Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India’s youth, powered by innovation, energy and purpose, are at the centre of the country’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Addressing the concluding session of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi, the Prime Minister said the coming years will be decisive for both India and its young population.
“Your capability, your talent — I have always drawn energy from your energy. Today, all of you are holding the reins of the goal of a Developed India,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that the event was being held on National Youth Day, marking the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, whose ideas continue to inspire generations. He said Vivekananda’s life and teachings remain a guiding light for India’s youth.
Highlighting the growing scale of youth participation in national initiatives, PM Modi said more than five million young people registered for the Viksit Bharat platform, with over three million participating in the Viksit Bharat Challenge. He described this level of engagement as unprecedented and said it reflected the strong resolve of India’s “Amrit Peedhi” to shape the country’s future.
The Prime Minister said India has witnessed a fundamental shift in governance over the past decade, moving away from what he called the policy paralysis and red tape that existed before 2014. He said young people earlier faced delays, limited opportunities and excessive government control across sectors, including jobs, exams and entrepreneurship.
Referring to the startup ecosystem, PM Modi said India had fewer than 500 registered startups before 2014, but reforms such as Startup India, Digital India, Ease of Doing Business and simplified tax and compliance systems opened new doors for young entrepreneurs.
“The trust we placed in the capabilities of our youth gave rise to India’s startup revolution,” he said.
Citing the space sector, the Prime Minister said that opening it to private participation has led to the emergence of over 300 space startups, with companies like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos showcasing India’s growing global presence in advanced technologies.
He also pointed to reforms in the drone and defence sectors, saying simplified rules and greater private participation have enabled youth-led innovation in areas such as drones, anti-drone systems, artificial intelligence and robotics, with over 1,000 defence startups now operating in the country.
The Prime Minister said India is also witnessing strong growth in the Orange Economy, driven by culture, content and creativity. He said sectors such as media, film, gaming, music, digital content and immersive technologies like VR and XR are creating new global opportunities for Indian creators. He added that platforms like the World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) are helping young talent reach global audiences.
On economic reforms, PM Modi said next-generation GST reforms and tax relief up to ₹12 lakh are reducing the financial burden on young professionals and entrepreneurs. He also referred to reforms in civil nuclear energy and the SHANTI Act, aimed at ensuring reliable power supply and supporting growth in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
The Prime Minister said the government is preparing India’s youth for global opportunities through continuous reforms in skill development and education. He noted that foreign universities are opening campuses in India and that the PM SETU Programme will upgrade thousands of ITIs to align training with future industry needs.
Calling for greater self-confidence among young Indians, PM Modi urged the youth to move away from what he described as the colonial-era mindset that undervalues India’s own heritage and capabilities.
“In ten years, it will be 200 years since Macaulay’s policies. Every young person must resolve to free India from this mentality,” he said.
Quoting the ancient Vedic phrase “Aano Bhadrāh Kratavo Yantu Vishwatah” — let noble thoughts come from all directions — the Prime Minister said India should remain open to global ideas while staying rooted in its own civilisational strength.
Concluding his address, PM Modi expressed confidence in the energy and potential of India’s youth and extended greetings on National Youth Day, saying the country’s future rests firmly in their hands.
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