New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the third edition of What India Thinks Today Summit (WITT 2025), hosted by India’s largest news network, TV9. Speaking at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, PM Modi recalled how India fought the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted the country’s economic rise. He said the world is now looking at India with new curiosity and respect.
Recalling the difficult times during the COVID-19 pandemic, PM Modi said, “The world has experienced the Corona period well. The world thought that it would take many years for India to provide vaccine to every citizen. India proved every apprehension wrong.”
India produced its own vaccine, says PM Modi
He said that India not only produced its own vaccine but also ensured that every citizen was vaccinated. Moreover, India extended help to other countries during the global crisis. He said, “We delivered medicines and vaccines to more than 150 countries when the world was in crisis. This feeling of India reached every corner of the world that what are our sanskars?”
PM Modi said that after the Second World War, the countries that formed international organizations held a monopoly over them. However, India prioritized humanity. He stated that India is now taking the initiative to form a global organization that prioritizes the welfare of all nations. He added that India is working to protect basic infrastructure, such as bridges, roads, buildings, and power grids, from natural disasters.
PM Modi highlighted India’s impressive economic growth over the past decade. He said, “Today the world’s eyes are on our country. Go to any country in the world. People there are filled with a new curiosity about India.”
He questioned why India, which took 70 years to become the 11th largest economy, managed to climb to the 5th largest economy in just 7-8 years. Citing the latest IMF data, he said, “India is the only major economy in the world which has doubled its GDP in 10 years.”
PM Modi said that over the past decade, India added $2 trillion to its economy, a remarkable feat. He stressed that this economic growth is not just about numbers but has brought real change in people’s lives.
25 crore people came out of poverty: PM Modi
Highlighting the positive impact of India’s growth, PM Modi said, “25 crore people have come out of poverty. They have become a part of the new middle class.” He described how the new middle class is starting their lives with fresh dreams and aspirations, contributing to the nation’s economic vibrancy.
PM Modi praised the youth of India, calling them the driving force behind the country’s innovation and progress. He said, “Today, India has the largest population in the world. The youth is getting skilled rapidly. It is accelerating innovation.”
He also spoke about India’s growing influence on the global stage. He said, “The mantra of India’s foreign policy has become India First.” He added that countries across the world are now giving more importance to India’s opinions, innovations, and efforts than ever before.
