New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday stated that India has successfully lifted 250 million people out of poverty over the past decade, asserting that the primary role of governance is to empower citizens rather than foster dependency. Addressing the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi, Modi emphasized that while governments hold authority, their objective should be to strengthen individuals rather than make them reliant on public systems, a trajectory he says India is actively pursuing.
Modi noted that lifting a quarter of a billion people out of poverty surpasses the entire population of numerous nations worldwide. His comments tied this milestone to a broader philosophy of governance, arguing that public leadership should focus on helping people build their own capabilities to enhance their quality of life.
During his address, the Prime Minister contended that the global community must reevaluate how power is exercised, especially as modern economies and societies are increasingly influenced by technology, innovation, and data. He stressed that technological advancements should uplift millions rather than exclusively benefit a small privileged group, ensuring that access to opportunity and knowledge remains fundamental to economic expansion.
Furthermore, Modi underscored India's extensive digital footprint as proof of how technology can democratize information and connect large populations. He referenced the presence of over 500 million active users on platforms like YouTube and Instagram in India, arguing that such widespread digital engagement creates avenues to distribute skills and opportunities across a diverse society.
Concluding his remarks, Modi suggested that true progress for governments and businesses should be evaluated not solely through traditional economic growth metrics, but by the breadth of society that shares in those benefits. He reiterated that digital and economic tools should act as a bridge to help individuals participate meaningfully in the economy rather than concentrate advantages among those already holding resources.