President Droupadi Murmu on 14 August 2025 said the Indian economy is projected to expand at more than twice the average global growth rate, even as warfare and geopolitical instability continue to weigh on economies worldwide. Delivering her address to the nation on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, Murmu described India as 'the fastest-growing major economy in the world.'

Economic Momentum and Global Standing

President Murmu underscored that India's growth trajectory has held firm despite a turbulent global environment. She noted that India has entered into Free Trade Agreements with multiple countries to deepen economic cooperation, and is playing a leading role among nations of the Global South. 'We believe in a rules-based international order,' she said, signalling India's intent to anchor its rise in multilateral norms rather than unilateral assertion.

On the infrastructure front, she pointed to an 'unprecedented expansion' of highways, waterways, railways, and airways — investments she said are generating employment, encouraging new enterprises, and strengthening investor confidence.

Welfare Milestones: Poverty, Food, and Healthcare

Murmu highlighted that more than 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty in recent years, calling it a priority of the government to uplift deprived sections of society. Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana — described as the world's largest financial inclusion programme — nearly 59 crore account holders have joined the formal banking system, of whom more than 32 crore are women.

Food security has been extended to more than 80 crore people through free ration distribution. Under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, free healthcare coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year has been provided to 60 crore people. Farmers have been supported through Kisan Samman Nidhi and Kisan Credit Cards, covering activities ranging from farming and dairy to poultry, fisheries, and beekeeping.

Digital India: Leading the World in Real-Time Transactions

The President stated that India has built the world's largest and most advanced digital infrastructure. Digital payments, she noted, are now routine even in small rural shops and among street vendors. Notably, more than half of the world's real-time digital transactions take place in India — a statistic that underlines the scale of the country's fintech transformation.

She credited technology with enabling the government to deliver welfare benefits in a transparent and direct manner, reducing leakages and improving accountability.

Women's Empowerment and the Start-Up Ecosystem

On women's empowerment, Murmu said more than 10 crore women are members of Self Help Groups. The government had set a target of creating 3 crore Lakhpati Didis — women entrepreneurs earning over ₹1 lakh annually — and that target has been met. A fresh goal of 3 crore additional Lakhpati Didis has now been set. About two-thirds of entrepreneurs who received financial assistance under the MUDRA Yojana are women, she added.

She also highlighted the growing culture of self-employment among Indian youth, crediting young entrepreneurs with building a robust start-up ecosystem. Major global enterprises, she said, are increasingly entrusting Indian youth with leadership roles — a development she described as enhancing India's reputation worldwide.

Environment and Sustainable Development

President Murmu said India is playing a 'leading role' globally in environmental protection even as it pursues modern development. She stated that the country has achieved several Sustainable Development Goals 2030 ahead of schedule, and that renewable energy development has gained 'unprecedented momentum' in recent years.

As India marks 80 years of independence, the President's address frames the country's trajectory as one that harmonises cultural heritage with economic ambition — a narrative the government is likely to carry into its domestic and diplomatic messaging in the months ahead.