By Neelam Rahim

India will aim to become a developed nation within 25 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a national day address with policies to support domestic production in power, defence and digital technology.

Dressing the colours of the Indian flag Modi on Monday addressed the country from New Delhi 17th century Mughal era, a red fort to mark the 57th anniversary of India’s independence from British rule. The 72-year-old leader, in his 75-minute speech in Hindi, said, ‘We must turn India into a developed country in the next 25 years in our lifetime.’

Speaking to Radio Islam International is a writer and researcher, Syed Obaidur Rahman.

According to Rahman, this signifies the importance of the Muslims in the country and the monument left behind, which people cherish.

He says Modi has not just spoken about corruption but several things, including those who satisfy the people’s life to achieve the nation’s freedom. But he should have also mentioned more prominent Muslim names of great importance, not just those who made sacrifices for the government but to ensure that every level of the nation became free of colonial misrule and that Hindus and Muslims remained in the country together.

Things in India have changed dramatically in the past 75 years since India gained freedom. While still a developing nation, Rahman said people worldwide come to India to receive top-notch health care services.

India is much better in every human development index than it was 75 or even 20 years ago.

Every segment of society has progressed in India, he added.

“Despite the challenges faced as a community Indian Muslims have progressed with the larger scale of development that has taken place across the spectrum within the country.”

Listen to the full interview on Radio Islam’s podcast below.