New Delhi, October 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday advocated the concept of “power to empower”, asserting that technology, data, knowledge and innovation derive their true value from the purpose they serve and the opportunities they create for people.
Addressing the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi, Modi said the theme of this year’s gathering reflected the emergence of new forms of power in the third decade of the 21st century. He emphasised that the central question was not who possessed power, but how it was used.
“The question is not who holds power but how it is used, whether technology will advance only few people or create opportunities for crores of people,” he said.
Explaining the idea of empowerment, the Prime Minister said power should move beyond control and competition towards enabling others and fostering collaboration.
“Beyond power to control lies power to enable, beyond power to compete lies power to collaborate, beyond power to succeed lies power to help others succeed,” Modi said, highlighting the need to understand the wider value of power in the present era.
Citing India’s democratic and cultural diversity, Modi described the country as the “mother of democracy” and pointed to its extensive media and digital landscape. He referred to India’s more than 100 languages, around 80,000 registered newspapers and publications, over 1,000 satellite television channels, and more than 500 million users each on YouTube and Instagram.
He said the country’s democratic environment encouraged open debate, discussion of diverse viewpoints and public participation, with digital technology playing an increasingly important role in connecting citizens.
Modi also highlighted the transformation in mobile internet access over the past decade. He said that 12 to 13 years ago, access to mobile internet itself represented a significant advantage because it provided people with information, knowledge and opportunities.
After the government took office in 2014, he said, efforts were directed towards making mobile data more affordable and expanding digital connectivity across the country.
The Prime Minister noted that affordable internet had enabled even small shopkeepers in villages to reach customers beyond their immediate localities.
He argued that connectivity had evolved beyond simply linking people, creating access to markets, information and economic opportunities.
Modi’s remarks underscored his emphasis on using digital infrastructure and innovation to broaden participation in economic growth. He presented India’s experience as an example of how expanding access to technology can help distribute opportunities more widely, reinforcing his central message that the true measure of power lies in its ability to empower others.
