the nation’s goal of becoming a fully developed country by 2047, when India completes 100 years of independence. The Prime Minister said that global recognition of India as a prosperous and strong nation must be the collective aim.
Drawing a parallel to the freedom struggle, PM Modi paid tribute to national icons such as Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Veer Savarkar, Shyamji Krishna Varma, Mahatma Gandhi, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He remarked that if the 25 to 30 crore population at the time could rally for independence and succeed in driving out colonial rulers in just a few decades, the current population of 140 crore can certainly achieve the vision of a developed India within the next 25 years.
Looking ahead to Gujarat’s 75th year in 2035, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to begin long-term planning now. He said preparations must cover key sectors such as industry, agriculture, education, and sports to shape the state’s future in line with national progress.
PM Modi also highlighted India’s aspiration to host the Olympics in 2036, reflecting the country’s growing global stature and readiness for leadership on the world stage.