PM Modi Links Dandi March Spirit to India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ Mission

Modi highlighted that despite global conflicts, supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty, India is emerging as a beacon of stability and growth in the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday invoked the historic legacy of the 1930 Dandi March to underscore India’s present-day journey toward becoming a developed nation, saying the country has embarked on a new national movement driven by the aspirations of 140 crore citizens.

Addressing the iTV Network’s NXT Summit, the Prime Minister drew parallels between the freedom struggle and the current mission to build a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), describing it as a collective national effort.

“Nearly 100 years after that historic journey, we Indians have set out once again on a new journey for a Viksit Bharat,” the Prime Minister said.

India Emerging as a Global Growth Driver

Modi highlighted that despite global conflicts, supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty, India is emerging as a beacon of stability and growth in the world.

He cited remarks by global leaders and policymakers who see India playing a central role in shaping the emerging global order.

According to the Prime Minister:

• Finland President Alexander Stubb recently observed that the direction of the world will increasingly be shaped by the Global South.

• Mark Carney of Canada has described India as a centre toward which the world’s economic gravity will shift over the next three decades.

• French President Emmanuel Macron views India as a key partner in solving global challenges.

“If you want to be part of the future, you must be associated with India and you must be in India,” Modi said.

Rising Confidence and Aspirations

The Prime Minister noted that Indians today follow the country’s economic progress with the same enthusiasm that they track cricket matches.

“Just as people eagerly watch the score of a T-20 World Cup match, today citizens want a running commentary on India’s economic growth,” he said.

He said this growing curiosity reflects rising public confidence and aspirations, which are driving India’s rapid development and strengthening global trust in the country.

India Moving to the “Next Level”

Highlighting technological progress, Modi said India is moving to the “next level” of development, particularly in digital infrastructure and governance reforms.

He pointed out that the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has transformed India into the global leader in real-time digital payments, creating a more connected and efficient economy.

“India is not just progressing; India is moving to the next,” the Prime Minister said.

Major Structural Reforms

The Prime Minister also referred to several landmark reforms undertaken in recent years, including:

• The abrogation of Article 370

• Opening of over 50 crore Jan Dhan bank accounts to expand financial inclusion

• The passage of legislation providing 33% reservation for women in legislatures

He said India is also pushing the frontiers of technology through national missions in space exploration, semiconductors and quantum computing.

“Moon Mission, Semiconductor Mission and Quantum Mission are taking India toward the next frontier of technology,” Modi said.

Energy Security and Infrastructure Expansion

The Prime Minister detailed the government’s strategy to strengthen energy security and reduce import dependence.

Key achievements highlighted included:

• LPG connections increasing from 14 crore in 2014 to about 33 crore today

• Expansion of the gas pipeline network from 3,500 km to 10,000 km

• Doubling of LNG terminals and strengthening of import infrastructure

He also noted that the reach of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) has expanded from 25–26 lakh households before 2014 to over 1.25 crore today, while the number of CNG vehicles has increased from less than 10 lakh to over 70 lakh.

Ethanol and Renewable Energy Push

The government’s push toward biofuels and renewable energy is also reducing dependence on imported oil.

Modi said ethanol blending in petrol has increased from around 1–1.5% before 2014 to nearly 20% today, saving India from importing 18 crore barrels of crude oil over the past decade.

He noted that this shift has saved the country approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore.

The Prime Minister also highlighted major progress in renewable energy:

• India’s renewable energy capacity has crossed 250 GW

• Solar capacity has grown from 2 GW in 2014 to about 130 GW today

• Nearly 30 lakh households have installed rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

Infrastructure and Strategic Reserves

Modi also cited major investments in energy infrastructure, including:

• Creation of Strategic Petroleum Reserves exceeding 50 lakh tonnes

• Expansion of compressed bio-gas plants under the GOBARdhan scheme, with 100 plants operational and 600 under development

• Increase in refining capacity by over 40 million tonnes in the last decade

He said railway electrification has also played a key role in reducing fuel consumption, noting that nearly 100% of the broad-gauge rail network is now electrified, saving around 180 crore litres of diesel in 2024–25.

Call for Collective Responsibility

The Prime Minister urged political parties, media and industry leaders to work together to protect national interests amid global challenges.

He warned against misinformation and black marketing during periods of global uncertainty and called on state governments to closely monitor markets.

“It is essential that strict action is taken against those engaging in black marketing,” he said.

Progress in Internal Security and Development

Modi also highlighted improvements in internal security, stating that the number of districts affected by Maoist violence has fallen from over 180 in 2013 to single digits today.

He said more than 2,100 Naxals surrendered and over 300 militants were neutralised in the past year, allowing development to reach previously conflict-affected regions.

A Collective National Mission

Concluding his address, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the aspirations of India’s 140 crore citizens will drive the country’s transformation into a developed nation.

“India will become self-reliant in every sector and India will become developed in every circumstance,” Modi said.