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By:

Devendra Fadnavis

9 June 2026 at 5:42:34 pm

Trust, Development and India’s Rise

The story of India’s rise in the last decade has been marked by economic reform, infrastructure expansion and renewed national confidence When a public journey completes twelve years, it is often seen as a significant milestone marked by perseverance, dedication and an unwavering commitment to a larger goal. Therefore, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes twelve years of leadership, this period must be assessed through the lens of sustained effort, transformative governance and...

Trust, Development and India’s Rise

The story of India’s rise in the last decade has been marked by economic reform, infrastructure expansion and renewed national confidence When a public journey completes twelve years, it is often seen as a significant milestone marked by perseverance, dedication and an unwavering commitment to a larger goal. Therefore, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes twelve years of leadership, this period must be assessed through the lens of sustained effort, transformative governance and measurable outcomes. Viewed from this perspective, these years represent a remarkable era of service, commitment and good governance. Every enduring journey has two dimensions. When it is undertaken for the welfare of society, its benefits ultimately reach society itself and positively impact diverse sections of the population. The outcomes of Prime Minister Modi’s efforts are visible in the unprecedented transformation witnessed in the lives of ordinary citizens. From 2014 to 2026, his twelve-year tenure has emerged as a defining phase in India's contemporary history. It has not merely been a period of political leadership, but a unique confluence of trust, development, good governance, cultural resurgence and public welfare. Global Leader Today marks another significant milestone. As an elected Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has completed 4,399 consecutive days in office, surpassing the record set by Jawaharlal Nehru. Some may argue that comparisons between Nehru and Modi are inappropriate. However, when Nehru assumed office, there was a widespread perception that he had no political alternative. By contrast, when Modi became Prime Minister, Indian democracy had matured considerably. Citizens understood both the power and significance of their vote. They were aware of their aspirations and expectations, and recognised that governments exist to serve public welfare. It was under these circumstances that Modi assumed office in 2014. The electorate entrusted him with responsibilities that successive Congress governments had failed to fulfil over five decades. Accepting that challenge, he articulated the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” which later evolved into “Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.” After securing victories in 2014, 2019 and 2024, he today stands at the forefront of India’s emergence as a global leader. The mandate of 2024, following the decisive verdicts of 2014 and 2019, was not merely an electoral victory. It represented a renewed endorsement of development, good governance and stable leadership. Modi became the first leader since 1962 to serve a third consecutive term as Prime Minister. At a time when many democracies across the world are grappling with political instability, India chose continuity, stability and decisive governance. Over the past decade, the country has strengthened its position through economic reforms, social transformation, infrastructure development, national security and an assertive foreign policy. The more than twenty-four highest civilian honours conferred upon him by nations around the world reflect this growing global recognition. This has not been the journey of a single leader alone; it has been a collective national endeavour. As a result, India’s economy has expanded from approximately $2 trillion to $4.18 trillion, making it the world’s fourth-largest economy. Economic prosperity is indispensable for achieving social justice. Modi not only recognised this reality but also worked consistently to realise it. Initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat instilled confidence among Indians and enhanced global trust in Indian products. Today, demand for indigenous defence equipment has risen so sharply that projected production for the next decade may struggle to meet requirements. This reflects the true strength of a self-reliant India. Historic Achievements One of the government’s historic achievements has been the substantial reduction of Left-Wing Extremism across twelve affected states. Regions that remained untouched by development for decades are now witnessing tangible progress. Nearly 20 crore people had long lived under the shadow of fear and deprivation. Naxalism stalled development and adversely affected thousands of young lives. Today, the situation is changing. Industrial projects, including steel plants, are being established in areas such as Gadchiroli. Universities, medical colleges and major educational institutions are being set up. The voice of development is gradually replacing the sound of conflict. Over the last twelve years, India has witnessed unprecedented growth in infrastructure development. The national highway network has expanded from approximately 91,000 kilometres to nearly 1.46 lakh kilometres. Highways are being constructed at an average pace of 34 kilometres per day. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, millions of kilometres of rural roads have transformed the lives of farmers, students and rural communities. Railway electrification has accelerated significantly, while initiatives such as Vande Bharat Express and the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme have redefined the image of Indian Railways. The country’s metro network has grown from 248 kilometres to more than 1,095 kilometres. The Modi government has placed the farmer at the centre of the development agenda. Through the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, direct financial assistance has been extended to more than 11 crore farmers. Significantly, the first file cleared during the government’s third term pertained to farmer welfare, underscoring this priority. Under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, the “Per Drop More Crop” initiative has brought millions of hectares under micro-irrigation. Agricultural output has reached record levels, and India has emerged as the world’s largest producer of milk. Through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, free food grains have been provided to 81 crore citizens. More than four crore families have received permanent homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The Ujjwala scheme has enabled over eleven crore women to access LPG connections. Under Ayushman Bharat, millions of citizens have benefited from free health insurance coverage. The Jal Jeevan Mission has ensured access to clean drinking water for more than sixteen crore households. Women’s empowerment has occupied a central place in government policy. Women account for a significant share of Jan Dhan account holders. The Lakhpati Didi initiative has helped millions of women achieve greater economic independence. Programmes such as Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, maternity benefits, the strengthening of self-help groups and the growing participation of women in the armed forces have advanced the vision of women-led development. Digital Transformation India has also scripted a new chapter in digital transformation. Through the JAM trinity—Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile—lakhs of crores of rupees have been transferred directly to beneficiaries. India has emerged as a global leader in UPI transactions. BharatNet has connected lakhs of gram panchayats through optical fibre networks. Digital governance, faceless taxation and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) have enhanced transparency and efficiency in public administration. India today engages with the world on the basis of equality and mutual respect. The nation seeks trade, investment and technology, but without compromising its dignity or self-respect. During the Russia–Ukraine conflict, India demonstrated its ability to pursue an independent foreign policy, placing national interests above external pressures. Today, India is the world’s fourth-largest economy. Initiatives such as Make in India, Startup India and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme have accelerated manufacturing growth. India has become the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. Electronics production has increased manifold. Significant investments have been attracted for semiconductor manufacturing, and the country is rapidly positioning itself as a global manufacturing hub. Encouraged by policy support, India’s startup ecosystem has grown to more than two lakh startups and hundreds of unicorns. During these twelve years, India has also reaffirmed its cultural identity with renewed confidence. The construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Mahakal Lok and the redevelopment of Kedarnath have infused new energy into the nation’s spiritual consciousness. Modi, who began his public life by paying homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has also advanced initiatives such as the Panchteerth dedicated to Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the observance of Birsa Munda Jayanti as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, the Statue of Unity honouring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, commemorative initiatives for Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Kartavya Path and the new Parliament building—each symbolising national pride and identity. Maharashtra has been among the principal beneficiaries of this development trajectory. Prime Minister Modi has extended support to the state in addressing its major developmental needs and challenges. From facilitating land for the Indu Mill Memorial to supporting projects such as the Amravati Textile Park, Vadhvan Port, Navi Mumbai International Airport, Samruddhi Mahamarg, Atal Setu, the Coastal Road and metro rail networks, his backing has been instrumental in advancing key infrastructure initiatives. Today, the world no longer views India merely as a large market. It increasingly recognises India as a reliable, responsible nation capable of contributing solutions to global challenges. India stands confidently on the world stage. These twelve years have laid a strong foundation for the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The journey of trust, development and people’s participation is poised to gather even greater momentum in the years ahead—a belief shared by millions of Indians. (The writer is the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.)

How Cambodia’s Funan Canal Could Redefine Southeast Asia

During Xi Jinping’s visit to Cambodia, the two countries signed a deal to build the Funan Techo Canal — a project symbolising China's rising influence, Cambodia's ambitions, and regional environmental risks.

Cambodia is a country with limited direct maritime access. It has long depended on Vietnamese ports, particularly the Cai Mep port, for much of its international trade. This dependence has led to logistical vulnerabilities and diplomatic frictions. The new canal aims to reduce that reliance by connecting the Bassac River, a tributary of the Mekong, directly to the Gulf of Thailand.


The project’s name, "Funan Techo Canal," is a nod to Cambodia's ancient Hindu kingdom of Funan, which was one of the earliest maritime trading empires in Southeast Asia. Symbolically, the canal signals a return to Cambodia's maritime heritage and asserts a forward-looking national ambition to reclaim economic independence and regional relevance.


Spanning 151.6 kilometres from Phnom Penh to Kep province, the canal is designed to accommodate ships of up to 3,000 deadweight tonnes. With a width of 100 metres and a depth of 5.4 metres, it will enable year-round navigation, bypassing Vietnam's control over Cambodian seaborne exports.


The canal is being built through a public-private partnership under a build-operate-transfer (BOT) model. Cambodian entities will hold a 51% stake, while Chinese investors will retain the remaining 49%. The total estimated cost is around $1.2 billion. Construction is expected to begin later this year, and it is estimated that over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created throughout the canal’s development phase.


The project's stated goals are ambitious: reduce transport costs, stimulate industrial zones along the waterway, and promote internal connectivity within Cambodia’s provinces. For a country still recovering from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, such infrastructure represents both an economic opportunity and a political statement.


China’s Expanding Footprint

China’s involvement in the Funan Techo Canal forms part of its broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) strategy to expand global influence through infrastructure investment. China has long been Cambodia’s largest investor and aid provider, funding everything from highways and hydropower plants to stadiums and surveillance systems.


The canal offers China several strategic advantages: economically, it strengthens its foothold in Southeast Asia’s logistics network; politically, it deepens ties with a reliable regional ally as the U.S. and partners step up engagement with ASEAN. Though presented as a commercial project, Chinese involvement in port infrastructure often evolves into dual-use arrangements, raising concerns over potential military applications.


Cambodia’s Calculus

From Cambodia’s perspective, the canal is a milestone. Prime Minister Hun Manet, who succeeded his father Hun Sen in 2023, has continued to champion close ties with China. The project offers his administration a major domestic win in terms of infrastructure, employment, and national pride.


Yet, not everyone within Cambodia is enthusiastic. Environmentalists and civil society groups have raised questions about the lack of transparency in planning, the absence of a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, and the long-term implications of increased Chinese control over critical assets. However, in a political landscape tightly controlled by the ruling Cambodian People’s Party, dissent remains muted.


Vietnam’s Growing Unease

If the canal strengthens Cambodia’s strategic autonomy, it will also challenge Vietnam’s regional influence. Vietnam is concerned about two main issues: ecological disruption and strategic balance.


First, the canal could alter the natural flood cycles and sediment flows of the Mekong River, further threatening Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, a vital agricultural region already suffering from upstream damming and climate change. Reduced silt deposits and increased salinity could devastate rice production and fisheries.


Second, the canal is viewed as part of a broader encroachment by China into Vietnam’s backyard. As Chinese-funded projects tighten their grip around Vietnam's western and southern flanks, strategic analysts in Hanoi worry about encirclement and increased vulnerability in the Mekong region.


The Environmental Equation

Beyond national rivalries, the canal raises urgent ecological concerns. The Mekong River is the lifeline of mainland Southeast Asia, supporting over 60 million people across six countries. Environmental experts warn that the canal could disrupt the river’s seasonal rhythms, exacerbate drought conditions, and threaten biodiversity in one of the world’s richest inland ecosystems.


Cambodia has not yet released a full environmental impact assessment, and regional cooperation mechanisms such as the Mekong River Commission have so far played only a marginal role in canal planning. With climate change already stressing the Mekong’s flow, further alterations could have cascading effects on food security, migration, and regional stability.


A Canal of Many Currents

The Funan Techo Canal symbolises shifting regional dynamics. For Cambodia, it offers hope for economic revival and strategic autonomy; for China, another link in its global influence network; and for Vietnam, a source of anxiety.


As construction begins, the project will test the region’s ability to balance ambition with ecological and geopolitical realities. Its impact will ripple across the Mekong Basin and resonate in regional diplomacy for years to come.


(The author is a foreign affairs expert. Views personal.)

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