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Narendra Modi taking oath as India's 15th PM on May 26, 2014
On May 26, 2014, Narendra Damodardas Modi was sworn in as the 15th Prime Minister of India, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's political history.
His ascent to the highest office followed a resounding victory in the general elections, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 282 seats independently, a majority not seen since 1984.
With allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the total tally reached 336 seats, signifying a decisive shift from the decade-long rule of the Indian National Congress.
The oath-taking ceremony at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan was unprecedented, attended by over 4,000 dignitaries, including leaders from neighbouring South Asian countries.
Clad in his signature kurta and waistcoat, Modi took the oath in Hindi, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister born after independence.
Under PM Modi's leadership, India's economy has witnessed significant growth. According to the latest estimates by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India's nominal GDP stands at approximately $4.187 trillion in 2025, nearly doubling from $2 trillion in 2014.
India now ranks as the world's fourth-largest economy, with projections indicating that it may surpass Germany to claim the third spot by 2026. This economic surge is attributed to structural reforms, infrastructure development, digital advancements, and a focus on manufacturing and foreign investment.
ALSO READ: What does India becoming 4th largest economy mean for Bharat and the world?
The Modi administration has prioritised infrastructure as a catalyst for growth. Initiatives like the Gati Shakti plan have allocated over Rs 100 lakh crore for infrastructure projects, including the construction of more than 350,000 km of rural roads, enhancing connectivity and economic integration.
The pace of national highway construction increased to over 30 km per day in 2023-24, compared to about 12 km per day in 2013.
Launched in 2015, the Digital India initiative aimed to transform the country into a digitally empowered society.
The promotion of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionised financial transactions, with India recording over 13 billion transactions valued at more than Rs 20 lakh crore in March 2025 alone. This digital leap has positioned India as a global leader in digital payments and fintech innovation.
ALSO READ: PM Narendra Modi likely to visit Odisha in June to commemorate BJP's one year of governance
PM Modi's tenure has seen the launch and expansion of several flagship social welfare schemes.
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), initiated in 2014, opened over 500 million bank accounts to provide access to banking services for the unbanked population.
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), launched in 2019, offers Rs 6,000 annually to eligible farmers, supporting over 11 crore beneficiaries as of 2025. The Ayushman Bharat Yojana, introduced in 2018, provides health insurance coverage to over 500 million people, significantly enhancing access to medical services across India.
Additionally, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, launched in 2014, led to the construction of over 110 million toilets, dramatically improving sanitation and public health.
The government has focused on expanding educational infrastructure. The number of universities increased from 723 in 2014 to over 1,200 by 2025, and the number of colleges rose from 38,498 to over 45,000.
Ten new Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and seven new Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have been established, further promoting higher education and research. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has begun reshaping the curriculum to align with global standards and 21st-century skills.
Modi's foreign policy has emphasised strengthening India's global presence. The ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy aimed to enhance relations with neighbouring countries. Strategic engagements with major powers and active participation in international forums such as the G20, SCO, BRICS, and QUAD have elevated India's diplomatic profile.
In 2023, India successfully hosted the G20 summit, showcasing its rising influence on the global stage.
The government has taken steps to bolster national security. The modernisation of the armed forces and increased defence spending has enhanced military capabilities.
The revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 aimed to integrate the region more closely with the rest of India.
Indigenous defence manufacturing has also expanded under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, with platforms like Tejas fighter jets and the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier marking milestones in self-reliance.
Environmental conservation has been a focus area. India now has 75 Ramsar wetlands as of 2025, reflecting a commitment to preserving biodiversity.
The country continues to pursue ambitious renewable energy targets, with over 180 GW of renewable capacity installed as of early 2025. India has also pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and is actively participating in global climate summits to push for sustainable development.
On April 22, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killed 26 civilians, including a foreign national.
In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, a precision strike targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The Indian Air Force deployed SCALP missiles, Hammer glide bombs, BrahMos cruise missiles, and SkyStriker munitions without entering Pakistani airspace, showcasing technological sophistication and strategic restraint.
Prime Minister Modi called the mission a "moment of pride" and lauded the armed forces for an operation that was "flawless, mistake-free, and immaculately executed." The name ‘Sindoor’ was chosen to honour the widows of the Pahalgam victims. It symbolised the nation's collective grief and resilience.
Operation Sindoor also underscored Modi’s emphasis on indigenous defence capabilities. Most of the advanced weaponry used was made in India, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
The operation was praised across party lines, and Modi's leadership was hailed as swift, measured, and deeply empathetic.
ALSO READ: 'Sindoor' runs in my veins; playing with blood of Indians will cost Pakistan dearly: PM Modi
Over the past 11 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership has brought significant transformations across various sectors in India.
From economic growth and infrastructure development to social welfare and foreign policy, his tenure has been marked by ambitious initiatives aimed at propelling India onto the global stage.
As the nation continues on this trajectory, the impact of these policies will shape India's future in the years to come.
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