How India Went From Importing Toys to Becoming a Global Exporter: PM Modi Explains at Republic Plenary Summit

New Delhi: At the Republic Plenary Summit 2025 in the Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Thursday stated that 10 years ago, even children's toys like Holi water guns were imported, while today, India's toy exports have tripled. Addressing the gathering, he also pointed out that 10 years ago, India imported rifles for its army, but in the past decade, India's defense exports have increased 20 times.

India’s Solar Energy Boom and Industrial Growth

PM Modi highlighted India's rapid progress in solar energy, saying, “Today, India is among the top 5 countries in solar energy capacity, having increased it 30 times, while solar module manufacturing has also seen a 30-fold increase”. 

He also congratulated Republic TV for its innovative approach to involving youth in national discourse through a hackathon competition. He remarked, "When the nation's youth get involved in national discourse, it brings novelty to ideas and fills the entire environment with their energy."

India’s Rise as a Global Power

PM Modi underscored India's economic progress, recalling that 65 years after independence, India was the 11th largest economy. However, in the last decade, it has become the 5th largest economy and is now moving towards becoming the 3rd largest economy in the world.

He further pointed out that 18 years ago, in 2007, India's annual GDP reached $1 trillion, but today, the same level of economic activity happens in just one quarter, showcasing India's rapid economic expansion.

Also Read: PM Modi’s Fiery 35-Minute Address at Republic Plenary Summit: A Vision for a Limitless India

Direct Benefit Transfer and Poverty Reduction

Highlighting India's achievements in poverty reduction, PM Modi stated, "In the last 10 years, India has successfully lifted 25 crore people out of poverty, a number greater than the population of many countries."

He also reminded the audience that earlier, only 15 paise out of every rupee sent by the government reached the poor. In contrast, he said, "Over ₹42 lakh crore have been transferred directly to the accounts of the poor through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring the entire amount reaches the beneficiaries."

Infrastructure Boom and Industrial Expansion

PM Modi outlined India's infrastructure growth, stating that in the last 10 years:

1. India became the world's 2nd largest steel producer
2. 2nd largest mobile phone manufacturer
3. 3rd largest startup ecosystem
4. Capital expenditure on infrastructure increased fivefold
5. The number of airports in the country doubled
6. Operational AIIMS hospitals tripled
7. Medical colleges and medical seats nearly doubled

Changing Mindsets and India's Aspirations

PM Modi noted that India's mindset has shifted from accepting the status quo to aiming higher. He stated, "Today's India thinks big, set ambitious targets, and achieves significant results."

He pointed out that earlier, people would request drought relief work, but now they demand Vande Bharat trains and international airports. He added, "The previous governments crushed the aspirations of the people, but today, India is driven by the goal of Viksit Bharat."

The X-Factor of India’s Growth

PM Modi called India's youth the largest stakeholders in Viksit Bharat, stating, "The youth are the X-Factor of today's India, where X stands for Experimentation, Excellence, and Expansion."

He noted that government-led hackathons have generated 2,500 governance solutions and praised Republic TV for promoting the hackathon culture.

Opening Up Key Sectors: Space, Nuclear, and Geospatial Mapping

PM Modi highlighted how the government has removed obstacles in key sectors, enabling growth:

• The space sector, once restricted to ISRO , is now open to private startups, leading to 250+ space startups working on projects like Vikram-S and Agnibaan rockets.
• Geospatial mapping, once controlled by the government, has now enabled new startups.
• The nuclear energy sector, previously restricted, is now being opened up, with plans to add 100 gigawatts of nuclear energy capacity by 2047.

Untapped Economic Potential in Villages

PM Modi emphasized India's ₹100 lakh crore untapped economic potential in villages. He explained that previously, villagers lacked legal property documents, preventing them from taking bank loans. He added, "The Swamitva Scheme has been launched to provide property rights for village houses, using drones to map and issue property cards."

He said, “Over 2 crore property cards have been issued, reducing land disputes and enabling villagers to get bank loans for businesses.”

New-Age Governance and Last-Mile Delivery

PM Modi highlighted how government schemes are now reaching the people, unlike before when benefits were only on paper. He said, "Earlier, houses for the poor were sanctioned on paper, but now, houses are being built on the ground."

He added, "We have not just built four walls but have brought life to these homes, with water, gas, and electricity connections."

National Security: A Top Priority

PM Modi also highlighted India’s improved security, stating, "Earlier, serial bomb blasts and sleeper cell networks were common on TV. Today, such incidents are gone from both TV screens and Indian soil."

He added that Naxalism has been reduced, with the number of affected districts dropping from 100+ to less than two dozen. He said this was achieved by bringing roads, schools, hospitals, and mobile networks to these areas.

Warning Against Urban Naxals

PM Modi warned against "Urban Naxals", stating that they have infiltrated political parties once inspired by Gandhian ideology. He noted, "Urban Naxals oppose India's development and heritage. Their voices are now heard inside political parties."

He praised Arnab Goswami for exposing Urban Naxals, stressing that development and strengthening India’s heritage must go hand in hand.

A Confident and Rising India

PM Modi concluded by saying, "Today's India is reaching new heights by facing every challenge." He expressed confidence that Republic TV would continue to elevate journalism with a "nation first" spirit and serve as a catalyst for India's aspirations.

Watch PM Modi's Full Address at Republic Plenary Summit Here:- 

The Republic Plenary Summit is proudly presented by RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, with JAC Olivol as the Co-Presenting Partner. The summit is Co-Powered by Canara Bank, Radico, Apollo Hospitals, Reliance Digital, Ravin Group, and Rungta Steel. We are honoured to have Reva University as our Knowledge Partner and Wildstone as our Hackathon Partner.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Associate Sponsors - BlueStar and Muthoot Finance, as well as our Prayer Partner - Parimal Agarbatti. Special thanks to our State Partners, including the Governments of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh , Assam , Haryana , and Nandini Mill.

We are also grateful to our Insurance Partner - LIC, Luxury Partner - Da Milano, Wardrobe Partner - Pall Mall, and our Literary Partner - National Book Trust.

Thank you to all our partners for their invaluable support in making this summit a success.