PM Modi slams Congress at NDTV World Summit over national image

PM Modi highlights India's global profile and calls out opposition tactics

Addressing the NDTV World Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the main opposition party of putting national interests at risk to revive the political career of its leaders. The Prime Minister noted that as the world searches for a stable global order, India's growing economic strength and institutional stability serve as a crucial anchor on the international stage.

However, PM Modi pointed out that while global confidence in India reaches unprecedented heights, certain domestic political actors remain intent on creating disruption at home and undermining the nation's reputation abroad.

"When the entire world is in search of a new order, some people are dreaming of disorder in India," the Prime Minister told delegates at the summit. He added that rather than presenting a strong picture of national progress to the international community, opposition figures have routinely travelled abroad to defame the country and invite foreign interference in internal matters.

The 'Sriharikota' comparison and critique of leadership

Taking aim at repeated political re-launches of opposition figures, the Prime Minister drew a comparison with India's space program at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

"Sriharikota does not see as many launches as the Congress tries, unsuccessfully, to launch its leader in a year," PM Modi said. He argued that the opposition party was sacrificing India's achievements, international standing, and development trajectory simply to protect a single political family from accountability.

The Prime Minister emphasized that political rivalries should never come at the expense of national progress or damage the reputation India has built as a reliable partner in global governance.

Opposition labeled a 'parasite' on democratic movements

In his address, PM Modi further characterized the Congress party as a "parasite" that undermines organic reform movements within Indian democracy. He noted that while legitimate public movements asking for policy reforms are a healthy feature of democratic governance, opposition tactics have repeatedly destroyed such platforms for short-term political gain.

PM Modi also stated that the opposition party restricts internal party growth, sidelining younger leaders in order to keep a single family in the spotlight. He remarked that such behavior reflects a deep resentment towards the democratic framework after failing to secure sustained public trust.

The Prime Minister reiterated that India's ongoing trajectory towards becoming a major global power remains firmly on track, underpinned by strong democratic institutions, rapid infrastructure development, and growing global trust in Indian capability.