Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off 2026 with an inspiring Mann Ki Baat episode, hailing India’s youth for propelling the country to the third spot in the global startup ecosystem rankings. Reflecting on ten transformative years of Startup India, launched in January 2016, he credited young innovators as the driving force behind this success.
‘We knew from day one that this initiative, no matter how small it appeared, was crucial for our youth and the country’s tomorrow,’ PM Modi shared. The results speak volumes: India now boasts a vibrant ecosystem unmatched in diversity and ambition.
Startups are venturing into cutting-edge fields like AI, space exploration, nuclear power, semiconductors, advanced mobility, green hydrogen production, and biotech innovations—areas devoid of Indian presence just ten years ago. This bold expansion showcases the limitless potential of India’s entrepreneurial talent.
In a heartfelt salute, PM Modi honored all those involved in or dreaming of startups. Amid India’s rapid economic ascent, he called on industries and innovators to embrace quality as their cornerstone. ‘The eyes of the world are on us. Our shared responsibility is to champion quality relentlessly,’ he asserted.
Adopting ‘Quality, Quality, Quality’ as the guiding principle, PM Modi envisioned Indian goods—from textiles and tech to electronics and packaging—setting benchmarks worldwide. This renewed focus promises to elevate India’s startup revolution, fostering a legacy of excellence for generations.