Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday replied to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in the Rajya Sabha, describing the past year as one of “rapid progress” and asserting that India is moving forward “with great speed in the right direction” on its journey towards becoming a developed nation.
Beginning his address, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the President’s address, saying it was his “privilege to share my sentiments in support of the Motion of Thanks.” He said the President had presented India’s progress “with sensitivity and clarity,” capturing the aspirations of all sections of society.
“The President spoke in detail about the middle class, lower middle class, the poor, villages, farmers, women, science, technology and agriculture,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the address reflected “the voice of India’s progress in Parliament.” He noted that the President also highlighted how the youth are strengthening India and expressed “confidence in the country’s bright future, which is inspiring for all.”
Referring to the broader historical moment, PM Modi said, “The first quarter of the 21st century has concluded,” and compared the present phase to the decisive second quarter of the 20th century during India’s freedom struggle. “This second quarter will be equally powerful and fast-paced in building a developed India,” he said, adding that the nation has reached a stage where “there is no question of stopping or looking back—only moving forward with speed, achieving the goal, and breathing only after reaching it.”
The Prime Minister said India is witnessing a “rare confluence of favourable circumstances,” calling it a “highly auspicious alignment.” He pointed out that while many of the world’s richest nations are ageing, India is becoming “increasingly youthful” even as it reaches new heights of development. “India has a vital pool of young talent with dreams, determination and capability,” he said, calling it a “second blessing of strength.”
Highlighting India’s global standing, PM Modi said the country has emerged as a “beacon of hope” and is offering solutions to global challenges. He cited the “unique combination of high growth and low inflation” as evidence of the economy’s resilience. Recalling the situation a decade ago, he said India was once counted among the “Fragile Five” and had slipped from being the sixth largest economy to the eleventh. “Today, India is moving rapidly towards becoming the third largest economy,” he asserted.
“In science, space and sports, India is brimming with confidence,” the Prime Minister said, adding that in the post-COVID world, as global instability rises, “impartial analysis shows a clear tilt towards India.” He said India has become a “trusted partner and friend” to many nations and a “strong voice of the Global South” on international platforms.
PM Modi highlighted that India is entering into “future-ready trade deals” with major economies and said nine major trade agreements have been signed recently, including what he described as the “Mother of all Deals” with the European Union involving 27 countries. He criticised previous governments, saying they left India in a position where “no country was willing to sign trade deals,” whereas today “developed nations are eager to partner with India.”
Drawing from his experience in Gujarat, he said that just as the Vibrant Gujarat Summit once showcased India’s potential, the country today is demonstrating similar strength at a national level. “This is possible only when there is economic power, citizen energy and a strong manufacturing ecosystem,” he said, criticising vote-bank politics for neglecting these priorities.
The Prime Minister said his government has been focused on correcting past mistakes and rebuilding India’s global image. “India is now driven by policy, not adhocism,” he said, adding that the mantra of “Reform, Perform, Transform” has put the nation on the “Reform Express.”
Highlighting changes in global perception, he said international CEO forums now view Indian entrepreneurs as equals. “Even all-party delegations return with pride after experiencing this abroad,” he said. Referring to MSMEs, he said many aircraft components are manufactured by India’s small enterprises, earning global trust.
PM Modi said the benefits of current opportunities will go primarily to India’s youth. “When I speak of youth, it includes urban youth, rural youth, sons and daughters alike,” he said, urging them to move forward with courage. “I stand shoulder to shoulder with you—the nation supports you, and the world awaits your contribution.”
He noted the growing global demand for Indian professionals, including caregivers, and said companies are opening recruitment offices in India, reflecting expanding opportunities for Indian talent.
Turning to the Opposition, the Prime Minister said the level of debate in the Rajya Sabha “should have been higher,” especially from parties that have governed for decades. He criticised what he called contradictions and questioned how the nation could trust such parties. He also accused certain parties of defending illegal infiltrators, saying such actions “deprive Indian youth of their rights, livelihoods and land” and “cannot be forgiven.”
PM Modi said Opposition parties have ruled for decades but remain identified with “corruption and failed governance.” He recalled how earlier discussions were dominated by scandals such as Bofors, whereas today bills are discussed “with pride.”
Speaking on banking reforms, he said the pre-2014 era was marked by “phone banking,” where loans were decided by political calls, while the poor were denied access to banks. “NPAs piled up into mountains,” he said. He stated that his government carried out banking reforms with courage, merged weak banks with stronger ones, and restored the health of the system. “Today NPAs are below one percent and banks are recording unprecedented profits,” he said.
Referring to Mudra Yojana, the Prime Minister said loans worth over ₹30 lakh crore were provided without guarantees, empowering youth and women. He said rural women are now dreaming big, with 10 crore women benefiting through self-help groups.
On PSUs, PM Modi said institutions once seen as doomed are now profitable and driving Make in India. “LIC, SBI and HAL were mismanaged earlier, but today PSUs are expanding globally and creating record employment,” he said.
He criticised earlier neglect of small farmers and said his government introduced PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, under which ₹4 lakh crore has been directly transferred to farmers’ accounts.
Highlighting governance reforms, he said the Planning Commission had failed for decades and was replaced by NITI Aayog. He cited Aspirational Districts as a globally recognised model and gave examples of transformation in Bastar and other regions.
PM Modi also referred to stalled infrastructure projects unlocked through the PRAGATI platform, stating that projects worth ₹85 lakh crore were accelerated through monthly reviews. He cited completion of the Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail line and the Bogibeel Bridge as examples of “the power of implementation.”
He said India is now achieving targets ahead of schedule, including in solar energy and ethanol blending, proving the government’s delivery capability.
Drawing a contrast with the Opposition, he said, “We believe 140 crore citizens are solutions; they believe citizens are problems.” He accused the Opposition of repeatedly insulting constitutional offices, marginalised communities and elected representatives.
PM Modi reiterated that poverty alleviation under his government focused on empowerment, not slogans. “Twenty-five crore people have defeated poverty and risen with confidence,” he said.
He recalled improvements in electrification, railway safety, defence preparedness, healthcare and digital infrastructure, stating that India’s transformation is visible across sectors-from space and technology to fintech and startups.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said building a developed India requires continuous effort and uncompromising quality. He urged citizens and MPs to focus on excellence so that the world recognises “Made in India, Made in Bharat.”
Thanking Members of Parliament for their contributions, PM Modi expressed gratitude to the President for the address and said the ideas shared in Parliament would help shape India’s future.
