Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged India to seize “mind‑space” on the world stage, shaping global narratives through strategic soft‑power and innovation. He emphasised that India cannot remain passive while narratives about progress, opportunity, and development are written by others. Instead, India must actively project its values, achievements, and potential to a global audience.

He urged building institutions and programmes to foster global influencers—thinkers, scholars and leaders—who can articulate India’s story with sophistication and clarity. Drawing lessons from China’s Schwarzman Scholars, the PM called for flagship fellowships and global exchange initiatives to ensure India claims its rightful place in elite intellectual and policy circles.

This is not empty rhetoric but a strategic imperative in a multipolar world. India’s growing economy, global digital leadership, space achievements and innovation ecosystem offer a solid foundation to claim attention. Modi emphasised that as India strengthens its economy and global stature, the narrative must match the reality on the ground.