Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is among the leading nations in digital innovation and startup ecosystems, while separately describing government efforts to strengthen domestic capabilities and reduce foreign dependence, NDTV reported Thursday.
At the NDTV World Summit 2026, Modi said government decisions on policy and investment take account of three aims: expanding India's own capabilities, limiting reliance on foreign countries and preparing for future crises. He added that some investments take years to deliver benefits but matter for the country’s future.
Modi used pharmaceutical manufacturing as an example of changing dependence. He said India had previously relied heavily on imported inputs for medicines and was working to alter that pattern.
He also called India the world’s fastest-growing major economy. Describing the country’s work with global partners, Modi said it now operates “not just as a back office but also as a brain office.” NDTV noted that “back office” has long referred to outsourced work such as call centers and data processing.
