India’s Path to Viksit Bharat: Hardeep Puri Highlights Youth's Role in $40 Trillion Economy

New Delhi: India's Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, addressed the Republic Plenary Summit 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, emphasizing the crucial role of youth in shaping India's journey to becoming a $40 trillion economy. He outlined three key concepts—reclamation, affirmation, and creation—that define Viksit Bharat.

He underscored the importance of India's youth in driving economic transformation. "If there is any segment of our society that will truly be a beneficiary of Viksit Bharat, it is you guys," he noted, emphasizing that today's youth would not only benefit from but also shape the country's progress.

Reclaiming India's Past

Puri stressed that India was reclaiming its past with confidence and pride. "You are fortunate to have been born in today's India. Today's India is happily reclaiming its past," he said, pointing out India's economic prominence before colonial rule when it contributed 25% to the global GDP . He highlighted how colonial domination reduced this share to a mere 2%, but under Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's leadership, India had surged to become the world’s fifth-largest economy.

Affirming India's Global Standing

Puri noted that India had firmly established itself on the global stage in multiple sectors, including energy and technology. "Today, no matter which part of the world you live in or what educational or professional pursuit you are undertaking, India looms large on the global horizon," he stated.

He shared significant milestones, including India's achievement of the Paris Agreement commitments nine years ahead of the 2030 target. "India was the first country to meet the Paris Agreement commitments achieving nine years ahead of 2030," he said.

He also highlighted India's progress in biofuel blending. "We had a target of 10% by November 2022, and we achieved it five months in advance. Our target of 20% blending by 2026 was achieved six years ahead," he explained.

Also Read: Reclamation, Affirmation & Creation: Hardeep Singh Puri Outlines 3 Key Concepts of Viksit Bharat at Republic Summit

Creating India's Future

The minister emphasized that young Indians would drive the country’s transformation. "You are the guys who are the agents, you are the agency for that change," he said, calling their contribution "revolutionary."

He cited statistics showcasing India’s growth, from having 74 airports in 2014 to over 155 in 2025, and the rapid expansion of educational institutions. "Our IITs have increased from 23, and AIIMS institutions have tripled since 2014," he noted, adding that medical colleges had doubled in the last decade.

Puri also highlighted India’s thriving startup ecosystem. "We have the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world with more than 1.5 lakh startups and nearly 120 unicorns," he stated. He further announced plans to expand the oil sector’s startup fund from ₹550 crores to ₹2000 crores.

A Vision for Limitless India

Puri reiterated that India's rapid progress would create new opportunities. "It should be possible for a bright youngster from one of the Northeastern states to come and carve out a living in one of the Western states, or equally for somebody from rural Punjab to move to the Northeast and seize the economic opportunity there," he said.

Concluding his speech, Puri re-emphasized the three concepts. "Reclamation: You are fortunate to be living in a country reclaiming its past. Affirmation: The Indian economy and leadership are providing limitless opportunities. And Creation: You are the ones who will shape the journey to Viksit Bharat," he said.

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