North News
New Delhi, November 22
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s inclusive and transformative development journey, emphasizing digital infrastructure, poverty alleviation, and sustainability during an address to the Indian community in Georgetown, Guyana, on Friday.
India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive,” Modi stated, showcasing the country’s achievements in financial inclusion and technological advancement. Over 500 million bank accounts were opened, linked with digital identities, enabling direct benefit transfers.
He also highlighted the success of Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest free health insurance scheme, benefiting 500 million people. The government, he said, has built 30 million homes, lifting 250 million people out of poverty within a decade. Modi credited women’s empowerment initiatives for turning millions into grassroots entrepreneurs, creating jobs and opportunities.
Modi underscored India’s rapid economic rise, noting its leap from the world’s 10th-largest economy to the fifth-largest, with aspirations to become the third-largest soon. “Our youth have made India the third-largest startup ecosystem globally,” he said, adding that the nation is a hub for innovation in e-commerce, AI, and fintech.
Turning to infrastructure, Modi lauded advancements in transportation and manufacturing, with India now the second-largest mobile phone producer globally.
On sustainability, Modi stressed India’s efforts in solar energy, green mobility, and international climate initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and Global Biofuels Alliance. He pointed to India’s leadership in conservation through the International Big Cat Alliance, noting its relevance for Guyana, home to the jaguar.
“India’s journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed, and sustainability,” Modi concluded, emphasizing the country’s global impact and commitment to empowering the Global South.
