12 years of the transformative journey of India

Jayant N. Khobragade, Ambassador of the Republic of India to Spain and the Principality of Andorra. /Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of India

Jayant N. Khobragade, Ambassador of the Republic of India to Spain and the Principality of Andorra. /Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of India

On 10 June 2026, India marks twelve transformational years of the government led by Hon’ble Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi. This is a historic milestone for the country as PM Modi has now become the longest continuously serving elected Prime Minister of India.

Over these twelve years, India has witnessed significant transformation into a nation driven by aspiration, innovation and self-reliance. Under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, India’s foreign policy has strengthened India’s standing on the global stage. From being the voice of Global South to being the First Responder in providing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), India has combined national interest with global good. The testimony of it is India providing medical supplies to more than 70 countries while more than 7.2 million Indian nationals were evacuated during the Covid pandemic. More than 85,000 tons of food grains have been supplied to more than 15 countries since 2020.

In the last twelve years, 44 new Embassies or Consulates have been opened thus expanding India’s diplomatic footprint. The launch of e-Passports has enabled safe and convenient international travel for Indian citizens.         

The Prime Minister’s emphasis on welfare of the poor and downtrodden is particularly noteworthy. From Jan Dhan accounts and Direct Benefit Transfer to Swachh Bharat, PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, Ayushman Bharat and more, the government has always focused on those who were left behind. Nearly 250 million people have escaped multidimensional poverty through several social welfare measures.

The country’s startup ecosystem has expanded from merely 400 startups in 2014 to being among the world’s largest now with more than 230,000 startups. India has the world’s largest real-time digital payments system. India has accelerated infrastructure creation across transport, housing, water, energy, logistics and digital networks. Large-scale investments in infrastructure assets have strengthened service delivery, improved mobility and supported economic activity across regions.

Over the last decade, India’s port capacity has expanded three times from 800 million tonnes in 2014 to 2,760 million tonnes in 2026 strengthening India’s role in global trade and maritime connectivity. India’s railways and aviation sector has also entered a new era. Airports have more than doubled, growing from 74 to over 160. Rail tracks have increased from 21,000 to 65,000 kilometres, bringing millions closer and connecting regions like never before. India has made significant strides in the renewable energy sector with production capacity increasing from almost 75 GW in 2014 to nearly 275 GW. Solar energy capacity has grown by 42 times from 2.6 GW in 2014 to 110 GW in 2026.

India has migrated from Fragile Five to being the world’s fastest growing major economy for four consecutive years. India has further strengthened its global identity as a manufacturer, innovator and a trusted economic partner to the world. Digital payments through Unified Payment Interface (UPI), local entrepreneurship and expanding range of “Made in India” products are examples of this. India’s exports have expanded from $466 billion in 2013-14 to around $866 billion in 2025-26. Increased FDI inflows at $165 billion during 2014-24 compared to $98 billion during 2004-14 reflect growing investor confidence in the India growth story.  

As India advances towards the goal of Viksit Bharat, that is, developed India, by 2047, the foundations laid during the last twelve years will prove transformative. Under PM Modi’s visionary leadership, the nation has entered a new phase, one that is defined by aspiration, resilience and innovation.