What's going on in Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026

India a global bright spot for growth, says PM Modi at ET World Leaders Forum.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026, describing India as a “bright spot for growth and hope” amid global uncertainties. Highlighting the theme “Shared Futures,” he recalled India’s G20 mantra of “One Earth, One Family, One Future” and stressed that nations’ destinies are interlinked.

Modi said India is driving next-generation reforms at both policy and governance levels, guided by political stability and policy continuity. He contrasted the old “Production Linked Punishment” mindset of the Licence Raj era with the current Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which has drawn ₹2.5 lakh crore in investments, generated ₹22 lakh crore in production, ₹15 lakh crore in exports and over 14 lakh jobs.

The government, he noted, has shifted from a “prohibited unless permitted” approach to “permitted unless prohibited,” building a relationship of trust rather than suspicion with citizens. Key steps include the Jan Vishwas Bill, removal of over 40,000 compliances, abolition of more than 1,500 obsolete laws, and modernisation of laws such as the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill.

Modi also showcased progress in railways (sharp drop in accidents, bio-toilets, punctuality), digital public infrastructure (cheapest data, rapid 5G, e-Sanjeevani’s nearly 50 crore consultations), border infrastructure, defence self-reliance and schemes like PM Surya Ghar. He said reforms are pro-people, pro-growth and pro-development, aimed at ease of living and doing business on the path to Viksit Bharat.