In a resounding tribute to India’s entrepreneurial spirit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the nation’s remarkable ascent to the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem during his first Mann Ki Baat address of 2026. Marking a decade since the launch of Startup India in January 2016, PM Modi spotlighted the youth as the true architects of this transformative journey.
‘Decade ago, we embarked on a pivotal mission,’ PM Modi reflected. ‘Even if it seemed modest at the start, it held immense promise for our young generation and the nation’s future. This is the story of Startup India, and its real heroes are our youthful innovators.’
Today, India’s startup landscape stands unparalleled, pioneering ventures in once-unimaginable domains. From artificial intelligence and space technology to nuclear energy, semiconductors, mobility solutions, green hydrogen, and biotechnology, Indian startups are redefining global innovation. ‘These aren’t ordinary ecosystems; they’re trailblazers in sectors we couldn’t have dreamed of a decade back,’ the Prime Minister emphasized.
Saluting every aspiring and active entrepreneur, PM Modi urged a collective commitment to excellence. With India’s economy surging ahead and the world watching closely, he stressed the imperative of quality. ‘This year, let’s prioritize quality with unwavering resolve,’ he declared. ‘Our mantra: Quality, quality, and nothing but quality.’
Whether in textiles, technology, electronics, or even packaging, Indian products must symbolize superior standards. As India positions itself as a global powerhouse, this focus on quality will propel startups to even greater heights, ensuring sustainable growth and international acclaim.
