New Delhi, 11 June (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that if the Centre and the states work together as partners in development, India can move more rapidly toward the shared objective of becoming a developed nation. The Prime Minister made these remarks while chairing the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog.

According to information released by NITI Aayog, the Prime Minister stated that the world is currently passing through a period of uncertainty and instability, but India is continuing its development journey with confidence and determination. He said that as the country advances toward the goal of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), the collective responsibility of all stakeholders becomes even more significant.

PM Modi emphasized that cooperation, dialogue, and the exchange of best practices among states should form the foundation of the country's development strategy. He noted that NITI Aayog can serve as an effective platform for fostering coordination and collaboration among states. By learning from each other’s experiences, states can work collectively toward achieving the vision of a developed India.

The Prime Minister further stated that India has entered into several Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries around the world, creating new opportunities for economic growth and exports. He said these agreements also offer significant opportunities for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to access global markets. To fully benefit from these opportunities, MSMEs must enhance their competitiveness and align their products and services with international standards.

Highlighting India's demographic advantage, PM Modi described it as a historic opportunity that cannot be squandered. He said that providing quality education, demand-driven skill development, and employment opportunities for young people must remain a national priority. Empowered and skilled youth, he added, will be among the principal drivers of India's journey toward becoming a developed nation.

The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of women-led development as a key pillar of the Developed India vision. He noted that women are making substantial contributions across sectors, including agriculture, startups, science, and innovation.

He urged state governments to prioritize women's education, skill development, safety, and empowerment, enabling them to realise their full potential and contribute more effectively to the nation’s growth and development.

PM Modi reiterated that inclusive and cooperative federalism, combined with the empowerment of youth and women, will be crucial in accelerating India's progress toward the goal of becoming a fully developed nation in the coming decades.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar