New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a commanding keynote address at the 23rd Hindustan Times Leadership Summit (HTLS) 2025 on Saturday, highlighting India’s growth trajectory, the role of women in nation-building, and the importance of shedding colonial-era mindsets. The summit, held over three days under the theme “Transforming Tomorrow”, saw several dignitaries address pressing national and global issues. Alongside PM Modi, speakers included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and prominent international figures such as actors Hugh Grant and Aamir Khan.

PM Modi’s address drew attention for its focus on India’s current global standing, the transformative power of women, and the shift toward reforms driven by the principle of “nation first”. Below are the key highlights and quotes from his speech.

1. India Shining in a World of Uncertainties

Addressing the global context, PM Modi noted that the world has faced numerous disruptions in recent years, including financial crises, pandemics, and geopolitical challenges. Despite these uncertainties, he said, “Today, the world is full of uncertainties, but amid this, our India is appearing in a different league.” The Prime Minister positioned India as a resilient nation capable of navigating turbulence and emerging stronger.

2. India as a Growth Driver of the Global Economy

Highlighting India’s economic performance, PM Modi referred to the Q2 GDP figures, which showed an 8% growth rate, calling it “a reflection of the new momentum of our progress.” He emphasized that these are not just statistics but strong macroeconomic signals indicating India’s rising role as a key driver of the global economy. The Prime Minister described India as a “model of high growth and low inflation,” projecting confidence in the country’s continued economic expansion and structural stability.

3. Celebrating ‘Nari Shakti’

A significant portion of PM Modi’s address focused on the empowerment of women in India. He praised the contributions of ‘nari shakti’, saying: “Our daughters are making their mark in every field… transforming both the thinking and capabilities of the society… When obstacles are removed, new wings are also added to fly in the sky.” This acknowledgment of women’s role in nation-building highlighted the government’s emphasis on gender equality and inclusive growth.

4. Reforms Driven by ‘Nation First’

PM Modi underscored the shift in the approach to reforms, stating that positive changes in the tax structure, next-generation GST reforms, and other policy measures are now driven by national interest rather than political expediency. He said: “Earlier, big decisions regarding reforms were taken for some political interest or to manage a crisis. Today, national growth is the driving factor. In each sector, there is something improving. Our speed is constant, direction is consistent, and intent is nation first.”

5. Rejecting the ‘Hindu Rate of Growth’

Reflecting on India’s historical economic challenges, PM Modi condemned the earlier practice of associating slow growth with religious identity, often referred to as the ‘Hindu rate of growth.’ He said: “The slave mentality was so rampant that people sitting in the government started believing that weapons made in India were not strong. And this turned India into the world’s largest arms importer.” He questioned why India’s fast growth is no longer described in similar communal terms, highlighting the psychological and systemic limitations that India has overcome since independence.

6. Eliminating the Colonial Mindset

A notable and ambitious aspect of PM Modi’s address was his call to eradicate the colonial mindset within the next ten years. He set a clear deadline for the nation, stating: “We have to make the country rid of the colonial mindset from every corner. I want to take the citizens forward with the vision for the next 10 years.” He contextualized this by referencing the 200th anniversary of colonial policies in India, specifically Macaulay’s Minute on Indian Education (1835), which promoted English as the sole medium of instruction and created a class loyal to British interests. PM Modi emphasized that shedding this “mindset of slavery” is crucial for India to realize its full potential and forge an independent, confident path in the 21st century.

Conclusion

PM Modi’s keynote at HTLS 2025 projected a vision of India as a nation poised for sustained economic growth, global influence, and societal transformation. From celebrating the contributions of women to reinforcing the principle of “nation first” in governance and policy-making, the Prime Minister’s address intertwined economic, social, and psychological dimensions of national progress. His call to discard colonial-era mentalities and embrace a self-reliant, confident India resonated with the summit’s broader theme of “Transforming Tomorrow.”

The 23rd Hindustan Times Leadership Summit concluded with PM Modi’s address, leaving a strong impression of a forward-looking India, emphasizing inclusivity, economic dynamism, and a determined effort to reclaim its historical confidence and strategic autonomy in global affairs.