New Delhi, August 21, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026 on Friday, highlighting India’s economic growth, next-generation reforms, governance, manufacturing, infrastructure, technology and ease of living.
The Prime Minister said the world is increasingly viewing India as a “bright spot for growth and hope” amid global concerns over economic growth, resource security and trust between nations. The official Prime Minister’s Office account of the address said this year’s summit focused on “Shared Futures.”
PM Modi Highlights Next-Generation Reforms
Prime Minister Modi said India is pursuing reforms at three levels — policy, governance and ease of living.
He said the government’s approach to regulation is moving from “prohibited unless permitted” towards “permitted unless prohibited”, with the stated objective of reducing unnecessary regulatory restrictions.
The Prime Minister also said that the relationship between citizens and the government should be based on trust rather than suspicion.
PLI Scheme: PM Modi Cites Investment, Production and Employment Figures
Highlighting the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, PM Modi said the programme has attracted ₹2.5 lakh crore in actual investment.
According to figures cited by the Prime Minister in his address, the scheme has also generated ₹22 lakh crore in production and sales, contributed ₹15 lakh crore in exports and created more than 14 lakh jobs.
These figures were presented by the Prime Minister while discussing India’s shift from the restrictive industrial policies of the past towards incentives for higher production.
More Than 40,000 Compliances Removed
PM Modi also highlighted measures aimed at reducing the regulatory burden on businesses.
He said more than 40,000 compliances had been removed and more than 1,500 obsolete laws had been abolished. He also referred to the Jan Vishwas Bill and the government’s efforts to decriminalise minor procedural offences.
The Prime Minister said these measures were part of the government’s broader approach to improving the ease of doing business.
Railway Safety and Infrastructure
Railway infrastructure and passenger safety were also among the issues highlighted during the address.
PM Modi said electronic interlocking systems had been installed at more than 6,500 railway stations and 10,000 level crossings.
He also said around 9,000 unmanned railway crossings had been eliminated and attributed a reduction of up to 90% in train accidents compared with pre-2014 levels to the measures undertaken. These figures were cited by the Prime Minister during his speech.
The Prime Minister further said that more than 3.6 lakh bio-toilets had been installed in trains since 2014.
Border Roads Organisation Projects
Speaking about border infrastructure, PM Modi said the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) had dedicated 250 infrastructure projects to the nation during 2024 and 2025.
He presented border infrastructure development as part of the government’s broader focus on connectivity and strategic infrastructure.
Defence Manufacturing and Nuclear Energy
The Prime Minister also highlighted structural changes in strategic sectors.
He referred to the Shanti Bill, which he said opened the nuclear-energy sector to private participation, and the restructuring of more than 40 ordnance factories into seven corporate entities.
PM Modi also said India’s defence exports had increased 55 times compared with 2014. This figure was part of the Prime Minister’s address.
Technology and Digital Services
PM Modi highlighted the expansion of digital services and technology-enabled public services in India.
He referred to Aadhaar, e-KYC, digital payments, QR-code transactions, Digi Yatra and FASTag as examples of technologies that have become part of everyday services.
The Prime Minister also said the e-Sanjeevani telemedicine platform had facilitated nearly 50 crore teleconsultations.
Drone and Geospatial Technology
The Prime Minister discussed the changes made in regulations governing geospatial data and the growth of India’s drone industry.
He said the easing of restrictions had contributed to opportunities for startups and businesses working in areas such as agriculture, defence and other applications of drone technology.
PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM
PM Modi also highlighted renewable-energy initiatives, including PM-KUSUM and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
He said the rooftop solar programme had reached more than 50 lakh families. The Prime Minister described the scheme as part of an approach focused on long-term benefits rather than short-term measures.
Political Stability and Policy Continuity
During the address, PM Modi also highlighted political stability and continuity in policies as part of India’s development approach.
He said the government’s reform agenda would continue to focus on youth, women, farmers and the middle class, while linking domestic development with India’s wider role in the global economy.
Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026: Key Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026 |
| PM’s address | August 21, 2026 |
| Prime Minister | Narendra Modi |
| Forum theme | Shared Futures |
| PLI investment cited by PM | ₹2.5 lakh crore |
| PLI production and sales cited | ₹22 lakh crore |
| PLI exports cited | ₹15 lakh crore |
| PLI jobs cited | More than 14 lakh |
| Compliances removed | More than 40,000 |
| Obsolete laws abolished | More than 1,500 |
| Electronic interlocking | More than 6,500 stations and 10,000 level crossings |
| BRO projects cited | 250 projects during 2024–2025 |
| e-Sanjeevani consultations cited | Nearly 50 crore |
| Families under PM Surya Ghar cited | More than 50 lakh |
PM Modi at Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026
The Prime Minister’s address at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026 focused on India’s reform agenda and the government’s stated priorities in economic development, manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, regulatory reform and ease of living.
The numerical figures in this report, including those relating to PLI, railway safety, defence exports, e-Sanjeevani and PM Surya Ghar, are figures cited by Prime Minister Modi in his official address, rather than independent estimates presented by this article.
