Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal declared 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 driving an unstoppable surge in national development.
Speaking at a press conference in Dibrugarh, Sonowal emphasized how India has broken free from past policy paralysis and dynastic misrule, now powered by welfare-led growth, youth-driven innovation, and massive infrastructure transformation. He highlighted that more than 250 million Indians have risen above poverty in the last decade, stating, “This is the Modi guarantee—delivery with speed, scale, and honesty.”
Sonowal pointed to India’s rise to the fourth-largest global economy as just the beginning, stating that by 2029, India will rank third. He credited the explosion of India’s startup ecosystem—from 30,000 startups in 2014 to over 100,000 today—as proof of the nation’s evolving mindset, noting that 1.7 million youth are now part of this vibrant movement.
He criticized the previous Congress-led government, accusing it of neglecting India’s farmers for decades, while praising Modi government initiatives such as PM-KISAN and increased minimum support prices, which he says are restoring dignity and earnings to India’s agricultural community. In Assam, paddy prices have been raised to $282 per metric ton, a move he described as a rightful return to farmers rather than a handout.
Sonowal also emphasized how the Modi administration has transformed the Northeast region, securing $54 billion in investment at the Rising Northeast Summit. He described the government’s commitment to modernizing connectivity with roads, railways, internet, and waterways, including the development of major river ports at Jogighopa, Dhubri, Pandu, and Dibrugarh to connect Assam with international markets.
Listing key welfare programs such as PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, PM Awas Yojana, and PM SVANidhi, he highlighted their widespread impact, including the provision of free food grains to 810 million citizens and the construction of 40 million homes.
He praised Modi’s emphasis on women’s empowerment, citing 33% parliamentary reservation and initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, alongside India’s rising sporting profile through programs like Khelo India and Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
Sonowal outlined India’s technological and scientific progress, pointing to landmark initiatives like Chandrayaan, Vande Bharat trains, and the Sagarmala green port development program, which position India as a serious global player. He described the Modi decade as laying the groundwork for a resurgent India—one that is confident, capable, and prepared to lead on the world stage.
Closing his remarks, he 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. The next decade belongs to a resurgent India—confident, capable, and ready to lead the world.”
The press conference was attended by government officials from Assam, including representatives from Assam Tourism Development Corporation, Dibrugarh Development Authority, and other district-level leaders.
