New Delhi : The Union Cabinet on Tuesday marked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s completion of 25 years in continuous government leadership, passing a resolution that sought to frame his political journey — from Gujarat chief minister to prime minister — around development, welfare, reform, national security and India’s growing global role.
The resolution credited PM Modi’s tenure with a series of policy and institutional changes, while highlighting the political mandate he has received in Gujarat and at the Centre. It described the “Nation First” and “Citizen First” approach as the thread running through his 25-year journey.
Here are the key themes highlighted in the Cabinet resolution:
From Gujarat Experiments To National Programmes
The resolution pointed to several initiatives from Modi’s Gujarat tenure that were subsequently expanded at the national level. It cited SWAGAT, the grievance-redressal system through which Modi interacted with citizens, and PRAGATI, the Centre’s platform for reviewing major projects and resolving implementation hurdles.
Gujarat’s Jyotigram scheme, which created separate electricity feeders for agriculture, was also presented as an example of a state-level experiment informing national policy.
Welfare as a tool of economic empowerment
The Cabinet resolution placed welfare delivery at the centre of PM Modi’s governance model, linking schemes for housing, banking, water and healthcare with its broader claim of improving living standards.
It cited nearly 60 crore Jan Dhan accounts, more than four crore houses and the government’s estimate that 25 crore people have moved out of poverty. The resolution presented these figures as evidence of welfare reaching a much larger section of the population.
Women and communities on the development agenda
Women’s economic participation, youth opportunities and targeted support for marginalised communities also feature prominently in the resolution.
It cited around 3.5 crore Lakhpati Didis and the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which provides for women’s reservation in legislatures. PM-KISAN transfers of more than ₹4 lakh crore and PM-JANMAN for particularly vulnerable tribal groups were cited alongside startup, skill-development and education initiatives.
Reform despite political risks
The resolution portrayed Modi’s approach to governance as one willing to undertake structural changes despite their political consequences. GST, changes to welfare delivery and the replacement of colonial-era laws were cited among the major reforms undertaken during his tenure.
It also highlighted campaigns around cleanliness, digital payments and the use of locally made products, arguing that these sought to make citizens participants in broader behavioural and economic changes.
Infrastructure and the self-reliance push
The government’s economic narrative also occupies a significant part of the resolution. It pointed to the rise in public capital expenditure from about ₹2 lakh crore to more than ₹12 lakh crore, alongside the expansion of highways and railway electrification.
The resolution also cited the growth of electronics manufacturing, defence production and semiconductor manufacturing as evidence of the shift towards greater domestic production and economic self-reliance.
Technology, from UPI to Chandrayaan
Technology is another major theme, with the resolution linking digital infrastructure to both welfare delivery and India’s scientific ambitions.
It cited the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-mobile framework and UPI, while also pointing to indigenous COVID-19 vaccines and Chandrayaan-3’s landing near the Moon’s south pole. The expansion of private participation in space and work in AI, quantum technology and biotechnology were presented as part of the same push.
Crisis management and national resilience
The resolution also sought to underline Modi’s leadership during periods of major disruption, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic and instability in West Asia.
It highlighted vaccine development and the subsequent vaccination drive during the pandemic, as well as government measures aimed at maintaining energy security during the West Asia crisis.
Security as a defining political Theme
National security formed another major pillar of the Cabinet’s assessment, with the resolution citing the 2016 surgical strikes, the 2019 Balakot air strikes and the 2025 Operation Sindoor.
It also listed the abrogation of Article 370, One Rank One Pension and the creation of the Chief of Defence Staff among major decisions taken during Modi’s tenure. Efforts against Maoist insurgency and peace initiatives in the Northeast were also cited.
India’s diplomatic footprint
On foreign policy, the resolution highlighted India’s role in the G20 and BRICS, its advocacy for the Global South and the inclusion of the African Union in the G20.
The Vaccine Maitri initiative was cited as an example of India using its manufacturing capabilities for international cooperation. The resolution also pointed to the honours conferred on Modi by 36 countries as reflecting India’s growing international profile.
Development with cultural and environmental themes
The resolution ended by combining economic development with cultural heritage and environmental priorities.
It cited the expansion of renewable energy and India’s international climate initiatives, alongside the promotion of yoga and millets. The redevelopment of the Kashi Vishwanath temple complex and the consecration of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya were also included in the government’s account of the past 25 years.
The Cabinet resolution ultimately presented Modi’s 25-year political journey as a combination of development, welfare delivery, institutional reform, national security, cultural confidence and a push for India to play a larger role globally, with the stated long-term goal of a developed India by 2047.
