Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday used his Independence Day address to highlight what he described as a major transformation in India’s economic and strategic position over the past 12 years: from being counted among the world’s “Fragile Five” to becoming the world’s fastest-growing major economy.
“Within just 12 years, (India has) emerged as the world’s fastest-growing major economy,” Modi said from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
PM Modi said that while India had big dreams after Independence, the country’s progress had often fallen short of the pace it aspired to achieve.
“Today, India is moving ahead with unprecedented speed and confidence,” he said.
From Fragile Five To Fast Growth
The Prime Minister’s reference to the “Fragile Five” was aimed at underlining the change
he sees in India’s economic standing.
The term was used in the past to describe India, Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa and Turkey as economies vulnerable to external financial pressures.
Modi said India’s position had changed significantly over the past 12 years, presenting the country as an economy now moving with greater confidence and speed.
PM Modi’s Self-Reliance Pitch
The Prime Minister linked this transformation to his government’s emphasis on self-reliance.
“It is our conviction that India must not be dependent on other countries. We must become self reliant,” PM Modi said.
He said India needed to strengthen its own capabilities while protecting its national interests, linking the push to the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Modi also invoked Make in India, Swadeshi and Vocal for Local, saying every Indian was connected with these movements.
The Numbers Modi Cited
To illustrate the change, the Prime Minister highlighted the growth of several sectors over the past 12 years.
According to figures cited by the Prime Minister:
- Defence production has increased four times.
- Electronic manufacturing has increased seven times.
- Modern railway coach production has increased 21 times.
- Internet users have increased four times.
- Digital transactions have increased 100 times.
The Prime Minister’s message from the Red Fort was clear: the India of today, he argued, is more confident, more self-reliant and moving at a much faster pace than the country he took charge of 12 years ago.
