Modi: India's growth surge, from Fragile Five to fastest, in just 12 years

Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on India's 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India has transformed from being one of the "Fragile Five" economies to the world's fastest-growing major economy in just 12 years. He credited this turnaround and poverty reduction to 140 crore Indians' efforts. Defence production quadrupled, electronic manufacturing grew seven times, railway coach production increased 21 times, and digital transactions multiplied by 100 since 2014. PM Modi also announced a major skilling initiative for one crore youth in artificial intelligence and highlighted governance reforms to boost ease of living and doing business.