Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday asserted that India is on course to become the world’s third-largest economy by next year, underscoring the transformational leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in elevating India’s global economic standing. Speaking at the inauguration of a global expo summit organized by the Maheshwari International Convention in Jaipur, Shah emphasized the critical role of promoting domestic products and prioritizing mother tongue as part of the vision of an “Atmanirbhar Bharat” or self-reliant India.

“The dream of an Atmanirbhar Bharat is not merely an economic goal; it is the path that will eventually place India as the largest economy in the world. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office, India was the 11th largest economy. Today, we stand fourth, and I am confident that by next year, India will rise to the third position globally,” Shah said. His remarks highlighted the rapid economic growth India has experienced under the Modi government, driven by reforms aimed at enhancing domestic production, boosting entrepreneurship, and improving the ease of doing business.

Shah elaborated on the practical steps needed to realize the vision of a self-reliant India. “To achieve this, every citizen must contribute by using domestic products and services, while also giving priority to our mother tongues in education, administration, and cultural engagement. Language is not just a means of communication; it is the carrier of culture, values, and ideas. Our languages preserve the essence of our identity and strengthen the foundations of India’s self-reliance,” he said.

Highlighting the role of the Maheshwari community, Shah praised its contribution to India’s economy, describing members as “job creators rather than job seekers.” He urged the youth across the country to draw inspiration from the community, combining entrepreneurship with cultural pride, and to make the promotion of domestic products a guiding principle in their personal and professional lives. The Maheshwari International Convention, hosting the global expo summit, was lauded by Shah for facilitating such dialogues and promoting investment, business innovation, and cultural exchange.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, present at the event, echoed Shah’s sentiments, lauding the Maheshwari community for its entrepreneurial spirit and its role in advancing India’s economic development. He highlighted how communities that emphasize innovation, skill-building, and enterprise contribute not only to economic growth but also to the socio-cultural fabric of the nation. Birla also emphasized the importance of nurturing homegrown talent, supporting local businesses, and encouraging investments that enhance India’s global competitiveness.

Shah’s visit to Rajasthan extended beyond the global expo summit. At the Rajasthan Police Academy in Jaipur, he distributed appointment letters to at least 9,000 new constables who are set to join the state police force next week. Addressing the new recruits, Shah praised the state government for establishing a stable law and order situation and for taking decisive steps to curb corruption in Rajasthan.

“These recruitments symbolize the government’s commitment to ending the era of corruption and to creating a police force that is accountable, efficient, and capable of upholding public trust. The Bhajan Lal Sharma-led BJP government has successfully broken the cycle of corruption that existed under the previous Congress regime,” Shah said.

He highlighted the significant improvements in Rajasthan’s public safety metrics over the past two years. According to official data cited by the home minister, the state witnessed a 14% overall decline in crime, including a 19% reduction in serious crimes, a 25% drop in murder cases, a 10% decrease in crimes against women, a 28% decline in crimes targeting SC-ST communities, and a remarkable 51% drop in looting incidents. Shah attributed these improvements to effective policing, systematic reforms, and the introduction of modern technologies in law enforcement and judicial processes.

A central element of these reforms, Shah noted, is the replacement of the Indian Penal Code with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, a comprehensive legal framework designed to modernize the justice system in Rajasthan. “The new laws integrate advanced technologies while enhancing police procedures, jail management, prosecution efficiency, and forensic science laboratories (FSL). They also incorporate new chapters specifically addressing crimes against women and children, reflecting a commitment to justice and protection for the most vulnerable sections of society,” Shah said.

The home minister’s remarks also underscored the importance of governance and administrative discipline in driving state development. He praised the coordinated efforts of the Rajasthan police, local administration, and community leaders in implementing reforms and improving public safety. “Strong institutions, accountable governance, and an empowered workforce are the pillars of a secure and prosperous state. The Rajasthan Police exemplifies these principles, and today it stands as one of the strongest forces in the country,” Shah said.

However, Shah’s visit also drew criticism from opposition leaders. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot issued a statement challenging the central government’s claims and criticizing the delay in delivering justice to the family of Kanhaiya Lal, the tailor who was murdered in Udaipur in 2022. Gehlot urged Shah to address the issue publicly and break his “political silence” regarding the pending justice for the victim’s family, reflecting ongoing tensions between the BJP-led Centre and opposition parties in Rajasthan.

Economists observing Shah’s statements noted that the projected rise to the third-largest economy would be a landmark achievement for India, driven by reforms in manufacturing, services, and infrastructure development. The emphasis on domestic production, entrepreneurship, and linguistic pride is seen as a multi-dimensional approach that integrates economic, cultural, and social factors into national development. By combining economic expansion with cultural preservation and administrative reforms, policymakers aim to create a sustainable growth model that balances rapid development with societal well-being.

Shah’s call for citizen participation in the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, along with his focus on entrepreneurship and law and order, reflects the government’s broader strategy to link economic prosperity with social stability and governance excellence. As India prepares to achieve the milestone of becoming the third-largest global economy, initiatives to strengthen public safety, judicial efficiency, and cultural resilience will play an essential role in ensuring inclusive and sustained growth.

In conclusion, Amit Shah’s addresses in Jaipur highlighted several interconnected priorities for India and Rajasthan: the rise of India as a major global economic power, the promotion of domestic industries and cultural values, the importance of effective law enforcement, and the modernization of the justice system. By linking economic objectives with governance reforms and citizen participation, Shah articulated a vision for a self-reliant, prosperous, and secure India, reflecting the government’s ambition to consolidate recent economic gains while addressing social and administrative challenges.