New Delhi, Jun 11 (PTI) India continues to move forward on its growth trajectory with confidence and determination, amid global uncertainty and instability, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday.

As India progresses towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat, the country's collective responsibility becomes even greater, Modi said while chairing the 11th meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog.

"The world is passing through a period of uncertainty and instability, yet India continues to move forward on its growth trajectory with confidence and determination," NITI Aayog said in a social media post on X, quoting Modi.

The Prime Minister said India has signed free trade agreements with many countries to create new opportunities for growth and exports.

"These agreements also present a significant opportunity for our MSMEs, enabling them to prepare for global markets by adhering to international standards and enhancing competitiveness," he added.

Modi said India's demographic dividend is a historic opportunity that "we cannot afford to lose".

He emphasised that creating the right ecosystem for India's youth through quality education, demand-driven skilling and employment opportunities must remain a priority.

"Empowered youth will be the driving force behind our journey towards Viksit Bharat," the Prime Minister said.

Modi noted that cooperation and dialogue should guide interactions among the States.

NITI Aayog can play an important role as a platform for collaboration, enabling states to exchange ideas and work together towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, he added.

The Prime Minister said women-led development is a cornerstone of the vision of Viksit Bharat.

"From farming and startups to science and innovation, Nari Shakti is contributing across the domains," he said, adding that states should prioritise education, skilling, safety and empowerment of women to unlock their full potential and drive India's development journey.

Modi said, "Guided by the spirit of cooperative federalism, we are working together to accelerate India's development journey. The collective efforts of the Centre and States will play a pivotal role in realising our shared vision of Viksit Bharat." PTI BKS TRB

Free trade agreements and cooperative federalism drive India's growth strategy, with MSME competitiveness and women-led development in focus. India's growth strategy is being advanced through free trade agreements, international market access, and a stronger export ecosystem, with emphasis on enabling MSMEs to align with global standards and improve competitiveness. The economic direction also relies on the demographic dividend through quality education, demand-driven skilling, and employment pathways for youth. Cooperative federalism, State collaboration, and women-led development are described as central to Viksit Bharat, with focus on education, skilling, safety, and empowerment of women.