India no long among 'fragile five': PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India is no longer considered to be among the 'Fragile Five' and is now considered as the world's fastest-growing economy.

"Gone are the days when India was considered to be among the 'Fragile Five'. Today, we are the fastest growing economy in the world. Powered by the 125 Crore people of India, we will grow even faster," he said while addressing the valedictory function at the New India Conclave here.

Stressing the importance of infrastructure, the Prime Minister said, "India needs great road infrastructure-Bharatmala is building thousands of km of roads. India needs port-led development-Sagarmala is helping build infrastructure. India needs to go digital in public service delivery - JAM trinity (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar & Mobile number) is there."

He further noted that the Centre's Skill India mission will help create a pool of skilled talent in the country, thus furthering its growth.

"India needs villages connected with i-ways - we have laid 2.7 lakh km of optical fibre network connecting more than a lakh Gram Panchayats," he added.

Assuring the youth of employment and empowerment, the Prime Minister promised to bring in more industries that will create better employment opportunities for the youth.

"When we bring more FDI, we create more industries in India. When we create more industries, we create more employment opportunities. When we create more employment opportunities, we empower the youth to improve their future."

He further assured that New India would give rise to a country where the power of hope would prevail over mindless hate, and where 125 crore Indians would write their own destiny.