2014–2026: Scale, Speed and Self-Reliance in India’s Development Journey during Modi Govt

Dr Dhananjay Giri 

The period from 2014 to 2026 marks one of the most consequential phases in India’s modern development story. More than an expansion of schemes, it reflects a shift in governing philosophy—where outcomes, delivery, and self-reliance became central to policy. Across defence, economy, social protection, health, education, technology, infrastructure, agriculture, and foreign policy, India pursued growth with scale and administrative speed while seeking to reduce long-standing leakages and dependencies.

A steep rise in defence allocations, a threefold expansion in indigenous production, and exports to over 100 countries have repositioned India on the global defence map. The launch of Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu under Make in India signaled a structural push toward domestic manufacturing, jobs, and technology depth. Capital outlays for modernization—jets, submarines, missile systems—underscore a long-term preparedness strategy.

India’s GDP rising from roughly $2–2.5 trillion in 2014 to over $4 trillion by the mid-2020s, alongside rising per capita income and record capital expenditure, points to an economy investing in its foundations. Infrastructure spending at historic levels has been positioned as a multiplier for long-term growth and private investment.

Financial inclusion through over 55 crore Jan Dhan accounts, the expansion of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), pension coverage, and targeted welfare schemes reduced leakages and improved last-mile delivery. The architecture of welfare moved increasingly toward transparency and portability.

The expansion of AIIMS institutions, a doubling of medical colleges, and a sharp rise in MBBS and PG seats sought to correct decades of capacity gaps. Ayushman Bharat extended insurance coverage to millions of low-income families. In education, NEP 2020, PM SHRI schools, new IITs and IIMs, and large-scale skilling programs aimed to align learning with future economic needs.

Digital India expanded broadband access, digital governance, and payments infrastructure. India emerged as one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems, while Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, electronics manufacturing growth, and the semiconductor mission signaled renewed industrial ambition. Defence, electronics, toys, pharmaceuticals, and solar manufacturing saw notable expansion.

National highways expanded dramatically, rural roads deepened last-mile connectivity, airports nearly doubled, and metro and rail networks saw rapid growth. Vande Bharat trains, Bharatmala, Sagarmala, and logistics upgrades reshaped mobility for passengers and freight alike.

Recent consumption surveys and global benchmarks indicate a sharp decline in poverty rates across rural and urban India, alongside improvements in multidimensional indicators of living standards. Targeted welfare, food security, sanitation, housing, and financial access played a role in these shifts.

India’s G20 presidency, vaccine outreach during COVID-19, strategic logistics agreements, and expanded social security pacts with partner countries reflected a more assertive and trusted global presence. Trade and FDI inflows reached record levels, including liberalization in sectors such as space.

Higher MSPs, expanded procurement, PM-KISAN transfers, and budgetary increases supported farm incomes. Women’s empowerment advanced through Ujjwala LPG access, maternity benefits, Mudra loans, and Stand-Up India financing. Social protection coverage widened significantly for SC, ST, and OBC communities. Cultural projects—from Kashi Vishwanath Corridor to heritage repatriation—linked development with civilizational identity.

Chandrayaan-3’s lunar success and the Aditya-L1 mission symbolized scientific ambition. Tourism, aviation connectivity under UDAN, and airport expansion generated employment and regional growth, positioning India as a major domestic aviation market.

Between 2014 and 2026, India’s policy direction emphasized delivery at scale, infrastructure-led growth, indigenous capacity building, and welfare inclusion through technology. The cumulative effect across sectors presents a model that seeks to combine economic strength with social inclusion and strategic autonomy.

This period will likely be assessed not only by the number of initiatives launched, but by how effectively they reshaped India’s development trajectory—toward a more confident, connected, and self-reliant nation.