New Delhi, May 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired an extensive four-and-a-half-hour meeting of the Council of Ministers, with discussions focusing on governance reforms, administrative efficiency and advancing the government’s long-term “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision.

The meeting also reportedly touched upon the economic implications of the ongoing West Asia crisis and measures to minimise its impact on citizens.

PM Calls ‘Viksit Bharat’ A National Commitment
In a post on X on Friday, PM Modi described the deliberations as “fruitful” and said ministers exchanged ideas on improving “Ease of Living” and “Ease of Doing Business”.

“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,” the Prime Minister wrote.

According to sources, Modi urged Union ministers to work with the vision of building a developed India by 2047 and stressed that “Viksit Bharat” should be treated as a commitment rather than merely a slogan.

Midterm Review Of NDA Government’s Third Term
The meeting, held at Seva Teerth from 5 pm onwards, brought together Union Cabinet ministers, ministers of state with independent charge and ministers of state.

Sources described it as the first full Council of Ministers meeting of the year and effectively a midterm review of the NDA government’s performance as it nears two years in office during its third consecutive term.

Presentations were made by more than half a dozen ministries, while nine ministries reportedly gave detailed briefings on their achievements and future roadmaps.

The Cabinet Secretary and NITI Aayog also made presentations during the session.

Focus On Administrative Efficiency
Sources said the meeting highlighted ministries that had recorded the fastest disposal of files, with emphasis placed on quicker decision-making and timely implementation of policies.

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

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

According to sources, sectors such as energy, agriculture, fertilisers, aviation, shipping and logistics received special attention during the meeting.

A high-powered informal group of ministers led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is already monitoring the evolving regional situation.

Rajnath Singh did not attend the meeting due to his visit to South Korea, while Health Minister J. P. Nadda is currently in Geneva.

PM Felicitated Over Foreign Tour, Bengal Victory
Sources said PM Modi was felicitated during the meeting for the successful completion of his five-nation tour and the BJP’s victory in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections.

The Prime Minister returned to New Delhi on Thursday after concluding visits to the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy.

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Major Agreements Signed During Five-Nation Tour
During the UAE visit, India signed multiple agreements related to strategic petroleum reserves, long-term LPG supply, defence and shipping, while Abu Dhabi reportedly committed investments worth USD 5 billion.

In the Netherlands, India signed 17 agreements and upgraded bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, with discussions also covering energy stability and the West Asia situation.

Sweden and Norway elevated ties with India in sectors such as clean energy, innovation, defence, digital technology and critical minerals during the India-Nordic Summit.

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