Centre and States Discuss Long-Term Development Strategy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday brought together leaders from across the country to chart the next phase of India’s development journey, using the NITI Aayog Governing Council platform to lay out a broad agenda aimed at achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047.
The high-level gathering saw participation from Chief Ministers and administrators from nearly every part of the country, making it one of the most widely attended editions of the council meeting in recent years.
PM Modi Calls for Clear Development Benchmarks
A major focus of the discussions was the need for measurable outcomes rather than broad policy intentions. Modi urged states to adopt structured monitoring systems with short-term milestones and long-term objectives to track progress across sectors.
He stressed that governance reforms, infrastructure expansion and investor-friendly policies would play a decisive role in sustaining India’s growth momentum in the coming decades.
Youth Seen as Key to India’s Future
During the meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s large young population as a strategic advantage and called for greater investments in education, training and skill development.
He encouraged states to build ecosystems that can help young entrepreneurs and small businesses expand their reach and benefit from emerging opportunities in international markets.
Artificial Intelligence and Defence Manufacturing in Focus
Emerging technologies featured prominently in the discussions. Modi encouraged states to prepare for the growing influence of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, arguing that future competitiveness would depend on technological readiness.
He also pointed to defence manufacturing as a sector with significant growth potential, urging state governments to create conditions that attract investments and generate employment opportunities.
Women-Led Development Remains Central Theme
The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of increasing women’s participation in economic activity and called for renewed efforts to strengthen self-help groups and rural entrepreneurship initiatives.
He underlined that women’s empowerment should remain a central pillar of the country’s development model, linking social progress directly with economic advancement.
Water Security and Sustainable Agriculture Highlighted
With climate-related challenges becoming increasingly significant, Modi urged states to prioritise water conservation measures and support environmentally sustainable farming practices.
He also proposed targeted interventions in selected districts to accelerate agricultural growth and improve outcomes through focused planning and implementation.
Broad Support for Development Agenda
State leaders participating in the meeting expressed support for continued cooperation between the Centre and states on economic development, infrastructure creation and social welfare initiatives.
Concluding the session, Modi said India’s progress towards becoming a developed nation would depend on collective effort, innovation and effective coordination among all levels of government. He expressed confidence that shared commitment and clear goals would help transform the vision of Viksit Bharat into reality over the coming decades.
