ANI Photo | PM Modi urges self-reliance amid shifting global power at IIT Delhi convocation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed students at the 57th Convocation Ceremony of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi on January 31, 2026, emphasising the need for economic, technological and industrial self-reliance to achieve a developed India.
He acknowledged the rapidly evolving global power balance driven by technological advancements, stating, “The global strategic equation is shifting swiftly. The global power balance is evolving by the moment, driven primarily by the pace of technological advancement. No one can say with certainty what the world will look like in the next 20 or 30 years. The world, technology, industries, and professions will all evolve. But amidst all this, remember one thing: those who keep learning will succeed.”
PM Modi highlighted the responsibility of the younger generation, adding, “You are all aware that every generation faces the specific challenges of its time and also bears its own national responsibility. Whatever you do over the next 30 to 35 years of your lives will influence our journey towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’. Therefore, the basis of every decision you make should also be: how will this benefit the country? Which of the nation’s needs will this fulfil?”
He described self-reliance in every sector as the foundation for a developed India and praised advancements in the semiconductor and drone industries.
“Economic Self-Reliance…Technological Self-Reliance… Industrial Self-Reliance…India is working to become self-reliant in every such sector. These are the strong foundations of a developed India. I clearly acknowledge that everything from chip to ship will be built right here, by your own hands. Today, the youth in our drone sector are creating new possibilities. Somewhere, drones are being used to work in the fields, drones are delivering medicines, drones are helping in the country’s defence and security, and today somewhere a youth is saying – First in my bloodline to make a drone,” he said.
Encouraging students to engage in research, PM Modi referenced several government initiatives and fellowships designed to support young researchers.
“Another major possibility lies before you all, and that new opportunity is in the field of research. The Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship is providing our talented youth with opportunities to conduct research. A ‘Research, Development, and Innovation Scheme’ has been launched to enable the advancement of new ideas. The National Research Foundation has also been established to give fresh impetus to science and research in the country.”
He further added, “Funding of up to Rs 1 lakh crore is being arranged for the research sector. Through the ‘One Nation One Subscription’ initiative, prestigious global research journals are now reaching even the smallest towns in the country at no additional cost.”
During the ceremony, PM Modi presented IIT Delhi’s most prestigious awards, including the President’s Gold Medal, Director’s Gold Medal, Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal, and Perfect Ten Gold Medals, to deserving students.
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