At the prestigious Raisina Dialogue 2026, Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu delivered a stirring speech celebrating India’s cultural ethos of inclusivity and partnership. He credited these principles for fostering cooperative federalism between states and the Centre, fueling robust economic expansion.
India’s GDP is racing ahead at more than 7%, with experts eyeing double-digit figures soon, Naidu pointed out. He reserved special praise for PM Narendra Modi’s consensus-driven governance. ‘Our PM focuses on forging agreement on key matters; policy continuity ensures long-term prosperity,’ Naidu observed.
Reflecting on his vast experience in public life, Naidu advocated for stable policies that not only satisfy local interests but also earn worldwide trust. The dialogue took a sobering turn as he addressed the fertility slump in southern states, where rates have dipped to 1.5 against the ideal 2.1.
To counter this, Andhra Pradesh launched India’s first state-level population policy. Incentives include Rs 25,000 for second births and Rs 1,000 monthly for five years per third child. Naidu detailed family-friendly measures: a full year of maternity leave and paternity options, promoting equal parenting roles.
With the world facing elderly population burdens, India’s youth bulge until 2047 is a strategic asset. Naidu’s address wove economic triumphs with urgent calls for demographic equilibrium, urging collective action for India’s future dominance.