New Delhi, June 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called upon states and Union Territories to transform India’s vast demographic advantage into a powerful engine of economic and social progress, stressing that investments in education, skilling and capacity-building will be critical to achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047.
Addressing the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi, the Prime Minister said India’s youthful population represents its greatest strength and provides a unique opportunity that few countries currently possess. The meeting, held under the theme “Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat@2047”, brought together Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors and Administrators from across the country to discuss strategies for long-term national development.
Highlighting India’s demographic profile, Modi noted that nearly 70 crore Indians are below the age of 25. He described this large young population as the country’s most valuable asset and urged governments at all levels to focus on nurturing talent, expanding educational opportunities and equipping young people with skills required in a rapidly evolving global economy.
According to the Prime Minister, the demographic dividend can only translate into sustainable growth if supported by targeted investments in human capital. He emphasized that states must strengthen education systems, promote skill development programmes and create pathways for youth participation in economic activities.
The Governing Council meeting was notable for achieving full participation from all 28 states and five Union Territories. Officials said it was the first time that Chief Ministers from all 28 states attended a NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting, reflecting broad engagement with the national development agenda.
Modi said India continues to attract global attention due to its economic resilience and growth potential, particularly at a time when several major economies are facing uncertainty and structural challenges. He observed that India’s development journey has become a source of optimism internationally and stressed the need to maintain momentum through coordinated policy implementation.
The Prime Minister also called for greater emphasis on self-reliance while remaining globally competitive. Referring to emerging opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, he encouraged states to adopt international best practices and explore innovative approaches to sustainable development.
A key theme of the meeting was cooperative federalism, which the Prime Minister described as essential for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He said the goal of building a developed nation cannot be achieved through the efforts of the Union Government alone and requires active participation from states, districts, blocks and village-level institutions.
Modi urged state governments to align their development priorities with national objectives while tailoring solutions to local needs. According to him, the vision of Viksit Bharat should not remain confined to policy documents but should become a mass movement that reaches every corner of the country.
The Prime Minister also highlighted opportunities emerging from India’s expanding global economic engagement. Referring to recent trade agreements signed with several countries, he encouraged states to position themselves to benefit from new markets, investments and business opportunities.
He particularly emphasized the role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which he described as a key driver of employment and economic growth. States, he said, should help MSMEs understand and leverage opportunities arising from international trade partnerships while creating supportive ecosystems for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Youth employment was another major focus of his address. Modi urged states to ensure that young people are equipped with industry-relevant skills and are prepared to take advantage of opportunities created through investment inflows, technological advancements and expanding global trade networks.
The Prime Minister maintained that India stands at a crucial moment in its development journey, with a young population, expanding economy and growing global influence creating unprecedented opportunities for progress.
Concluding his remarks, Modi reiterated that human development must remain at the centre of policymaking. By investing in education, skills, innovation and entrepreneurship, he said, India can transform its demographic dividend into a development dividend and move closer to realizing the vision of a prosperous, inclusive and developed nation by 2047.
