As the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2026, India ushered in the New Year with grand celebrations and hopeful spirits. Amidst the nationwide festivities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to the nation, emphasizing prayers for societal peace and happiness while reflecting on a year of significant national achievements.
A Nation Celebrates: Fireworks and Festivities
From the bustling streets of Delhi and Mumbai to the vibrant hubs of Bengaluru and the scenic beauty of Shimla, India welcomed 2026 with immense enthusiasm. Major landmarks like Connaught Place and India Gate in New Delhi saw large crowds gathering for midnight parties, music, and spectacular fireworks displays. The collective joy mirrored the Prime Minister's sentiments for a prosperous year ahead.
PM Modi's Message of Hope and Reform
In his New Year message shared on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi wrote, "Wishing everyone a wonderful 2026! May the year ahead bring good health and prosperity, with success in your efforts and fulfilment in all that you do." He powerfully added, "Praying for peace and happiness in our society."
Earlier, on New Year's Eve, the Prime Minister had penned a detailed note on LinkedIn, framing 2025 as a pivotal year for India. He stated that the year would be remembered for treating "reforms as a continuous national mission," building upon the progress of the previous eleven years. He highlighted that India has "emerged as the centre of global attention," a status fueled by the innovative spirit of its citizens.
Building a Foundation for Inclusive Growth
PM Modi expressed that the world now views India with renewed "hope and confidence," appreciating the accelerated pace of progress driven by next-generation, cross-sectoral reforms. The reform agenda in 2025 focused on three key pillars:
- Modernising institutions.
- Simplifying governance.
- Strengthening foundations for long-term, inclusive growth.
The ultimate goal, he noted, was to enable citizens to live with dignity, empower entrepreneurs to innovate confidently, and allow institutions to function with clarity and trust.
Citing concrete examples, the Prime Minister pointed to the landmark GST reforms. He mentioned the implementation of a streamlined two-slab structure of 5% and 18%, which has eased the burden on households, MSMEs, farmers, and labour-intensive sectors. This move aimed at reducing disputes and improving compliance, ultimately boosting consumer sentiment and demand, as evidenced by strong sales growth during the recent festive season.
As India steps into 2026, the Prime Minister's message blends optimism for the future with a recognition of the reform-oriented journey that has positioned the nation as a confident and growing global force.
