Jitendra Singh on February 28, 2026 said India’s rise from being counted among the Fragile Five economies in 2014 to emerging as the world’s fourth largest economy marks a decisive transformation in national confidence, capability and direction. He asserted that India is firmly on course to become one of the top three global economies in the near future and achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
He was delivering the P Parameswaran Memorial Lecture in Thiruvananthapuram on the theme Viksit Bharat 2047 Science Technology and Future Ready Innovation for National Transformation. The programme was organised by Bharatheeya Vichara Kendram in memory of P Parameswaran. The lecture coincided with National Science Day.
Tracing India’s civilisational journey, Jitendra Singh said the country, as an ancient civilisation, had endured invasions, colonial rule and systemic exploitation, yet emerged stronger with renewed self belief. He said the deepening of democracy in recent years has empowered even the most underprivileged citizens to aspire without barriers. Democracy, he said, becomes meaningful when a mother in the poorest household can believe her child can become a scientist, doctor or civil servant and trust that the system will support that aspiration.
Highlighting India’s innovation trajectory, he noted that the country has climbed from 81st position in the Global Innovation Index in 2014 to 38th position. India now has over two lakh startups generating more than 21 lakh jobs. Recalling the launch of Start Up India in 2015, he said the initiative, once unfamiliar to many, has evolved into a nationwide movement. Nearly half of the startups are emerging from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, with a significant proportion led by women entrepreneurs.
He said the discourse on women empowerment is undergoing transformation, as women scientists and innovators are leading several prestigious national missions in space, science and governance.
On research and intellectual property, Jitendra Singh said India ranks sixth globally in patent filings, with more than 60 percent of applications filed by resident Indians. The country is among the leading nations in scientific publications, with a growing number of highly cited research papers. Thousands of Indian scientists feature among the top two percent globally, reflecting increasing international recognition of India’s scientific talent.
Referring to reforms in the space and nuclear sectors, he said policy changes have opened avenues for private sector participation, resulting in rapid expansion of the space economy. Indigenous capabilities in defence and advanced technologies have strengthened, accompanied by rising exports and greater self reliance.
Jitendra Singh also highlighted the Ocean Mission, stating that India is uniquely positioned as the only country with an ocean named after it. He said exploration of marine resources, deep sea minerals and marine biodiversity would contribute significantly to future economic growth and strategic advantage.
He cited policy initiatives such as the National Education Policy 2020, Atal Innovation Mission, PM Mudra Yojana, PM Vishwakarma Yojana and PM SVANidhi as measures that are expanding opportunities beyond traditional government employment. These initiatives, he said, are fostering entrepreneurship, supporting traditional artisans and enabling street vendors and small entrepreneurs to secure dignity and economic stability.
Calling it the best time to be in India, Jitendra Singh urged young Indians, including those studying abroad, to remain connected with the country’s growth trajectory. While acknowledging the value of global exposure, he said India today offers unprecedented opportunities in research, innovation and enterprise.
Concluding his address, he said the India of 2047 will be shaped by the youth of today. The present generation, he added, must build capacity, strengthen institutions and create an enabling ecosystem so that when the country marks 100 years of independence, it stands as a fully developed, innovation driven and globally respected nation.
