From Fragile Five to Global Force: How Modi’s 11-Year Rule Rewired India’s Destiny
Mrinal Dwivedi | Mon, 09 Jun 2025
Once mocked as part of the “Fragile Five,” India was viewed as a risky, unstable economy on the verge of collapse. Fast forward eleven years, and the same nation now commands global respect as a rising powerhouse. What changed? One name—Narendra Modi. In this powerful deep-dive, we unpack how Modi’s relentless vision, unapologetic nationalism, and radical reforms turned a stumbling economy into a strategic giant. From rural electrification to record-breaking infrastructure, and from foreign policy boldness to digital revolutions—this is not just a story of governance, but of rewiring India’s very DNA. Love him or hate him, you can’t ignore the transformation. The question isn’t whether Modi changed India. The real question is—can anyone undo it?
( Image credit : ANI )
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The Fall Before the Rise
At the heart of this transformation? A saffron-clad man from Gujarat, who rose from being a chaiwala to becoming a global headline.
This isn’t just a story of economic data and development figures. It’s a story of rebranding a nation—from dusty red tape to digital dominance, from energy-starved streets to solar-powered dreams. Let’s dive into how Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 11-year reign has turned India from a fragile question mark into a confident exclamation mark on the global map.
World bows before India
( Image credit : IANS )
Fragile Five—Where It All Began
- Rupee was in free fall.
- Inflation was sky-high.
- Foreign reserves were depleting.
- Investor confidence? Close to none.
The Man with the Mission
He ran the country like a CEO, not a politician—setting clear targets, demanding accountability, and marketing India’s potential like a brand manager on steroids.
Unlike previous prime ministers who walked the tightrope of consensus, Modi walked a tightrope of bold risk—and made it look like a dance routine.
Economic Revival—From Wounded Giant to Growth Engine
- GST (Goods and Services Tax): A tax reform India had only dreamt about since Independence. Implemented amidst chaos but streamlined over time, it broke the federal fragmentation.
- Make in India: Not just a slogan, but a mindset shift that saw India rise as a manufacturing destination, especially in sectors like mobile phones, defence, and automobiles.
- Digital India: The government took the internet to the remotest villages—transforming the digital divide into a digital bridge.
- Startup India: Today, India boasts one of the largest startup ecosystems in the world—with young entrepreneurs innovating everything from fintech to agritech.
Infrastructure Blitzkrieg
- Highways being built faster than ever before.
- Bullet trains and modern railway stations.
- Massive airport upgrades.
- Smart cities turning into tech hubs.
- Electric mobility push like never before.
India-Central Asia partnership
( Image credit : IANS )
Diplomacy Reloaded—India the Global Player
- Hosted world leaders with personalized flair.
- Balanced relationships with both Russia and the West.
- Emerged as the voice of the Global South.
- Took a bold stance on terrorism on global platforms.
- Led the International Solar Alliance.
- Brought the G20 to Bharat’s doorstep.
The Cultural Renaissance
Temples are being restored. Tourism is booming. Indian languages and traditions are trending—not just at home, but on global platforms.
Welfare with Swagger
- Ujjwala Yojana gave cooking gas to rural women.
- Ayushman Bharat became the world’s largest health insurance scheme.
- Jan Dhan Yojana created millions of bank accounts.
- PM Awas Yojana turned many dreams into brick-and-mortar homes.
Handling the Pandemic—A Leadership Test
In the chaos, Modi emerged as a leader who didn’t just survive the storm—he steered through it.
Controversies, Criticisms, and Course Corrections
- Accusations of centralization of power.
- Questions on media freedom.
- Polarizing speeches and communal overtones.
- The Agniveer scheme's mixed reactions.
- Farm laws that sparked a massive protest (later repealed).
The Political Tsunami—Redrawing the Electoral Map
- New caste equations.
- Targeted outreach to women and youth.
- Tech-savvy campaigns.
- An organizational machinery that left opponents gasping.
Bharat @ 2047—The Road Ahead
- A $5 trillion economy no longer looks like fantasy.
- Defence indigenization is in full swing.
- Green energy is turning into mainstream.
- AI, semiconductors, and quantum tech are being pursued aggressively.
- Skilling initiatives aim to turn India into the talent capital of the world.
Not Just a PM, But a Phenomenon
Narendra Modi is not just a prime minister—he’s a brand, a movement, a mirror of aspirational India. His 11-year journey is not a straight line, but a saga of audacious moves, painful reforms, cultural pride, and political dominance.
He took a nation once written off as fragile and made it fearless.
And as India looks toward 2047 with blazing eyes and swelling hearts, one thing is certain—Modi didn’t just rewrite policies. He rewired the Indian psyche.
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