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

New Delhi: India's Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, outlined the three key concepts of Viksit Bharat at the Republic Plenary Summit 2025 in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Addressing an audience of young professionals and students, Puri emphasized that India's transformation was driven by "reclamation, affirmation, and creation." "I thought to myself that if there is any segment of our society that will truly be a beneficiary of Viksit Bharat, it is you guys," he said. He noted the importance of the younger generation in shaping India's future, particularly as the country moved toward becoming a 40 trillion-dollar economy.

‘Reclamation’

Puri began by discussing the first concept, "reclamation," stressing that India was reclaiming its past, both culturally and economically. "You are fortunate to have been born in today's India, a country that is happily reclaiming its past," he stated.

‘Affirmation’

He then moved on to "affirmation," explaining that India had a prominent role in the global landscape. "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 noted. He specifically highlighted the country's transformation in energy and technology sectors, areas where India had become a key player.

‘Creation’

The final concept, "creation," was the most crucial, according to Puri. "You are the guys who are the agents, you are the agency for that change," he remarked. He acknowledged his own roles in various government ministries, including his current post as Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, but emphasized that the real change was driven by the youth. "The change that is taking place today is revolutionary. It's not evolutionary or slow continuity giving rise to incremental change, it is revolutionary," he affirmed.

Also Read: India's Contibution to Global Economy Was 25% Before Colonial Rule: Hardeep Puri Takes Down West

Hardeep Puri Challenges Western Narratives on India's Rise

Hardeep Singh Puri criticized "contrived" Western narratives about India's progress, urging a shift in global perceptions. He rejected outdated stereotypes, saying, “It's easy to buy into the Western narrative that looks down upon India as a land of snake charmers, a place where nothing works.”

Puri highlighted India’s economic strength before colonial rule, when it contributed 25% of the world’s GDP . He contrasted this with the drastic decline to just 2% due to "two centuries of colonial domination."

‘India’s Rapid Economic Growth’

He noted that India’s global significance is being rediscovered, countering past skepticism. “When Prime Minister Modi assumed office, India was the 11th largest economy. In just ten years, we are now set to become the 4th largest, and within a year, we will be the 3rd largest,” he said.

India’s Rise No Longer Questioned

Puri pointed out that doubts about India's growth have faded, though subtle skepticism lingers. He cited India's surpassing of the UK in economic size as a moment of disbelief in global discourse. “Yet, no one questions our position in the top ranks now—except for those who still wonder if India can truly become a developed nation.”

India as an Active Global Player

Puri emphasized that India is no longer a passive recipient of global narratives but a key player in shaping the future. He urged young Indians to take charge of the nation’s transformation.

"The youth here today will be the beneficiaries of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), and in 22 years, you will be in your prime, shaping this journey," he said. "You are the agents of change, shaping India's economic destiny and its global role in energy, technology, and geopolitics."

The Republic Plenary Summit 2025 , India’s biggest and most influential news event, is live, bringing together the brightest minds to shape the future of a Limitless India—an India of infinite potential, innovation, and global leadership. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest, the summit opened with a ceremonial lamp lighting by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, setting the stage for transformative discussions.

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