Posted On:
22 OCT 2026 9:32PM by PIB Delhi
Greetings to all of you! This is the festive season; the nation is filled with celebration, enthusiasm, and energy. In this atmosphere of joy and celebration, I welcome and greet all of you friends who have come here from all over the world.
Friends,
This NDTV summit is dedicated to deliberating on serious matters. Nowadays, everyone is talking about a new world order. Because this affects ordinary life, the importance of such world summits increases even more.
Friends
When talking about 'The World Between Orders', we need to understand two things. First, why is the world order changing? Why is the old global order unable to provide solutions to today's challenges? And second, what is India's role in this changing world?
Friends,
If I elaborate on the first point, this change is natural and spontaneous. The Second World War taught the world a major lesson. The world realized that a global order cannot function merely on the basis of power and self-interest. Dialogue is essential, cooperation is necessary, and resolving disputes is equally vital. It was this sentiment that laid the foundation of the United Nations, or the UN. For decades, the UN played a significant role in promoting global cooperation and peace. But with time, the world kept changing. New aspirations emerged. New economies and new powers arose. The challenges confronting the world also became far more complex than ever before. Technology transformed society, the economy, and the very nature of power. And countries that were not at the table when the global order was initially established came forward with their own prominent roles. The question then arises: did the global order change at the same pace? The answer is no. Neither did the world order change, nor could global institutions adapt themselves with equivalent speed. The United Nations and other global institutions have had their historic role. Yet in the face of today’s challenges, their limitations are clearly visible. Now, emerging powers are rising. New voices are demanding their rightful place. New challenges demand new solutions. When the reality of the world shifts, but decision-making methods remain unchanged, a gap begins to widen between the system and reality. That is precisely what we are witnessing today. For decades, trade connected nations, technology closed distances, maritime routes linked economies, and culture and mobility brought diverse societies closer together; but today, these very links face fresh strains. Trade is being weaponized. Technology is turning into a new arena of competition and conflict. Sea routes are emerging as epicenters of geopolitical tension. Therefore, the challenge today is not merely about the emergence of a new global order. The real challenge is: in a changing world, how do we build an order where new realities find their place, global institutions become more effective, and the spirit of cooperation among nations is reinforced? And this is where the question of India's role comes to the fore.
Friends,
Before elaborating on India's role, I will take you back by 7 to 8 years. What transpired during the COVID pandemic is something we all witnessed. When the world needed cooperation the most, it appeared completely divided. Those who made grand proclamations about globalization prioritized their own self-interests in a time of crisis. In that era of fragmentation, everyone viewed each other with suspicion, and global trust had hit rock bottom; it was then, in 2020, from the G20 platform, that I placed an idea before the world, calling for "a new world order for the collective well-being of humankind" - an order with humanity at its very core. That same year, from the UNGA platform, I said, "If the century changes and we do not, our ability to bring about change also weakens."
Friends,
Today, while it is true that the world order is changing, the real question is: as the old global order shifts, what kind of new world order do we want to build together? Reforms in multilateral institutions are essential. It is vital to grant the Global South its rightful place and voice. International cooperation must not be reserved only for good times; it must remain effective during crises, and for this, meaningful consensus among all stakeholders is imperative.
Friends,
In our heritage, Chanakya stated in the Arthashastra: ‘Apranitah tu matsya-nyayam ud-bhavayati’ - meaning, when governance weakens, the "law of the fish" (matsya nyaya) takes over. Under matsya nyaya, the big fish swallows the smaller fish. The world needs a system that prevents such a situation from arising. That is India's vision, and that is precisely what India is doing. The world experienced this role of India during the severe crisis of the pandemic. When capable nations were thinking solely of themselves, India stepped forward, delivered vaccines to every needy nation, and dispatched medicines to over 100 countries.
Friends,
Guided by the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, India is performing its duty as a Vishwa-Bandhu (universal friend). You have witnessed this firsthand: the G20 Summit was held under India’s presidency, and the BRICS Summit was held under India’s leadership. How many doubts were voiced regarding both summits? It was said that building consensus on joint declarations would be impossible. But India built bridges, emphasized dialogue, and on both occasions, the Delhi Declaration was adopted through unanimous consensus. Nations considered bitter rivals came together on India’s platform. This is not mere coincidence. This is the trust placed in India’s role as a Vishwa-Bandhu.
Friends,
The stronger and more empowered India becomes, the greater the benefit to humanity. This is because India's policies and decisions are inspired by timeless experience and civilizational values. India does not make decisions driven by fleeting moments. Hence, India is a guarantee of stability and an assurance of continuity. Our resolve for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) also fosters this very spirit. Just a few days ago at a summit, I presented the vision of "Power to Empower." A developed India is not just for ourselves; it is a guarantee for a better world. When India advances toward self-reliance, it strengthens global supply chains. When India's economy grows stronger, it provides hope of prosperity to the world. When India’s youth become capable and skilled, it inspires global confidence in innovation and productivity. In other words, India is enhancing its own capabilities today so that the world’s capacity can also increase.
Friends,
India is working with all its might to become a top-3 economy. Our confidence grows even further when we look at the present difficult global circumstances, in the midst of which India continues to emerge as the fastest-growing major economy. Today, India is among the top economies in green energy. India ranks among the top three AI ecosystems. India is among the top three startup ecosystems. India is one of the largest digital economies. India stands number one in real-time digital payments.
Friends,
Today's India is expanding its capabilities across various sectors, and there are numerous milestones achieved for the first time in the country. India's Fast Breeder Reactor achieved criticality for the first time. India linked the Census with digital technology for the first time. During this period, India’s first hydrogen train began operations, and India crossed the 300-gigawatt mark in non-fossil electricity capacity for the first time.
Friends,
I will give you another example. A few days ago, I had the opportunity to meet young athletes returning from the Asian Games. India won 85 medals this time, achieving many milestones for the first time. The women’s recurve archery team won team and individual gold medals for the first time. In boxing, India won three gold medals in a single Asian Games, which is also a first.
Friends,
Now I will mention a term, and I hope many people in the hall have heard it. The word is - Sepak Takraw. Sepak Takraw, have you heard this word? For those who do not know, let me tell you that it is the name of a sport. The world plays it and has been winning medals in it. It is essentially a hybrid combination of football and volleyball. It is played with the feet, but the action takes place across a net. India won a medal for the first time in recent Asian Games in an event of this sport - the Men’s Quadrant.
Friends,
This is the hallmark of a changing India. In every sector, something new and unprecedented is taking place. That means India's conventional strengths are being reinforced, and where we were once not as strong, we are emerging as a new force. None of this is happening in isolation; it is the direct outcome of the policy of 'Reform, Perform, Transform'.
Friends,
The country has seen days when the entire power grid would collapse under rising electricity demand. But when a nation rises with sheer willpower and sets forth, the power grid does not collapse; instead, that very grid fuels the nation's progress and soaring confidence.
Friends,
Today, our youth power, women power, our farmers, fishermen, the poor, and the middle class are engaged with high spirits in the building of a Viksit Bharat. Look around today: India's exports are setting new records. Speaking of September alone, exports of goods and products increased by nearly 25 percent compared to last year. Seafood exports have more than doubled in the last 12 years. In our villages, more than 3.5 crore women have become Lakhpati Didis, and we are working toward the goal of creating 6 crore Lakhpati Didis. Under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, around 70 lakh new jobs have been created in a very short span of time. For the middle class, income tax has been made zero up to 12 lakh rupees - this needs to be reminded to you again and again; it cannot be that you simply take what you get and forget it. Ease of Living is improving across the country, and new employment opportunities are being generated.
Friends,
There was a time when the world referred to India as the 'World’s Back Office', but today's India is not merely a service provider; we are innovating, designing, and creating new solutions and technologies for the world. Look at the field of research alone: today we rank third in research publications. In the year 2025, nearly 1.5 lakh patents were filed - 1.5 lakh patents in a single year. This offers a glimpse into the immense potential for research and innovation in India.
Friends,
Consider the semiconductor sector as well: nearly 20 percent of the world’s chip-design workforce is in India. Indian engineers within the country are working on advanced 2 to 3-nanometer chip designs. To expand this talent pool further, every necessary facility is being provided in the country today. In Indian academic institutions, our students have designed more than 325 chips so far.
Friends,
Another example is Global Capability Centres. More than half of the world’s capability centres are located in India. It is not just about the numbers; the nature of their work is changing. Previously, many centres focused solely on support services. Today, they operate across fields like AI, Cloud, Engineering, Analytics, and Product Development. In other words, India’s role is shifting, and India’s identity is evolving. We have moved from 'Talent at Scale' to 'Thinking at Scale'. The world that once trusted India’s manpower now places equal trust in India’s mind-power. As a result, we are working alongside the world not merely as a Back Office, but as a Brain Office.
Friends,
Whenever the government frames a policy or takes an investment decision in any sector, there is clear thinking behind it: what capacities India needs to develop, in which domains we must reduce dependence on other nations, and which impending crises we must prepare for today. We keep these factors in mind with every decision. There are many investments whose benefits take years to become visible, but they hold immense significance for the nation's future. Let me share an interesting example. All of you are familiar with India's pharmaceutical capabilities, but until a few years ago, India relied heavily on imports for raw materials and medicines. Now the country is changing this situation. You must have heard of Penicillin G, which is essential for antibiotics. Over the last two to three decades, its domestic production in India had practically ceased. We brought it under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme. Today, after many years, domestic production of Penicillin G has resumed in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
Friends,
Penicillin G is just one example. In India, we are building an entire domestic supply chain for APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) - the fundamental raw materials for medicine manufacturing. That is why this sector was brought under the PLI scheme, attracting over 5,000 crore rupees in investment so far, with around 40 projects already underway. Such policies and decisions are steering India toward self-reliance.
Friends,
Amidst discussions of so many national achievements, our media friends might complain that while much was said, nothing was spoken about their work. NDTV is hosting such a magnificent event, and our motto is ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ - which includes the development of the media - so perhaps you would appreciate a few candid and sweet-and-sour remarks as well?
Friends,
While the world is searching for a new order, some people are dreaming of disorder in India. Today, when there is so much disarray in the world, the image of a strong India should be conveyed globally. Yet these individuals are bent on tarnishing India's reputation. They travel abroad to defame India and plead for foreign intervention. One wonders how long Congress will continue to wager the nation's interests just to launch its failed product. In an entire year, Sriharikota does not attempt as many launches as Congress makes failed attempts to launch its leader.
Friends,
Whatever decline Congress chooses to bring upon itself is entirely its own concern, and we have no problem with that. But to protect one family from the repeated stain of failure, Congress is putting India's achievements, strengths, and progress on trial. The grapes are so sour that Congress has set about cutting down the grapevine itself. In reality, this family has become a burden on their party; senior elders of the party understand this and even share it with us in private, yet they swallow their humiliation and remain silent.
Friends,
This conduct of Congress harms honest critics of the government as well, and this imposes a huge cost in a democracy. Honest critics suffer immensely because of this. Those who wish to present their critique against the government in a democratic manner find their voices drowned out by Congress's clamour; the voices of genuine critics are suppressed. Those who genuinely care for democracy and the national interest—even if they are staunch opponents of the government—find no opportunity to speak amidst the shouting and screeching of Congress. We have seen in Parliament: there are so many talented young Members of Parliament from opposition parties who wish to put forward their views and critique the government, but Congress disrupts Parliament so that others do not get an opportunity, simply because Congress wants to keep only one person in the limelight. By doing so, Congress does a grave injustice to the young MPs of the opposition.
And friends,
Movements that organically aim to highlight the government’s shortcomings and genuinely seek systemic reform—which is indeed necessary in a democracy—are also ruined by Congress. Congress has become a parasite that does not want anyone else to progress. Intellectual Naxals have captured Congress's mind to such an extent that Congress has lost its own capacity to think. Those who once wrought destruction in forests have infiltrated Congress and are now bent on wreaking havoc on the country.
Friends,
Amidst all these challenges, the grand goal of a Viksit Bharat stands before us. The nation's aspirations are boundless. Therefore, a single spirit resonates across India today, and that spirit is: 'We Will Do It, We Will Do It.' We will dream big, turn every challenge into an opportunity, and translate every resolution into reality. Our strength is our self-confidence; our inspiration lies in the dreams of 140 crore fellow citizens. We will innovate, forge new paths, reach new heights, and link India's success with the world's success. I am confident that the nectar emerging from this summit will empower this very spirit, infuse our resolutions with new energy, and play a vital role in realizing India's grand aspirations. Once again, my warmest wishes to all of you.
Thank you very much.
DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s address. Original address was delivered in Hindi.
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MJPS/SS/VJ/SS