Key Points

New Delhi [India], June 14 (ANI): Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, on Saturday said that India is firmly on track to become the world's third-largest economy by 2029, crediting 11 years of Narendra Modi's "decisive and corruption-free governance" for triggering what he described as an "unstoppable surge" in national development.

Addressing a press conference in Dibrugadh to mark the NDA government's 11th anniversary, the senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union Minister said that India has emerged from an era of "policy paralysis and dynastic politics" and is now driven by welfare-led growth, youth-powered innovation, and massive infrastructure expansion.

"In just one decade, over 25 crore Indians have risen above poverty. That's more than the population of most European countries," Sonowal said. "This is the Modi guarantee -- delivery with speed, scale and honesty."

Highlighting the economic strides under the Modi government, Sarbananda Sonowal said India's rise to the fourth-largest global economy is just the beginning. "By 2029, India will be the third-largest economy. We're building the foundation for a Viksit Bharat -- a developed, self-reliant India."

Sonowal cited the rise of India's startup ecosystem -- from 30,000 in 2014 to over 1 lakh today -- as evidence of the country's changing mindset. "This is a new India, led by young dreamers and doers. Over 1.7 crore youth are now part of this vibrant startup movement."

He also hit out at the Congress, accusing it of "betraying India's farmers with decades of apathy." Sonowal pointed to schemes like PM-KISAN, PM Fasal Bima Yojana and increased MSPs as proof that the Modi government was "restoring dignity and earnings to India's Annadaata." "In Assam, we're now offering Rs 2,350 per quintal for paddy. This is not a handout -- it's a rightful return to our farmers," Sonowal said.

The Union Minister, who also represents Dibrugarh in the Lok Sabha, said the transformation in the Northeast stands out as one of the Modi government's most defining legacies. "Modi ji has visited the Northeast over 70 times -- that's more than any other Prime Minister in history. His vision has turned the region from a neglected frontier into the new engine of growth," Sonowal said.

Sarbananda Sonowal noted that more than ₹4.5 lakh crore in investment promises had been secured at the recent 'Rising Northeast' summit, with major connectivity upgrades underway -- from roads and railways to internet and waterways. "Modern river ports at Jogighopa, Dhubri, Pandu and Dibrugarh will soon connect Assam to the world. We are not just building infrastructure -- we're reshaping the future," Sarbananda Sonowal said.

Sonowal praised welfare schemes like the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, which provides free food grains to over 81 crore citizens, and the PM Awas Yojana, under which four crore homes have been constructed. "From health to housing, from nutrition to self-employment, this government has delivered," he said, citing schemes like the PM SVANidhi, which has benefited over 68 lakh street vendors.

Women and youth empowerment, he said, are at the heart of this transformation. "From 33% reservation for women in Parliament to schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, we are reshaping India's social fabric," Sonowal said.

He also highlighted India's rising sporting profile through programs like Khelo India and Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

Touting India's scientific and technological progress, Shri Sonowal said initiatives like Chandrayaan, Vande Bharat trains, and green port development under Sagarmala have positioned India as a serious global player. "This is not the India of missed opportunities. This is the India that delivers," Sonowal said.

"A bold Prime Minister, a committed team, and a billion-strong nation with a common goal -- that's what makes today's India unstoppable," Sonowal said.

- ANI