Modi Government's 12-Year Tenure: Governance, Economic, and Foreign Policy Transformations
Contents4
Indian Express - Opinion · 11 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Polity Mains · GS2 Governance High relevance
Narendra Modi completes 4,399 days as Prime Minister, marking significant transformations in governance, economy, and foreign policy, positioning India as a confident global player with a unique blend of tradition and technology.
Key points
Economic Growth: India has moved from the world’s 11th-largest to the fourth-largest economy under PM Modi's leadership, driven by governance reforms and digital infrastructure.
Digital Public Infrastructure: Initiatives like Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar integration, UPI, and Direct Benefit Transfers have facilitated financial inclusion, with over Rs 51 lakh crore directly transferred to beneficiaries.
Social Transformation: Millions have been lifted out of multidimensional poverty through investments in housing, sanitation, healthcare, and rural infrastructure, aligned with the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.
Global Standing: India's strategic relevance has grown, with PM Modi ensuring engagement as an equal among major powers, guided by the 'India First' principle.
Cultural Revival: Integration of ancient knowledge systems like yoga and meditation with modern technology has repositioned India’s wisdom globally, exemplified by the International Day of Yoga.
Infrastructure Development: Transformational investments in highways, ports, airports, freight corridors, and renewable energy highlight long-term nation-building efforts.
[GS2-Governance] The emphasis on competitive and cooperative federalism has empowered states like Andhra Pradesh to innovate and contribute to national development.
[GS3-Economy] The focus on innovation and entrepreneurship has reduced brain drain, with young Indians increasingly aspiring to build world-class enterprises domestically.
Way Forward: India should further strengthen digital governance, enhance state-level innovation under cooperative federalism, and institutionalize global cultural diplomacy to sustain its growth trajectory.
Key terms
- Digital Public Infrastructure
- A framework of digital platforms and services enabling efficient governance and financial inclusion. Key components include Aadhaar, UPI, and Direct Benefit Transfers, which have transformed service delivery and reduced leakages in welfare schemes.
- Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas
- A governance philosophy emphasizing inclusive development and collective trust. It underpins India's welfare schemes and social justice initiatives, reflecting the constitutional mandate of equality and fraternity under Articles 14-18.
- Competitive Federalism
- A model where states compete to improve governance and economic performance, incentivized by central support. This aligns with Article 246 (Seventh Schedule) and enhances cooperative federalism under India's quasi-federal structure.
- International Day of Yoga
- A UN-designated day (June 21) promoting yoga globally, initiated by India in 2015. It symbolizes India's soft power and cultural diplomacy, leveraging ancient wisdom for global well-being.
Practice question
Discuss the key governance and economic transformations under the Modi government's 12-year tenure, highlighting how digital public infrastructure and cooperative federalism have contributed to India's growth. (250 words, 15 marks)
GS2 15 marks 250 words Mains
Key terms to include: Digital Public Infrastructure Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas Competitive Federalism International Day of Yoga Direct Benefit Transfers Cooperative Federalism Multidimensional Poverty Cultural Diplomacy
Answer framework
Introduction
Briefly introduce the Modi government's tenure and its focus on governance reforms and economic growth, setting the stage for discussing key transformations.
Economic Growth and Digital Public Infrastructure
Transition from 11th to 4th largest economy globally.
Role of Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar, UPI, and Direct Benefit Transfers in financial inclusion.
Impact of Rs 51 lakh crore direct transfers to beneficiaries.
Governance Reforms and Cooperative Federalism
Emphasis on Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas for inclusive development.
Competitive federalism empowering states like Andhra Pradesh.
Alignment with constitutional principles under Articles 14-18 and Article 246.
Social Transformation and Infrastructure Development
Reduction in multidimensional poverty through housing, sanitation, and healthcare initiatives.
Investments in highways, ports, airports, and renewable energy.
Integration of ancient knowledge systems like yoga with modern technology.
Global Standing and Cultural Revival
India's strategic relevance and engagement as an equal among major powers.
International Day of Yoga as a symbol of India's soft power and cultural diplomacy.
Conclusion
Suggest ways to further strengthen digital governance, enhance state-level innovation, and institutionalize global cultural diplomacy to sustain growth.
Fact check
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