NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India is poised to play a defining role in shaping the global economy, with experts projecting its contribution to reach 20% in the coming years. He was speaking at the ET World Leaders Forum 2025 in New Delhi. Highlighting the foundation of India’s growth story, the Prime Minister credited the country’s macroeconomic stability over the past decade. “The macroeconomic stability of the last ten years is behind today’s growth and resilience,” he said.
PM Modi underlined that despite the shocks of the Covid-19 pandemic, India has managed to maintain strong fundamentals. “Our fiscal deficit is predicted to come down to 4.4%, that too after the setbacks of Covid,” he said, adding that the economy has shown remarkable recovery. PM also said India is moving with the goal of a “quantum jump” rather than incremental change, highlighting the country’s rapid strides in space and defence. He noted that India completed over 60 space missions in the last 11 years, achieved space docking capability this year, and is preparing for the Gaganyaan mission, which will send Indian astronauts into space. The Prime Minister also pointed to strengthened banking systems, low inflation, reduced interest rates, and a current account deficit under control as signs of resilience and confidence in India’s economic trajectory.Here are his key quotes from the address:On reforms and growth
On macroeconomic stability
On technology and semiconductors
On space ambitions
On Gaganyaan mission
On Tax and GST reforms
On economy, industry and jobs
On Vision for 2047
On defence production
On reforms impact
On Covid-19 vaccines
On electric vehicles
On research and development
On clean energy and global growth
PM Modi on reforms in Monsoon Session
PM Modi on mining, shipping and ports
PM Modi on sports policy and economy
Other key voices at the forumAhead of the Prime Minister’s address, Union minister Piyush Goyal underscored India’s economic strength, calling it “the world’s fastest-growing economy, full of possibilities and resilience.” He stressed that India negotiates trade deals with a “clear vision to protect national interests” while working with global partners on the basis of mutual respect.On the global stage, former US secretary of state John Kerry described the current era as “dangerous but also momentous,” while praising India’s role in navigating its development trajectory. “We need to recognise and honour the impact of Indians in the US,” he said, noting that the world still lacks clear rules on artificial intelligence.Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP, cautioned against being “oblivious about China,” citing Beijing’s deliberate economic decisions, while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reminded that “the overall trend [in India’s global ties] has been net positive,” even though challenges with major powers continue.Defence minister Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s focus on self-reliance in defence, noting that 75% of the defence budget is now earmarked for procurement from domestic companies.The forum also featured insights from business leaders and state heads. Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu said “the power of India cannot be stopped,” while tech leader Vishal Sikka highlighted AI’s transformative potential for businesses.