PM Modi Highlights India Governance Reforms Driving Quiet but Lasting Economic Strength

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed that India’s economic progress is the result of consistent and well-planned governance reforms, rather than short-term or publicity-oriented policy announcements.

According to the Prime Minister, the country’s growth narrative is firmly anchored in credibility, policy stability, and confidence built over the long term.

The Prime Minister shared an article titled “Reform Express 2025”, authored by Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri, which outlines the steady reform journey undertaken by the government across multiple sectors.

The article, as highlighted by PM Modi, sheds light on what he described as the “silent yet cumulative process of governance,” which has gradually removed structural hurdles and improved efficiency across the economy.

Responding to Hardeep Singh Puri’s post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister’s Office noted that the article clearly explains how reforms in labour laws, trade frameworks, logistics, energy policy, and market structures have created a strong base for India’s next phase of economic expansion.

“From labour reforms and trade agreements to logistics, energy and market changes, India’s growth story is being driven by credibility, stability and long-term confidence,” the PMO stated.

India Governance Reforms Driving Quiet but Lasting Economic Strength

In his article, Hardeep Singh Puri wrote that while landmark economic achievements often capture public attention, it is the uninterrupted, week-by-week reform process that has reinforced India’s economic resilience. He pointed out that India’s nominal GDP has crossed $4.1 trillion, the country has surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, and Standard & Poor’s has upgraded India’s sovereign rating to BBB after an 18-year gap, reflecting enduring macroeconomic stability.

The article further noted that these milestones are not isolated achievements but the outcome of sustained governance improvements and policy discipline implemented over several years.

Trade, Exports and Startup Growth Strengthen Economic Momentum

Highlighting progress in trade and exports, the article stated that India’s total exports touched $825.25 billion in 2024–25. This growth has been supported by digital initiatives such as the Trade Connect e-Platform and the Trade Intelligence and Analytics (TIA) portal, which have improved transparency and efficiency for exporters.

Puri also referred to major trade agreements, including the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Oman, and the successful conclusion of negotiations for a free trade agreement with New Zealand.

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On the innovation front, the article underscored the rapid expansion of India’s startup ecosystem. With more than two lakh government-recognised startups now operating across the country, over 21 lakh jobs have been generated. Digital platforms like the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) have played a crucial role in increasing digital transactions and expanding market access for micro and small enterprises.

India Governance Reforms Simplify Laws and Modernise Compliance

On the legislative side, the article highlighted major steps taken to simplify India’s regulatory framework. These include the repeal of outdated laws through the Repealing and Amending Act, 2025, the elimination of more than 47,000 compliances, and the decriminalisation of over 4,400 legal provisions.

A key reform mentioned was the implementation of four labour codes starting November 2025, which consolidated 29 central labour laws into a streamlined structure covering wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational safety.

The article also discussed reforms in capital markets through the proposed Securities Markets Code Bill, along with efforts to modernise maritime and logistics infrastructure via the Indian Ports Act, 2025. Shipping sector reforms aimed at boosting efficiency and lowering operational costs were also highlighted.

Energy, Nuclear Policy and Long-Term Investment Confidence

Energy sector reforms formed a central theme of the Reform Express narrative. Puri pointed to measures such as the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Act, 2025, the introduction of new Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, expansion under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy, and the launch of the National Deep Water Exploration Mission. These initiatives are intended to reduce investor risk and enhance domestic energy security.

The article also emphasised the government’s push towards nuclear energy through a ₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission and the proposed SHANTI Bill. These steps aim to modernise India’s civil nuclear framework while enabling regulated private sector participation.

Summing up the reform journey, Puri wrote that the government’s strategy has focused on removing outdated regulations, modernising compliance systems, strengthening governance, digitising trade, improving logistics, and reducing risk for long-term investments.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently maintained that the role of the state is to ease the burden on entrepreneurs so that productivity can grow sustainably,” the article noted, adding that the groundwork for India’s next phase of double-digit economic growth is being laid through disciplined and continuous reform.