New Delhi, November 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the vision of a developed India, or Viksit Bharat, was entirely achievable, citing the country's progress in technology, infrastructure, manufacturing and digital payments over the past 12 years. He emphasised that 2047, marking 100 years of India's Independence, should not be treated as a deadline until which the country must wait, but as a national goal towards which continuous progress must be made.
Addressing the Deepawali Milan Samaroh at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in New Delhi, hosted by BJP National President Nitin Nabin, Modi highlighted India's achievements and called for greater efforts to communicate the country's development story to audiences across the world.
The event was attended by senior BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister J.P. Nadda.
"Given the achievements with which India is moving forward today, the goal of a Viksit Bharat is entirely within reach," the Prime Minister said.
Modi Highlights India's Technological and Infrastructure Achievements
Pointing to India's growing capabilities in science, technology and infrastructure, Modi said the country had achieved milestones that were once considered difficult to imagine.
He cited India's successful lunar mission, its emergence as the world's second-largest mobile phone manufacturer, the development of the world's third-largest startup ecosystem and the expansion of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which he described as the world's largest real-time payment system.
"Who would have imagined that India would make history by landing near the Moon's south pole; it would become the world's second-largest mobile manufacturer? During these same 12 years, India has built the world's third-largest startup ecosystem. Today, our UPI has become the largest real-time payment system globally," he said.
The Prime Minister also referred to the construction of the world's highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River, presenting it as another example of India's expanding engineering and infrastructure capabilities.
"If we can achieve all this, then the dream of a Viksit Bharat can certainly be realised," he said.
Recalling India's infrastructure development over the past decade, Modi said that around 12 years ago, even the construction of a four-lane road was considered a significant achievement.
He recalled his early years as Gujarat Chief Minister, when villagers would submit requests seeking basic road connectivity, particularly during drought-relief work.
The example, he said, illustrated how India's development priorities and infrastructure ambitions had evolved.
Poverty Reduction and the Road to Viksit Bharat 2047
Modi also spoke about the changing approach to poverty alleviation, contrasting earlier political promises to eliminate poverty with what he described as the growing ability of people to overcome poverty.
"There was a time when every leader spoke about eradicating poverty from the Red Fort. It was almost like a constant mantra for them. Promises to eliminate poverty were made in every election. But today, the poor are actually overcoming poverty themselves, and we are witnessing poverty being reduced," he said.
Emphasising that India should not wait until 2047 to realise the vision of a developed nation, the Prime Minister drew parallels with the country's freedom movement.
He said the achievement of Independence was not the result of a single event but followed years of sustained efforts, smaller milestones and growing public confidence.
"The 2047 deadline does not mean that we have to wait until then," Modi said, urging citizens to set and achieve smaller goals along the way.
He said the confidence generated through successive achievements would help unite people around the broader objective of building a developed India.
PM Modi Urges Media to Promote India's Success Stories
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of communication in shaping India's global image and urged the media to give greater attention to the country's achievements.
He said India had several strengths, including a young population, skilled talent, advanced technology and affordable data, which together provided an opportunity to present a compelling national development story.
"We have a young population, talent, technology, affordable data and, most importantly, a wonderful story to tell the world: the India Story," he said.
Referring to his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi said he had consistently attempted to provide a platform for highlighting the achievements of ordinary citizens and the country.
He urged media organisations to identify and showcase stories of innovation, development and individual accomplishments, saying that taking India's success stories to a wider audience would be a significant contribution to national service.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister extended festive greetings to those present on the occasions of Diwali, Navratri and Chhath Puja.
His message centred on sustained development, public participation and the need to communicate India's progress as the country works towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
