Kashmir Impulse Desk

New Delhi, June 11

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that India was continuing on its growth trajectory despite global uncertainty and instability, as he called for closer cooperation between the federal and state governments to achieve the country’s long-term development goals.

Chairing the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog, Modi said India remained confident and determined in pursuing its vision of becoming a developed nation under the Viksit Bharat programme.

“The world is passing through a period of uncertainty and instability, yet India continues to move forward on its growth trajectory with confidence and determination,” Modi said, according to NITI Aayog.

The prime minister said free trade agreements signed with several countries were creating new opportunities for economic growth and exports, while also opening global markets for India’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

He said Indian businesses should use the agreements to improve competitiveness and align with international standards.

Modi described India’s demographic dividend as a historic opportunity and stressed the need to invest in quality education, skills development and employment generation for young people.

“Empowered youth will be the driving force behind our journey towards Viksit Bharat,” he said.

The prime minister also called for greater cooperation and dialogue among states, saying NITI Aayog could serve as a platform for sharing ideas and best practices to support national development objectives.

Highlighting the role of women in economic growth, Modi said women-led development remained central to the government’s vision for a developed India.

“From farming and startups to science and innovation, Nari Shakti is contributing across the domains,” he said, urging states to prioritise women’s education, skills development, safety and empowerment.

Modi said the combined efforts of the Centre and states, guided by the principle of cooperative federalism, would be crucial to achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat.

“The collective efforts of the Centre and States will play a pivotal role in realising our shared vision of Viksit Bharat,” he said.