Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the previous Congress-led UPA governments for policy paralysis, scams, and lack of reforms without crises. Speaking at the ET Now Global Business Summit 2026, he contrasted this with his administration’s conviction-driven approach, attributing India’s rapid economic growth and global confidence to it.
Modi highlighted the erosion of trust in India during policy paralysis and scams, emphasizing the weak manufacturing sector and limited trade deals before 2014. He noted that reforms under past Congress regimes occurred under extreme pressure, like the 1991 economic crisis and the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
The Prime Minister pointed out that attention to the power sector only came after visible destruction, labeling these actions as politically motivated. He also mentioned the improvement in border infrastructure execution speed under the current government compared to the UPA regime.
Questioning the delay in free trade agreements with developed nations, Modi credited the government’s changed vision for India’s increased self-confidence on the global stage. He commended the recent budget’s focus on capital expenditure and advancements in biopharma, AI, and semiconductors for driving growth.
Modi reiterated India’s unique development approach, rejecting imported models and positioning the country as a key player in global growth. He emphasized the government’s mission-mode reforms over the past decade, aiming for inclusive, self-reliant growth and empowerment of youth, women, and rural areas.
