Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday led an extensive meeting of the Council of Ministers that lasted for almost four and a half hours. During the key meeting, presentations were made by nine key ministries on governance priorities, reforms, and future action plans aimed at accelerating India’s development journey toward Viksit Bharat 2047.
The ministries that presented detailed reports included Agriculture, Forests, Labour, Road Transport, Corporate Affairs, External Affairs, Commerce, and Power, among others.
PM Modi's emphasis on reforms
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi strongly emphasised the need for administrative reforms across all ministries and departments, underlining that governance must remain completely focused on public welfare and citizen convenience.
Calling for greater efficiency in government functioning, PM Modi directed ministries to ensure faster movement of files and eliminate unnecessary procedural delays. He stressed the importance of delivering more work in less time while simplifying governance at every level.
“Viksit Bharat 2047 is not merely a slogan; it is our commitment,” the Prime Minister asserted, urging ministers to work with a mission-driven approach to transform India into a developed nation by 2047.
Sources indicated that ministries with relatively weaker performance rankings were specifically advised to bring visible improvements and strengthen implementation mechanisms.
Focus on government's achievements in 12 years
Prime Minister Modi also asked ministers to actively reach out to the public and highlight the government’s achievements over the last 12 years.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar briefed the Council on PM Modi’s recent successful five-nation diplomatic tour and shared key outcomes of the visits.
The meeting also witnessed ministers congratulating Prime Minister Modi on the success of the five-country outreach and the BJP’s major political victory in the West Bengal elections.
PM Modi’s crucial five-nation tour
PM Modi on Thursday returned to New Delhi after completing a five-nation tour that centred on strengthening India’s ties in energy, defence, trade and critical minerals. The visit, which began on May 15, covered the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy.
In Abu Dhabi, India and the UAE signed several agreements related to strategic petroleum reserves, long-term LPG supply, defence and shipping. The Gulf nation also announced investments worth USD 5 billion in India. Modi held talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan amid continuing tensions in West Asia.
During the Netherlands visit, India signed 17 agreements covering defence, critical minerals and other sectors. Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten also upgraded bilateral ties to a strategic partnership and discussed concerns over disruptions in global oil supply.
India and Sweden elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership after talks between Modi and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The two countries announced a roadmap focused on artificial intelligence, innovation, trade and cultural cooperation.
At the India-Nordic Summit in Oslo, Modi met leaders from Iceland, Finland and Denmark. India and Norway also launched a Green Strategic Partnership covering clean energy, digital technology, shipping and Arctic research.
In Rome, Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni upgraded ties to a special strategic partnership.
During the tour, Modi received Sweden’s Royal Order of the Polar Star, Norway’s Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, and the FAO Agricola Medal in Italy.
ALSO READ: PM Modi honoured with Food and Agriculture Organisation's highest award Agricola Medal in Rome
