Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday drew attention to an article authored by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, emphasizing India’s unique path to development centered on scale, skill, and self-reliance. The article, shared by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on X, outlines India’s growth trajectory amid global protectionism and economic uncertainty.
In his piece, Puri underscores that while developed nations are increasingly turning inward, India continues to pursue an outward-looking approach anchored in reforms, digital innovation, and a youthful workforce. These elements, he said, are propelling India’s emergence as the world’s growth engine.
Drawing a symbolic reference to the Ramayana, Puri compares India’s economic confidence under Modi’s leadership to Hanuman’s leap across the ocean after realizing his inner strength. “That is what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been preparing the Indian economy for, one that draws from its inner strength to overcome global turbulence,” Puri wrote.
The article, released ahead of Diwali, notes that while countries like the United States have introduced new protectionist measures such as a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions and a 100 per cent tariff on branded and patented pharmaceutical imports, India has responded by reinforcing its domestic capabilities. “India’s answer under Prime Minister Modi has been to strengthen the three pillars that no tariff can touch: scale, skill, and self-reliance,” the article stated.
Puri highlighted the demographic advantage that sets India apart from other major economies. While China’s population is ageing, with a median age above 40, India’s median age remains below 29, with two-thirds of its population under 35. This demographic strength, he said, when harnessed through skilling, education, and enterprise, is what drives India’s economic momentum.
The article further pointed out that India contributed more than 16 per cent of global growth last year, a figure supported by international financial institutions. Puri credited this achievement to a decade of reforms, increased investment, and large-scale infrastructure development under Modi’s leadership.
Citing recent economic indicators, Puri noted that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised the GDP forecast for FY26 to 6.8 per cent, attributing the revision to strong domestic demand, consistent investment inflows, and a favourable monsoon outlook.
He also highlighted India’s robust fiscal performance, with September’s GST collections reaching ₹1.89 lakh crore, the ninth consecutive month above ₹1.8 lakh crore, reflecting both sustained consumption and an expanding tax base.
According to the article, India’s foreign exchange reserves have climbed to $700 billion, covering nearly 11 months of imports, while remittances in the June quarter stood at $33.2 billion, surpassing last year’s figures. Additionally, India’s manufacturing and services sectors continue to show strong growth, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) recorded at 57.7 and 60.9 respectively.
Puri concluded that these indicators reaffirm India’s position as the fastest-growing major economy and demonstrate how the nation’s growth model — built on scale, skill, and self-reliance, is shaping a resilient and confident economic future.
