Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the combination of Digital India, startup growth, and youth participation is reshaping the country’s future. Speaking at the final session of Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi yesterday, the Prime Minister said the country is witnessing rapid growth across creative and technology-driven sectors, powered largely by young innovators and entrepreneurs. He said, Digital India has created a whole new community of creators and is driving the unprecedented rise of the ‘Orange Economy’, covering culture, content and creativity. The Prime Minister highlighted that when the nation completes 100 years of independence in 2047, it will be the most important time for the lives of today’s youth. He added that their capability will become the capability of India, and their success will take India’s success to new heights.
The Prime Minister said the Young Leaders’ Dialogue is a historic and unique initiative that has become a huge platform in a short span of time. Mr Modi said that the Dialogue has become a think tank of its own, showcasing that India’s Gen Z is brimming with creativity.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted key reforms and initiatives such as Startup India, Digital India, Ease of Doing Business, and simplification of tax and compliance, which accelerated India’s startup revolution by opening previously government-dominated sectors to entrepreneurship. The Prime Minister said more than a thousand defence startups are currently operating in the country. He said young entrepreneurs are working on a wide range of technologies, including drones, anti-drone systems, AI-based cameras and robotics, reflecting India’s expanding innovation ecosystem.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the transformation of India’s space sector. He said that five to six years ago, the responsibility of developing the space sector rested solely with ISRO, adding that the government opened the space sector to private enterprises, expanded policies, and created supporting institutions. The Prime Minister noted that the life of Swami Vivekananda is a great guiding light for all.
Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, held from 9th to 12th January, witnessed participation from over 50 lakh youth across the country at various levels.
