Modi on India's Independence Day: 'Seven-Year Plan' to Transform India into a 'Developed Nation' by 2047

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled an ambitious plan to transform his country into a “developed nation” by 2047 through seven pillars aimed at accelerating economic and technological reforms. Speaking to the nation from the ramparts of Delhi’s Red Fort on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of India’s independence from British rule, Modi said, “From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I present to the nation the seven pillars of strength,” noting that they encompass: manufacturing, agriculture and food, technology and innovation, transport and communications, defense capabilities, the green economy, as well as what he described as “soft power.”

On the importance of having an integrated manufacturing ecosystem, Modi stated, “India must emerge as a reliable hub in the global supply chain.” He also called for advancing food processing, “especially since Indian farmers can now access global markets,” adding that “thanks to free trade agreements, we have the opportunity to reach very large markets, and we must seize it.”

The Indian prime minister urged his citizens to make India a center for innovation, pointing to the opening of new frontiers in sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, space, robotics, and data centers. He continued, “We must focus on achieving seamless and rapid connectivity across the country, linking our cities with high-speed rail networks. We also need modern highways, inland waterways, airports, and multi-modal logistics systems.”

He noted that “we should not view our ports merely as places for loading and unloading cargo or just as berthing stations for ships; rather, we must propel them toward a port-led development and growth model.”

Regarding the defense sector, the Indian prime minister called for strengthening the country’s capabilities in this area, stating, “India cannot content itself with being merely a market for the world; we must achieve self-reliance in the defense sector.”

As for soft power, Modi highlighted India’s immense strength in this domain, explaining, “Yoga has connected the entire world to India and has become a source of energy for the world and a key reason for the trust people place in it.”