New Delhi, Feb 13 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi proclaimed on Friday that India is set to emerge as a key driver of global growth while formulating its unique development strategy as the nation's Reform Express gains additional momentum.

Speaking at the ET Now Global Business Summit 2026 in New Delhi, the Prime Minister emphasized that the Union government is propelling economic reforms not out of necessity, but from a strong belief in transforming the ecosystem for the benefit of the populace and realizing a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India).

He pointed out that the decision-making processes have been hastened, leading to swift advancements in the construction of highways and railways throughout the nation.

These reforms have been executed both within and beyond the framework of the Union Budget, according to the Prime Minister.

He noted that this year's Union Budget has further propelled the reform agenda with a focus on capital expenditure and technology.

"The Union Budget has significantly boosted major infrastructure initiatives with a substantial increase in capex, which has a multiplier effect in enhancing growth and generating additional employment opportunities in the economy. It also prioritizes the biopharma, AI, and semiconductor sectors," he stated.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the emphasis in the Budget is not solely on expenditures but on tangible outcomes.

"Previously, projects in the railway and highway sectors were announced but often went unimplemented. Since 2014, there has been a noticeable improvement in the speed of project completion," he remarked.

"Beyond the Budget, GST reforms and labor reforms have been instituted to benefit the citizens," PM Modi mentioned.

He further noted: "The single Indian reform that has gained global attention over the past decade is UPI. It's more than just an app; it's a proof of the extraordinary alignment of policy, process, and delivery. UPI is reaching individuals who never imagined accessing banking and financial services. This reform was driven by conviction rather than necessity. It aimed at including citizens previously overlooked by past administrations."

"Jise koi nahi poochhta, use Modi poojta hai," the Prime Minister remarked.

PM Modi conveyed: "Every country now recognizes the need to build its own resilience. While the world is discussing this today, India established its policy back in 2015. India made it clear in the foundational document of 'Niti Aayog' that it would not adopt development models from other nations."

He pointed out that his administration has signed free trade agreements with 38 developed nations, whereas prior to 2014, the UPA government managed to finalize comprehensive trade agreements with only four nations.

He attributed the inability to finalize these agreements during the UPA regime to policy paralysis and widespread corruption.

"Before 2014, India's manufacturing sector was notably weak, leading to a lack of trust in the nation," he added.

"Today, we are forging trade agreements with the world because India is now imbued with self-confidence. India stands stronger today, which is why the world also places its trust in us," he asserted.

"India is poised to lead global growth. India will serve as the engine of growth for the world. The international community is transitioning towards a new global order. The previous system was based on the notion of 'one size fits all', assuming that the global economy would be centralized. In this model, countries were merely seen as contributors. However, this model is now being reassessed," the Prime Minister concluded.