News Brief
Here Are 11 Key Takeaways From PM Modi's Latest Interview
- Highlights from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interview with Newsweek.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Illustration: Swarajya Magazine)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on a range of topics including India's infrastructure and environmental initiatives, relations with global powers, and internal socio-political dynamics in an interview with The Newsweek.
Here are the key highlights of PM Modi's interview:
Economic Trajectory and Upcoming Election
PM Modi said that under the Central government led by him, India ascended from the eleventh to the fifth largest economy globally, and is aspiring to reach the third position soon.
He emphasized the government's commitment to fulfilling promises, citing the motto "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas" (Together, for everyone's growth, with everyone's trust, and everyone's efforts).
He noted the increasing popular support for the government, contrasting it with the discontent seen in other democracies.
Democratic Values and Media Freedom
PM Modi reaffirmed India's democratic ethos, highlighting the ancient roots of democracy in the country and the vibrant participation in the electoral process.
He addressed criticisms regarding press freedom, attributing them to disconnected individuals and asserting the role of media in sustaining democracy.
"There are a few people in India and in the West who have lost [connection with] the people of India—their thought processes, feelings and aspirations. These people also tend to live in their own echo chamber of alternate realities. They conflate their own dissonance with the people with dubious claims of diminishing media freedom," PM Modi said.
Infrastructure Development and Environmental Commitment
PM Modi said that India's infrastructure has seen significant expansion, with increases in highways, airports, and renewable energy investments.
"In the last 10 years, our National Highways network increased 60 percent, from 91,287 kilometers [56,723 miles] in 2014 to 146,145 kilometers [90,810 miles] in 2023. We have more than doubled our airports, from 74 in 2014 to over 150 in 2024," PM Modi said.
"Supported by our Sagarmala project, we have enhanced [the] capacity of our ports and improved the operational efficiency. We have started the tech-smart "Vande Bharat" trains for the comfort of our citizens and UDAN scheme to allow common people to fly," he added.
He stressed that infrastructure development goes hand-in-hand with environmental sustainability, outlining initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission and electric bus deployment to mitigate climate change.
"Since 2014, India has massively stepped up investments in renewable energy with solar energy capacity increasing from just 2,820 MW in 2014 to over 72,000 MW now. India is also well on its way to meet the 500 GW of renewable energy capacity and the climate commitment made in the Paris conference by 2030," he said.
He added that the the government's $2.5 billion dollar National Green hydrogen mission will contribute toward decarbonisation and avert a further 50 MMT per annum of CO2 emissions by 2030.
Competing with China and Global Manufacturing
Modi discussed India's attractiveness as a manufacturing hub and destination for global investment, facilitated by reforms and infrastructure development.
"India, as a democratic polity and global economic growth engine, is a natural choice for those looking to diversify their supply chains," he said.
He said that the central government had launched Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes to strengthen manufacturing capabilities in India.
These PLI schemes extend to 14 sectors such as electronics, solar modules, medical devices, automobiles, among others, he added.
"Given our strengths, India is now globally considered most suited for manufacturing world-class goods at competitive cost. Apart from producing for the world, the vast Indian domestic market is an added attraction," PM Modi said.
India is a perfect destination for those who want to set up trusted and resilient supply chains, he added.
Digital Innovations and UPI System
The Prime Minister praised the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as a model of Indian innovation, and advocated for its expansion to the US to benefit the large Indian diaspora and bilateral economic ties.
Socio-Economic Inclusivity and Minority Rights
Modi asserted the inclusivity of India's growth, with substantial poverty reduction and welfare schemes reaching all citizens, regardless of community or religion.
"Minorities from all religions, be it Muslim, Christians, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain or even a micro-minority like Parsis are living happily and thriving in India," he said.
He refuted allegations of discrimination against minorities, emphasising equal access to government schemes.
"Be it amenities like house, toilets, water connection or cooking fuel or be it collateral free credit or health insurance, it is reaching every citizen irrespective of his community and religion," PM Modi said.
Women's Empowerment and Rights
PM Modi said that the government has prioritised women-led development, with legislative and social initiatives enhancing women's roles in various sectors.
He highlighted increased female voter registration and participation in the workforce as indicators of progress.
Geopolitical Relations and Regional Stability
On foreign relations, Modi addressed the Quad's role, the India-China border situation, and engagement with Pakistan.
He said that Quad is not aimed against any country and like other international groupings, it is also a group of like-minded countries working on a shared positive agenda.
He stressed peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement as foundational to regional and global stability.
"Through shared efforts and implementation of development projects in the Indo-Pacific in the areas of climate action, disaster management, strategic technologies, reliable supply chain, health security, maritime security and counterterrorism, the Quad countries are demonstrating their vision of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific," he said.
PM Modi said that for India, the relationship with China is "important and significant".
"It is my belief that we need to urgently address the prolonged situation on our borders so that the abnormality in our bilateral interactions can be put behind us," he said.
Stable and peaceful relations between India and China are important for not just our two countries but the entire region and world, PM Modi added.
On Pakistan, PM Modi said that he congratulated the Prime Minister of Pakistan on taking over office.
"India has always advocated for advancing peace, security and prosperity in our region in an atmosphere free from terror and violence," he said.
On the imprisonment of former Pakistani PM Imran Khan, PM Modi said,"I won't comment on matters internal to Pakistan".
Article 370 Abrogation
PM Modi highlighted the the "sweeping positive changes happening on the ground" in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of the Article 370 of the Constitution, which gave special status to the erstwhile state.
"I went to Jammu and Kashmir just last month. For the first time, people have a new hope in their lives. The process of development, good governance and empowerment of the people is to be seen to be believed." he said.
"People are reaping the peace dividend: Over 21 million tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir in 2023. There has been a significant decline in terror incidents. Organized bandh/hartals [protests], stone pelting, which once disrupted normal life, are now a thing of the past," he added.
A new dawn has also emerged for Kashmiri women, who now enjoy the same rights as their male counterparts when it comes to inheriting property or transferring property to their children, regardless of their marital status or residency, he said.
Cultural Identity and National Unity
Modi reflected on the cultural significance of the Ram Mandir and the unifying effect of its inauguration, symbolising national cohesion and spiritual heritage.
"The return of Shri Ram to his birthplace marked a historic moment of unity for the nation. It was a culmination of centuries of perseverance and sacrifice," PM Modi said.
"The [Pran Pratishtha] ceremony itself brought the nation together into a celebration, akin to a second Diwali. Every home was illuminated by the light of Ram Jyoti. I see it as a divine blessing that I could experience the consecration ceremony as a representative of 1.4 billion Indians," he added.
Legacy and Leadership Philosophy
Modi concluded by discussing his leadership approach, emphasising listening, direct engagement, and positive communication.
He distanced himself from legacy concerns, focusing instead on the immediate impact of his policies on Indians' lives.
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