ET World Leaders Forum: Our promise is to reform, you must promise to perform, PM Modi's clarion call to India Inc

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the ET World Leaders Forum, expressing confidence in India’s future. He remarked, "India is writing a different success story today," and described the current decade as pivotal for the nation's growth. Modi highlighted India's economic success, noting that while the global economy grew by 35% over the past decade, India's economy surged by 90%. He emphasized that this trend of sustained growth is expected to continue.

ET World Leaders Forum: Empowering the Masses Through Reforms

Modi highlighted the significant impact of recent reforms on Indian lives. He stated, "In the last few years, we have been able to bring big change in life of Indians. We have been able to bring key reforms in lives of people. In the last few years our govt has touched the lives of crores of Indians." He noted that over 25 crore people have overcome poverty, thanks to initiatives designed to empower the poor. Modi emphasized the dramatic shift from a lack of basic services to widespread digital payments and improved connectivity.

ET World Leaders Forum: Infrastructure Investments and Employment Boosts

Discussing infrastructure and economic strategy, Modi highlighted recent investments, including the Rs 75,000 crore commitment for Vadhavan Port in Palghar. He mentioned, "Yesterday I was in Palghar, there with more than Rs 75K investment, foundation stone was laid for Vadhavan Port project." Modi also pointed to the PM Gati Shakti national plan aimed at boosting employment and infrastructure development. He underscored that this plan is part of a broader vision to make India a significant manufacturing hub.

ET World Leaders Forum: Advancements in Health and Green Energy

The Prime Minister announced that India now offers more than 1.80 lakh medical seats, with aspirations to become a major center for health and wellness. Modi highlighted India's commitment to green energy, stating, "Green energy is going to be a pillar in India’s growth story. India has decided to produce 5 mn tn of green energy capacity by 2030." He also emphasized the goal of making "at least one Made in India food product on every dining table around the world," with India leading in millet production.

Also Read: ET WLF 2024: India no longer famished country but racing to be third largest economy, says Satyan Gajwani

'Indians, in the last 10 years are looking at India’s achievements and that is why they are filled with a new belief. '

'India’s progress is a part of global headlines today. Over the last decade over 25cr people have overcome poverty. We chose the path to empower the poor. In that situation, we chose to empower them and we can see a lot has changed.'

'People who have overcome poverty are looking forward to a bright future. Poor didn't have bank accounts, basic facilities, in this situation, we empowered them. So much has changed, those who didn't have bank accounts are now making digital payments, he said.

'Today people have device connectivity and are better informed. Their aspirations are building new infrastructure.'

'This has led to the creation of neo middle class. Even the poor had aspirations but they had their own set of struggles like lack of bank account and basic facilities.'

'Their income growth is motivating market demand. The neo middle class is the biggest strength of India’s progress.'

'We have taken some key decisions, in the last three months, we made big decisions for poor, women, youth and farmers. In less than 100 days we made 11 lakh new lakhpati didis. From UPS to high yielding seeds, we got it all covered in just less than 100 days of the formation of the new govt'

'Yesterday I was in Palghar, there with more than Rs 75K investment, foundation stone was laid for Badhavan Port.'

Also Read: 'We raised our voice for global south': PM Narendra Modi highlights India's role at ET World Leaders Forum

ET World Leaders Forum: Global Leadership and Development Initiatives

Modi discussed India's role on the global stage, particularly during its G20 presidency, where the country advocated for the Global South. He noted, "We raised our voice for global south" and emphasized the need for a world order that ensures inclusive development. Modi expressed a desire for India to lead in various sectors and highlighted the "dekho apna desh" initiative, which involves developing popular domestic destinations based on public votes.

ET World Leaders Forum: Forum Insights and Personal Perspectives

The ET World Leaders Forum, held in New Delhi, featured prominent business and political figures. Key speakers included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Railways and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. The forum also hosted discussions with global CEOs and experts on current economic challenges and opportunities. Notable personal insights came from Manu Bhaker, who shared her experiences leading up to the Paris Olympics. She reflected on her challenging preparation years and the motivating aspects of her sport.

ET World Leaders Forum Live Updates

Github CEO Thomas Dohmke, Publicis Sapient CEO Nigel Vaz, and Microsoft Asia president Ahmed Mazhari discussed AI disruption and how to capitalize on related opportunities.

BCG global chair Rich Lesser, CDPQ international head Marc-Andre Blanchard, Stern School of Business professor emeritus Nouriel Roubini, and Allianz Investment Management CEO & CIO (Asia Pacific) offered insights on doing business amid uncertainty.

Another notable speaker was Manu Bhaker, the double Olympic medalist.

During her conversation with Shriniwas Rao, Content Head at Times Internet (Sports), she said that the preperation for the Paris Olympics was not ideal and that she had a tough couple of years in the lead up to the event.

"Situation in Tokyo took a toll on me, I was heart broken but I was really motivated for the next Olympics but 2022 and 2023 was tough. Before the Olympics, I was not able to win any individual medal, so I was not confident. My coach and parents were confident in me When you are really focused, you get good results," Bhaker said.

She however said that the bright side of sports was that it had given her opportunity to travel the world, which she enjoys.

"My sport gives me some kick. If I don’t win, next event I have to win. I learn from the mistakes that I make. We set short term goals. Shooting can be boring to start with but it can get really interesting even as a hobby. It is a stress reliever," added Bhaker.