‘Nation First’ Driving India’s Rise as a Trusted Global Power, Says PM Narendra Modi at Republic Summit 2026.
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asserted that India’s remarkable transformation over the past decade has been guided by the principle of “Nation First,” which he described as the foundation of the country’s emergence as both a fast-growing economy and a trusted global power.
Addressing the Republic Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Modi said India is no longer viewed merely as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies but also as a credible and reliable partner on the global stage.
“India is not only a fast-growing economy but also a credible one. Along with being a rising power, India is also a reliable power,” the Prime Minister said, emphasizing that trust, stability and commitment to global welfare have become defining features of India’s rise.
Speaking on the summit’s theme, “Great Power India: Nation First,” Modi said the philosophy has shaped government policies, development initiatives and national priorities over the last 12 years. He noted that major programmes such as Swachh Bharat, Make in India, the promotion of khadi and campaigns supporting local products became successful because citizens embraced the idea of placing national interests above all else.
India Gaining Global Recognition
Referring to his recent participation in the , Modi said world leaders increasingly recognize India’s unwavering commitment to the Nation First approach.
He stressed that India possesses a unique civilizational heritage and has consistently drawn lessons from both achievements and challenges. According to him, decisions being taken today are laying the foundation for the country’s development over the coming centuries.
Maoist Violence in Its Final Phase
Highlighting progress in regions previously affected by Left-Wing Extremism, the Prime Minister said development and security measures have significantly weakened Maoist networks.
“Maoist terror is breathing its last in India,” Modi declared.
He said more than 12,000 kilometres of roads, over 9,500 mobile towers, banking facilities, post offices and communication infrastructure have been established in affected areas during the last decade. These initiatives, he noted, have brought development to regions once marked by violence and isolation.
Pointing to the growing popularity of the Bastar Olympics, Modi said the event reflects how aspirations, talent and opportunities are replacing fear and uncertainty among the youth of these regions.
Rise of Aspirational India
The Prime Minister described India’s shift from pessimism to confidence as one of the country’s greatest achievements.
“The shift in mindset from ‘this can never be done’ to ‘this will be done’ is India’s greatest achievement,” he said.
Modi highlighted the success of the Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks Programme, saying the initiative has transformed some of the country’s most underdeveloped regions into engines of growth and development.
Poverty Reduction and Growth of the Middle Class
The Prime Minister said nearly 25 crore Indians have moved out of poverty in recent years, contributing to the emergence of a strong neo-middle class.
According to him, poverty alleviation is not merely a welfare objective but also a catalyst for economic growth, entrepreneurship and social mobility.
“The government is empowering the poor and middle class,” he said, adding that the expansion of the middle class has boosted consumption, economic activity and opportunities across sectors.
Focus on Housing and Urban Development
Highlighting efforts to improve the quality of life for middle-class families, Modi referred to the government’s intervention in stalled housing projects through a ₹25,000 crore special fund.
He said thousands of delayed residential projects have been completed under initiatives such as the Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH) Fund, enabling homebuyers to finally receive possession of their homes.
The Prime Minister also pointed to improvements in urban infrastructure, affordable housing finance and digital services as major contributors to enhanced living standards.
Infrastructure Expansion Transforming India
Modi underscored the unprecedented expansion of transportation and connectivity infrastructure across the country.
He noted that metro rail systems now serve more than one crore passengers daily, while modern train services such as , and are strengthening national connectivity.
Expanded highways, roads and airports, he said, are creating new opportunities and improving mobility across urban and rural India.
Tax and Healthcare Reforms
The Prime Minister highlighted several reforms aimed at reducing the burden on taxpayers and increasing disposable incomes. He said technology-driven initiatives such as faceless tax assessments and online filing systems have improved transparency and convenience.
On healthcare, Modi cited the expansion of affordable medicine access through centres and healthcare coverage for senior citizens under government welfare schemes.
He said these measures have significantly reduced out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for millions of families.
Call to Youth and Entrepreneurs
Addressing India’s younger generation, Modi said the country is entering an era filled with unprecedented opportunities created by global disruptions and technological transformation.
He urged youth, entrepreneurs, innovators and startups to seize these opportunities and contribute to nation-building.
The Prime Minister also criticized what he described as a negative political mindset that opposes development initiatives while simultaneously demanding their benefits. He called for constructive participation in India’s growth journey and urged citizens to remain focused on national development goals.
Vision of Viksit Bharat
Concluding his address, Modi expressed confidence that the collective efforts of 140 crore Indians would help realize the vision of a developed India.
“The collective efforts of 140 crore Indians will realise the dream of a Viksit Bharat,” he said.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to reforms, innovation and citizen-centric governance, the Prime Minister said India is firmly on the path of accelerated development and is poised to emerge as an even stronger and more influential force in the years ahead.
