New Delhi, Dec 6 (NationPress) Emphasizing India's extraordinary progress in the last decade, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar stated on Friday that Indian democracy has proven its worth during the nation's eighth decade of freedom.

"We are more aspirational, more ambitious, more capable and confident. But, most importantly, we are an India that is more Bharat. You can witness it today, in our eighth decade of independence, that democracy has indeed delivered," Jaishankar expressed after accepting the 'India First' award from AMG Media Network CEO and Editor-in-Chief Sanjay Pugalia at NDTV's 'Indian Of The Year' ceremony.

The EAM pointed out that India is now significantly more representative, with success no longer being confined to the "elitist" or "metropolitan" sphere; every sector and region of the country now enjoys equality of opportunity.

"When I say democracy has delivered, I am not merely referring to our elections being superior to others. They are, but what I mean is, if you examine our politics, civil services, sports teams, and journalists, we are today far more representative than we have ever been before," he stated.

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unwavering commitment to modernizing India, the EAM noted a "degree of energy and sense of purpose" within the current government.

Having collaborated with several administrations, first as a diplomat and subsequently as a Minister, Jaishankar remarked that this is a "good moment" to serve as India's External Affairs Minister.

"Having a PM willing to implement the reforms we ought to pursue, not just those we must, is crucial. I can assure you that every week during Cabinet meetings, if you assess the decisions made and their policy implications, it is indeed an extraordinary phase in our national journey," the EAM said.

Discussing India's growth narrative, the External Affairs Minister elaborated on the transition from the early 90s to the present day, as the country strides toward becoming a dominant global economic force.

"In 1991-92, we were a $250 billion economy with a trade volume of $40 billion. Today, we boast a $4 trillion economy with an $80 billion trade volume. Consider these figures as they illustrate how much more we engage with the world and how relevant we have become on the global stage."

The EAM reiterated that foreign policy has become increasingly significant to Indian society, with citizens now aspiring towards a 'Viksit Bharat' - a developed India - a sentiment that was absent a decade ago.

"Today, we have a 'can-do' generation, one that accomplished the Chandrayaan mission, which was arguably the most efficient producer and inventor of vaccines during Covid... which has developed its own telecom technology, including our own 5G technology, and a generation that now produces its own trains like Vande Bharat..."

In a veiled critique of the Congress-led UPA government regarding its response to the 2008 Mumbai 26/11 terror attacks, the EAM told the audience that the nation is now well aware of how to respond effectively to those fostering terrorism from across the border.

"In the past, India left 26/11 unanswered, but today we have responded to Pakistan with Uri and Balakot," he concluded his speech at the NDTV 'Indian of the Year' awards ceremony.