Aim to make India developed country by 2047: Modi at Vibrant Gujarat summit

PRIME minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (10) kicked off the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 in Gandhinagar in the western Indian state of Gujarat and asserted that the goal is to make India a developed country by 2047, the year it celebrates its 100th year of independence.

"This is the first Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in this Amrit Kaal (golden era). Therefore, this is even more significant. Representatives from more than 100 countries who are participating in this summit, are crucial partners in this development journey for India," he said at the forum.

The 73-year-old leader also said that India is working towards its goal for the next 25 years.

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"In the recent past, India completed 75 years of independence. Now, India is working on its goal for the next 25 years. We have the goal of making it a developed country by the time it celebrates 100 years of independence. Therefore, these 25 years' duration is India's Amrit Kaal," Modi added.

The prime minister, who started the Vibrant Gujarat summit as the chief minister of Gujarat (2001-14) in 2003, said the focus on structural reform was the reason behind India exhibiting high rates of growth.

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"We are all aware of the global circumstances. So, in times like these, if the Indian economy is displaying such resistance, if the growth in India is showing such momentum, a big reason behind this is our focus on structural reforms in the last 10 years. These reforms have enhanced the capacity, capability and competitiveness of India's economy," Modi added.

In an optimistic tone, Modi went on to say, "Today, India is the fifth largest economy in the world. 10 years ago, India was in 11th position. Today, all major agencies estimate that India will be in the top three economies of the world in the coming years. Let people across the world do their analysis, but it is my guarantee that it will happen."

The Vibrant Gujarat summit, which many observers see as Modi's last major attempt to woo businesses ahead of the general election due in a few months in which he will seek his third straight mandate, saw a high diplomatic presence in forms of ambassadors, high commissioners, or their designated representatives, along with esteemed foreign dignitaries.

Gujarat CM praises success of India's G20 presidency

Bhupendra Patel, the chief minister of Gujarat, extended a warm welcome to delegates from more than 130 countries at the summit, emphasising the event's significance in fostering international collaboration.

He also mentioned India's successful hosting of the G20 summit in September last year. The South Asian country held the bloc's presidency in 2023. Modi also made a mention of G20 during his address, saying that the inclusion of the African Union in the grouping as a permanent member marked a proud moment for India.

"I welcome 34 partner countries and delegates from over 130 countries to the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. PM Modi has taken the idea of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' to the world. The success of India's G20 presidency has made the country proud," Patel said.