Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a pivotal NITI Aayog gathering, has exhorted states to fast-track India’s journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047, placing emphasis on creating “future-ready” cities and cultivating at least one globally competitive tourist destination within each state. The Prime Minister, chairing the crucial meeting with Chief Ministers and Union Ministers, floated the transformative “One State, One Global Destination” concept, designed to ignite tourism, invigorate local economies, and establish sustainable urban centres. He underscored the importance of developing these destinations with world-class infrastructure and facilities, foreseeing their potential to catalyse growth in neighbouring cities.
This significant meeting marks PM Modi’s inaugural interaction with state leadership since the sensitive Operation Sindoor and the recent escalation of hostilities with Pakistan. His impassioned appeal for development and unity arrives amidst a climate of national security concerns and the chilling aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Kashmir, which tragically claimed 26 tourist lives and triggered a substantial exodus of visitors from the region. Despite the prevailing tensions, Modi’s unwavering focus on a tourism-driven development model clearly signals the government’s resolute commitment to long-term growth and national resilience.
Underscoring the indispensable nature of Centre-state collaboration, PM Modi implored all state governments to function in harmonious concert with the central administration, embodying the spirit of “Team India.” He asserted, “We must accelerate development. If the Centre and all states work together like Team India, no goal is unachievable.” Modi further elucidated that the blueprint for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ – a fully developed India by 2047 – must be firmly anchored in the three foundational pillars of growth, innovation, and sustainability. He highlighted that India’s rapid urbanisation necessitates proactive planning and bold reforms to cultivate future-ready cities, poised to serve as potent engines of national progress.
The Prime Minister also articulated a comprehensive vision for inclusive growth, stressing that every facet of the nation – from states to cities, municipalities, and even villages – must be meticulously aligned with the overarching developmental mission. In a notable policy directive, Modi underscored the imperative of augmenting women’s participation in the workforce. He affirmed, “We must enact laws and frame policies that ensure respectful and equitable integration of women in our labour force,” reiterating that gender inclusivity is fundamentally essential for sustainable national growth. While several key Chief Ministers, particularly from southern states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Puducherry, were conspicuously absent, the meeting witnessed the presence of Andhra Pradesh’s N. Chandrababu Naidu, Tamil Nadu’s M.K. Stalin, and Telangana’s Revanth Reddy – a notable signal of broad political consensus on core developmental objectives.
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