'Fast and fearless' India certain to become world's 3rd largest economy: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday underpinned the role of India's youth in shaping the country's future, adding that the younger generation has the passion to help the country realize the Viksit Bharat vision by 2047.

Speaking at the News18's Rising Bharat Summit in New Delhi, PM Modi said he has personally witnessed the “passion of making India Viksit among the youth of the nation”, adding that the roadmap for Viksit Bharat by 2047 would “inspire and give direction to India's youth and give pace to the country.”

Highlighting India's growing influence, the Prime Minister said, “The whole world is looking at India and the hope of the world is linked to India.”

Reflecting on economic progress, he pointed out, “We have become the fifth largest economy from 11th in very little time ... a lot of global challenges came, but India didn't pause and we doubled the size of our economy in a decade.”

Modi also took a swipe at skeptics of India's growth story. “Those who thought India will be slow and steady can see fast and fearless India,” he said, adding that the country will soon become the world's third largest economy.

The Prime Minister, who was sworn-in for the third term on June 9, listed the various achievements of his government in the first 100 days in power.

“Youth aspirations have been the focus of first 100-day decisions of the government. We have created a path of possibilities from policies… We have laid the foundation of the future in the 100 days of 2025," he said.

Among key decisions, the Prime Minister pointed out the income tax exemption on income up to Rs 12 lakh — a move aimed at benefiting young professionals and entrepreneurs. “We have exempted tax on Rs 12 lakh income, which will benefit young professionals,” he said.

PM Modi also spoke about his government's efforts to ease innovation and promote educational access. “We have eased the way from idea to impact. New seats in medical [colleges], IIT, is leading to expansion in education, and acceleration in innovation with Atal tinkering labs is happening.”

India is also opening up the nuclear energy sector — as it did with space — to boost opportunities for the next generation. “Youth will get the opportunity to be future ready,” he said, adding that even gig workers will be brought under the social security net. “Inclusivity is not just a promise but a policy.”

“Innovation will not be limited, it will now get support,” he said, emphasising, “When youth will move forward, only then India will move forward.”

The Prime Minister said the government is determined not to slow down. “These 100 days show that India won't stop, slow and bow (Bharat rukne wala nahi hai. Bharat jhukne wala nahi hai. Bharat thamne wala nahi hai)," he said.

Among the more recent achievements, the Prime Minister pointed out that India has now become the fourth country to successfully enable satellite docking and undocking.

He also mentioned key announcements including the setup of the 8th Pay Commission and reaching the milestone of 100 GW in solar power generation. “We have achieved the goal of 100 GW solar capacity,” Modi said.

He also lauded the recent passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill, aimed at bringing social justice in the society.

Taking a sharp dig at the Congress, PM Modi said that the grand old party was behind the delay on key infrastructure projects in Assam and Kerala, among others.

"We are committed to defeating the enemy that is delay," he said.