New Delhi witnessed a compelling address by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 on Saturday. Naidu highlighted India’s enduring legacy of tolerance, dialogue, and collaboration, values he said continue to steer the nation’s progress.
‘Delhi has always been a beacon of tolerance and discourse,’ Naidu remarked, emphasizing the cooperative federalism now binding states and the central government. This synergy, he noted, is propelling India’s economy forward at over 7% growth, with projections soaring past 10% in the coming years.
In a heartfelt tribute, Naidu lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership style, particularly his knack for building consensus on critical issues. ‘Stability in policies and consensus-building are the bedrock of sustained development,’ he stated, drawing from his extensive political career spanning decades.
Naidu stressed that true progress transcends domestic stakeholders; it must inspire global confidence and joy. Turning to pressing demographic challenges, he voiced alarm over plummeting birth rates in South India, now hovering around 1.5, far below the national average of 2.2 needed for balance at 2.1.
‘Andhra Pradesh is pioneering a population management policy,’ Naidu announced. Families welcoming a second child receive Rs 25,000 at birth, while third-child families get Rs 1,000 monthly for five years to support nutrition and growth. He also introduced extended maternity leave of one year and paternity leave of one to two months, underscoring shared parental responsibilities.
As nations grapple with aging populations, India’s demographic dividend—lasting until 2047—presents a golden window. Naidu’s vision blends economic optimism with proactive family policies, positioning India as a model for balanced growth amid global shifts.