New Delhi, February 15 – This year's budget wasn't a "now or never" situation born out of necessity, but a "we are ready" moment resulting from preparation and inspiration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Sunday, asserting that it reflects India's "desire" to become a developed nation.
In an exclusive interview with PTI, Modi emphasized that none of his government's budgets were created with the intention of simply creating routine "record-keeping" documents, as "that is not our approach."
Recalling that a few years ago, he had declared from the Red Fort, "This is the time, this is the right time," Modi said that a sense of purpose has always been present within his government.
"But today, that sense of urgency has become a national conviction, a collective commitment. There is new confidence in our nation," he said.
"Our national character has shone through even in times of various challenges, and we are a source of growth even in difficult global circumstances," he stated.
Asked whether he believed India is now prepared to move forward in development towards "Vikshit Bharat" by 2047, Modi said that the post-pandemic world is opening new doors for India, with countries eager to partner with it in trade and innovation.
"We have a young and increasingly skilled population, and we are focused on strong growth accompanied by low inflation and economic stability. Our youth are making a significant impact in fields such as space, sports, and startups. We have ensured political stability and a policy environment conducive to reform," the prime minister said.
"And because of these developments, people see this as a historic opportunity for India. Even as these developments were gaining momentum, the nation also celebrated the historic 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,' which instilled a sense of purpose in the people," he said in a written interview.
Pointing to the behavioural changes that have taken root over the past few years, Modi said that whether it's cleanliness or any other issue, people understand that building a developed nation is not just about infrastructure or the economy, but also about social habits.
"Therefore, this is not a 'now or never' situation born out of necessity. It is a 'we are ready' moment resulting from preparation and inspiration. This budget reflects this desire to become a developed nation," Modi said.
"Therefore, this budget should not be seen just as Budget 2026, but as the first budget of the second quarter of the 21st century," he said.
This budget consolidates the gains made since 2014 and builds upon them to create momentum for the next quarter-century. Just as the decisions and initiatives taken in the 1920s laid the foundation for independence in 1947, the decisions we are taking now are laying the foundation for "Vikshit Bharat" by 2047," he asserted.
Modi said that none of his government's budgets were made with the intention of simply creating routine "record-keeping" documents.
"Because that is not our approach. It is my privilege that people's blessings have been with me for a long time, and I have served for 25 years as the head of government, first at the state level and now at the national level. If one takes a closer look at my approach in the last 25 years, it becomes clear that our work doesn't happen in bits and pieces."
"There is a broader strategy, a plan of action, and an effective implementation that reflects the "whole of the nation" thinking, continuity of purpose, and a long-term vision, progressively unfolding step by step, year after year," Modi said.
Since 2014, the nation has come to view the budget as far more than a ledger of numbers, facts, or ad hoc announcements, he said.
Modi asserted that each budget has contained intent, a clear-cut roadmap, and a sequence of actions, each with stated timelines for achieving them. Then we focus on implementation, and in the next budget, it is taken to the next logical step, he said.
In these years, we have addressed the structural gaps left behind by earlier administrations, undertaken bold structural reforms, expanded opportunities for the poor, empowered our youth, strengthened the role of women, and ensured dignity and security for our farmers, he said.
"Along with this, we have deployed an inclusive, tech-driven, yet human-centric welfare architecture that reaches the last mile and leaves no one behind," Modi said.
At every stage, the guiding focus has been nation-building, strengthening the economy, and laying the foundation for "Vikshit Bharat," the prime minister said.
"This budget represents the next level in this journey, imparting momentum to our 'Reform Express.' It is designed to accelerate momentum and prepare our youth for the opportunities of a rapidly changing world," he said.
