Narendra Modi, a man who rose through the ranks, from RSS worker to become a global leader, has undergone a remarkable transformation
As Narendra Modi turns 74, the Prime Minister of India stands at a pivotal point in his political career. Having transformed from a grassroots worker in the RSS to a global leader, Modi’s leadership has been marked by several triumphs, while also weathering significant criticism. A closer look at his governance reveals a complex blend of successes and shortcomings, reflecting his unique vision for India and the challenges of implementing sweeping reforms in a diverse, evolving democracy. Successes; Economic Reforms: Modi’s tenure has been defined by key economic reforms aimed at spurring growth and investment. The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017 stands as one of India’s most transformative reforms, simplifying the tax system and promoting ease of business.
Another flagship initiative is the "Make in India" program, which sought to position India as a manufacturing hub, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in sectors such as defence, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.
Digital India: Modi’s push for a digital revolution has reshaped India’s financial and technological landscape. The Digital India campaign significantly expanded internet connectivity, especially in rural areas. Innovations like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) have revolutionized digital transactions, while the Aadhaar system has streamlined welfare distribution, reducing inefficiencies in benefit transfers.
Foreign Policy: On the global stage, Modi has strengthened India’s relationships with key nations like the U.S., Japan, and Israel. Under his leadership, India has played a more prominent role in global forums such as G20 and BRICS. A major achievement has been the International Solar Alliance (ISA), promoting global cooperation on renewable energy and showcasing India’s leadership in sustainable development.
Nationalism and Identity Politics: Modi has adeptly tapped into nationalist sentiments, reinforcing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a champion of Hindu pride and Indian sovereignty. His government’s initiatives, such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, reflect a blend of cultural and political assertiveness, though the latter move drew international criticism.
Infrastructure Development:
Under Modi’s leadership, infrastructure has seen significant growth. Projects like Bharatmala and Sagarmala have expanded transportation networks, while initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Ujjwala Yojana have improved housing and provided cooking gas to millions of households.
Challenges Before Modi: As Narendra Modi enters the later stages of his political journey, he faces a series of challenges that will shape his legacy and influence India's future. While his tenure has seen significant achievements, Modi’s leadership must now address pressing concerns across various sectors that demand urgent attention and innovative solutions.
Economic Recovery and Job Creation: India’s economic recovery post-COVID-19 remains fragile. Despite some growth, inflation continues to be a persistent challenge, driven by rising global oil prices and domestic supply chain disruptions. For the average citizen, higher living costs are squeezing household budgets, particularly for the poor and middle class. Modi’s government must balance inflation control with promoting sustained economic growth.
The issue of unemployment, especially among the youth, looms large. Urban and rural areas continue to experience high joblessness, and despite various reforms, the informal sector, which provides most jobs, is still recovering from the effects of demonetization, the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and the pandemic. Modi will need to focus on bolstering labour-intensive industries, strengthening small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and encouraging entrepreneurship.
Agriculture and Farmers' Discontent: Even after repealing the controversial farm laws following large-scale protests, rural distress persists. Indian farmers continue to face challenges such as low productivity, insufficient infrastructure, and limited access to credit. To address these problems, Modi will need to prioritize rural development and improve agricultural infrastructure. However, he must tread cautiously with new reforms to avoid reigniting protests. Farmers will require sustained support through initiatives like improving Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and introducing technological innovations to enhance productivity.
India-China Relations and Regional Security:
India’s strained relations with China, particularly after the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, remain a significant foreign policy challenge.
The border standoff continues, and while diplomatic negotiations have curbed escalation, the potential for conflict still exists. Managing the delicate balance between regional security and diplomatic efforts with China is critical. Despite these successes, Modi’s tenure has not been without shortcomings. The "Make in India" initiative has struggled to create enough manufacturing jobs, and his government’s 2016 demonetization policy disrupted the informal economy without yielding long-term benefits. Modi also faced one of the largest protests in Indian history over controversial farm laws, which he ultimately had to repeal. Additionally, his leadership has been criticized for deepening communal divisions, with incidents of religious violence and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) sparking social tensions.As Modi continues to lead, his legacy will depend on balancing development with social harmony and democratic governance.
(The writer is a strategic affairs columnist and political analyst; views are personal)
