Celebrating 11 Years of Bharat: A Journey Towards Strength and Inclusivity

P. Chidambaram recently argued that “India is not a better, stronger, or fairer place today than it was in 2014.” This view doesn’t fully capture the changes that have taken place under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. While it’s crucial to discuss governance, focusing solely on perceived failures without recognizing achievements can be misleading.

Chidambaram states that the government ignores diverse opinions. However, India is still a lively democracy with a robust media and active judiciary. Notably, June 25 marks the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, reminding us of important historical lessons. The Modi government’s repeated electoral wins show public trust, opposing the notion of authoritarianism. While it’s vital to consider different viewpoints, maintaining national unity is equally important.

Economic Progress: A Broader View

Chidambaram’s analysis of GDP growth misses key factors like the Covid-19 pandemic and global events such as the Russia-Ukraine war, which affected economies worldwide, not just India. From FY2014 to FY2025, except for the pandemic years, India maintained an impressive average GDP growth of 7.1%. Compare this to a growth rate of 6.7% from 2004 to 2014. In 2014, India was the world’s 10th largest economy. By 2025, it’s projected to be the fourth largest.

According to recent IMF estimates, India’s economy has grown over 100% in the last decade. Projections suggest India could become the third-largest economy globally by 2028. A SBI report highlights that per capita GDP has increased 2.6 times since FY14, showing significant improvement in living standards. Moreover, inflation averaged around 4.6% in the past eleven years, compared to 7.5% previously, further showing effective economic management.

Combating Inequality

India’s landscape has evolved from fragility to resilience thanks to people-focused reforms and digital growth. For instance, the income tax exemption limit grew from Rs 2.5 lakh in 2014 to Rs 12 lakh in 2025, boosting disposable incomes for many. The implementation of GST streamlined the tax system, generating substantial revenue—in FY25, GST collections surpassed Rs 16.75 lakh crore.

The infrastructure improvements reflect this growth. The length of national highways increased dramatically, and ambitious projects like the Atal Tunnel and Chenab Bridge were completed. Rail electrification doubled, and port turnaround times improved significantly. All these developments demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for citizens.

Social programs also made a huge impact. Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat provide health coverage for millions, and the Jal Jeevan Mission improved water access in rural areas. According to the World Bank, extreme poverty decreased from 27.1% in 2011-12 to just 5.3% in 2022-23, lifting nearly 27 crore people from poverty.

During the last decade, India created over 17 crore new jobs, a remarkable increase compared to just 2.9 crore in the previous ten years. The unemployment rate also dropped from 6% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2023-24, and youth employability surged from 34% to nearly 55%.

A Firm Stance on Security

India has strengthened its approach to counter-terrorism, evident through actions like the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot air strikes. The government’s clear stance on national security reflects its commitment to protecting citizens and asserting its position on global forums, especially during its G20 presidency.

Despite these advancements, the path is still challenging. Transitioning from “ease of doing corruption” to “ease of doing business” involves navigating a country as vast and diverse as India. Yet, the last eleven years highlight the potential for reform driven by vision and purpose.

Source: IMF, SBI, World Bank data

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GDP. Indian Economy, GDP growth, 11 years of Modi, India's growth