Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India was emerging as a global centre of innovation and strategic capability, arguing that the world increasingly looked to the country for its intellectual strength, technology and problem-solving abilities.
Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Modi said the global order was changing rapidly, but international institutions, including the United Nations, were struggling to adapt. He also warned that trade, technology and sea routes were increasingly being weaponised amid rising geopolitical tensions.
“The world that once relied on India's brainpower now trusts India's mindpower as well,” Modi said, adding that India was working with the world not just as a “back office” but also as a “brain office”.
ALSO READ: India Targets 2-3nm Chip Design As Students Develop Over 325 Chips, Says PM Modi
PM Modi said India had established itself among the leading countries in digital innovation and startup development, while continuing to be the world's fastest-growing major economy.
“Bharat is motivating the world toward collective development,” he said.
The Prime Minister said government policies and investment decisions were increasingly focused on building domestic capabilities, reducing dependence on other countries and preparing the economy for future crises.
He cited the pharmaceutical industry as an example of India's efforts to strengthen supply chains. While the country is a major producer of finished medicines, it had historically depended heavily on imports for several raw materials used in their manufacture, he said.
According to Modi, India was working to change that dependence by developing greater domestic capacity.
He also invoked ancient Indian strategist Chanakya's concept of Matsya Nyaya, a situation in which the strong dominate or consume the weak, to underline the need for effective international institutions.
“The world does not need such a situation,” Modi said, arguing that the global system needed safeguards against the unchecked exercise of power.
Referring to the Covid-19 pandemic, he said India had supplied vaccines to countries in need and medicines to more than 100 countries, presenting this as an example of how stronger domestic capabilities could support international cooperation.
Modi said the changing global order required stronger multilateral institutions, greater representation for the Global South and international cooperation that remained effective during crises.
ALSO READ: PM Modi's Top 10 Quotes At NDTV World Summit 2026: From 2-3nm Chips To A New World Order
He also linked India's ambition to become a developed nation by 2047 with broader global benefits.
The vision of Viksit Bharat, he said, was “not just for us” but also a guarantee of a better world.
“International cooperation isn't just for good times. It must be effective during crises too,” Modi said, adding that India was strengthening its own capabilities to help strengthen the world.
Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.