Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar
In a powerful address to the Rajya Sabha this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India’s youth are the nation’s “greatest valuable asset,” positioning the younger generation as the primary drivers behind India’s transition to a developed nation by 2047.
Replying to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address, the Prime Minister highlighted a unique global alignment: while many of the world’s leading economies are facing the challenges of an aging population, India is becoming increasingly youthful. This “demographic dividend,” he argued, is a “second blessing of strength” that has turned the eyes of the world toward the Indian subcontinent.
A New Global Era for Youth
The Prime Minister emphasized that recent historic milestones, including the “Mother of all Deals” trade agreement with the European Union and significant pacts with the United States, were designed with the youth in mind.
“India’s youth will be the biggest beneficiaries of these trade agreements,” PM Modi stated, noting that the world now sees India as a “trusted partner” and a vital talent pool.
He further detailed how the mantra of “Reform, Perform, Transform” has put the country on a “Reform Express,” opening doors in sectors once dominated by the state. Today, over 1,000 defence startups are led by young Indians creating everything from AI-powered cameras to advanced robotics.
Resonating with the Diaspora
For the Indian diaspora in Australia, these words carry significant weight. Community leaders in Australia, such as Jitendra Deo, CEO of JD Media and a prominent voice for the Australian Indian Diaspora have long championed the preservation of heritage alongside modern achievement. Much like the PM’s call for the youth to “free themselves from a colonial mindset,” the Australian Indian diaspora continues to foster a balance of Indian values and contemporary success.
Empowering the Next Generation
The Prime Minister’s speech was not just a reflection on economic figures but a call to action. He urged the youth to:
• Innovate Boldly: Utilize platforms like Startup India and the MUDRA scheme, which has already provided Rs 30 lakh crore in collateral-free loans.
• Maintain Standards: Focus on “uncompromising quality” to ensure the sustainability of global opportunities.
• Celebrate Heritage: Draw inspiration from figures like Swami Vivekananda to engage with the modern world using original Indian ideas.
As India moves toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy, the message remains clear: the second quarter of the 21st century belongs to the dreams and determination of the Indian youth, whether they are in the streets of Delhi or the suburbs of Melbourne.
