New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s remarkable progress amid global uncertainties during his keynote address at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit (HTLS) 2025 on Saturday. Speaking to an audience of policymakers, business leaders, and thought influencers, PM Modi emphasized how India is emerging as a resilient and transformative force in a rapidly changing world.

Reflecting on the theme of the summit, “Transforming Tomorrow,” PM Modi said that India’s trajectory illustrates the nation’s ability to leverage challenges as opportunities. “We are at a juncture, where one-fourth of the 21st century has passed and the world has seen many ups and downs – financial crises, global pandemic, and other disruptions. These situations, in some way or the other, challenged the world… today, the world is full of uncertainties, but amid this, our India is appearing in a different league,” he said.

Reforms Driven by National Goals

PM Modi highlighted a fundamental shift in India’s approach to reforms. Unlike the past, when policy changes were often reactionary or motivated by political expediency, today’s reforms are driven by national objectives and long-term growth priorities. “We are constant, consistent, and nation-first,” he said. Citing recent macroeconomic developments, PM Modi noted that India’s GDP growth rate of 8 percent in the second quarter of 2025 reflects a “new momentum” in the country’s progress. “These are not just numbers. They are strong macroeconomic signals. They convey that India is rising as a key growth driver of the global economy today,” he added.

The Prime Minister underscored that India’s growth is no longer limited to metropolitan hubs. He cited examples from northeast India, villages, Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, the new economy, women’s empowerment, and the space sector, saying that the full potential of these areas and sectors had not been explored before. “Even the smallest villages and cities are now equipped with modern systems, demonstrating the depth and breadth of India’s transformation,” PM Modi said.

Nari Shakti: The Power of Women in India

A significant portion of PM Modi’s address focused on the role of ‘nari shakti’—women’s empowerment—in shaping India’s development. He emphasized the contribution of women across sectors, noting how their efforts are transforming societal thinking and capabilities. “Our daughters are making their mark in every field… transforming both the thinking and capabilities of society. When obstacles are removed, new wings are also added to fly in the sky,” he said.

He illustrated this progress with examples from India’s space sector, which was previously under government control but has been opened to private enterprises under his leadership. “The results of these reforms are visible to the entire country,” PM Modi noted, highlighting the transformative impact of inclusive growth and strategic policy interventions.

Landmark Reforms and Economic Milestones

PM Modi outlined several key reforms implemented by his government in 2025, describing them as historic steps in shaping India’s economic trajectory. Among these, he cited the overhaul of the direct tax system, including the introduction of zero tax on incomes up to ₹12 lakh, a reform that he said would have been “unimaginable a decade ago.” He characterized these measures as examples of governance aimed at national growth rather than short-term political gains.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of strategic reforms across sectors, highlighting initiatives in technology, infrastructure, defense, and renewable energy as evidence of India’s emergence as a resilient and forward-looking economy.

Rejecting the ‘Hindu Rate of Growth’

PM Modi took a moment to reflect on historical perceptions of India’s economic performance, particularly the notion of the ‘Hindu rate of growth.’ He criticized this outdated concept, describing it as a manifestation of what he termed a “slave mentality” that limited India’s potential.

“Earlier, when India’s growth rate was abysmally low, it was called the ‘Hindu growth rate’… was communalism not seen then? But does anybody in the world now call India’s fast growth the ‘Hindu rate of growth’?” he said. The Prime Minister noted that this mentality extended to strategic sectors, where earlier governments doubted the quality of domestically produced weapons, turning India into the world’s largest arms importer. He used this historical context to stress the importance of national self-confidence, indigenous capability development, and strategic autonomy.

Transforming India Amid Global Uncertainties

PM Modi’s address repeatedly highlighted how India has been navigating a world of uncertainty with determination, innovation, and long-term vision. He pointed to the country’s economic resilience, sectoral reforms, and empowerment of citizens as evidence that India is not only managing global challenges but also shaping its own path of growth.

Through his speech at HTLS 2025, PM Modi reinforced the narrative of India as a rising global power, one that combines economic dynamism with social inclusion, women’s empowerment, and technological advancement. By linking reforms, national priorities, and global competitiveness, he presented a vision of India that is confident, capable, and forward-looking.

In conclusion, PM Modi’s keynote underscored India’s emergence as a nation that shines amidst uncertainty, leveraging reforms, inclusive growth, and strategic policy decisions to create a trajectory of sustainable development. His remarks at HTLS 2025 painted a picture of a country poised to transform itself and its role on the global stage over the coming decades.