Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired an extensive meeting of the Council of Ministers that lasted nearly four-and-a-half hours, with discussions centred on governance reforms, improving administrative efficiency, and advancing the government’s long-term “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision. The meeting also reportedly touched upon the potential implications of the ongoing West Asia crisis.

In a post on X on Friday, the Prime Minister described the deliberations as “fruitful,” saying ministers exchanged views on improving “Ease of Living” and “Ease of Doing Business,” along with measures to accelerate reforms aimed at achieving the goal of a developed India.

“Had a fruitful meeting of the Council of Ministers yesterday. We exchanged perspectives and best practices relating to boosting ‘Ease of Living, ‘Ease of Doing Business’ and how to further reforms in order to realise our shared dream of a Viksit Bharat,” he wrote.

According to the sources, PM Modi asked the Union ministers to work with the vision of building a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, stressing that the goal should be treated as a commitment rather than merely a slogan.

The meeting, held at Seva Teerth from 5 pm, brought together Union Cabinet ministers, ministers of state with independent charge and ministers of state in what sources described as the first full Council of Ministers meeting of the year.

Sources said the session effectively served as a midterm review of the government’s performance as the NDA government approaches two years in office during its third consecutive term.

Presentations were made by more than half a dozen ministries, with nine ministries giving detailed briefings on their performance and future roadmap. The Cabinet Secretary and NITI Aayog also made presentations during the meeting.

Sources said the meeting also highlighted ministries that had recorded the fastest disposal of files, with an emphasis on efficiency and timely implementation of decisions.

During the meeting, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also briefed ministers on the Prime Minister’s recent five-nation visit and the key diplomatic outcomes of the tour.

Furthermore, PM Modi is learnt to have referred to the ongoing West Asia crisis and its economic impact, directing ministries to take steps to ensure “minimum inconvenience to citizens”.

Sectors such as energy, agriculture, fertilisers, aviation, shipping and logistics reportedly received focused attention during the meeting.

A high-powered informal group of ministers led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is already monitoring the evolving situation. Rajnath Singh did not attend Thursday’s Council of Ministers meeting due to his visit to South Korea, while Health Minister JP Nadda is currently in Geneva.

Sources said PM Modi was also felicitated at a meeting for the successful completion of his five-nation tour and the party’s resounding victory in the West Bengal elections.

PM Modi on Thursday returned to New Delhi after concluding a five-nation tour spanning the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy, focused on expanding India’s engagement in energy security, defence cooperation, trade and critical minerals.

In the UAE, India signed multiple agreements covering strategic petroleum reserves, long-term LPG supply, defence and shipping, with Abu Dhabi also committing investments worth USD 5 billion. Modi’s meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan came against the backdrop of continuing tensions in West Asia.

In Europe, India deepened strategic ties across multiple countries. In the Netherlands, the two sides signed 17 agreements and upgraded relations to a strategic partnership, with discussions also touching upon West Asia tensions and global energy stability.

Sweden and Norway also elevated ties, with cooperation frameworks announced in areas including clean energy, innovation, defence, digital technologies and critical minerals, alongside broader engagement at the India-Nordic Summit.

In Italy, Modi’s final stop, bilateral relations were upgraded to a special strategic partnership during talks with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Source: India Today