India’s transformation over the past 12 years has been marked not only by economic and technological progress but also by far-reaching changes in internal security, infrastructure, environmental stewardship and the rediscovery of its civilizational identity. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes 12 years at the helm of the Union government, the occasion offers an opportunity to examine some of the initiatives that have reshaped the country’s governance and development landscape. From pushing back the long-standing Naxal insurgency and bringing lasting peace to large parts of the Red Corridor, to integrating the Northeast through unprecedented investments in connectivity and infrastructure, the period has witnessed several structural shifts. It has also seen a conscious effort to move beyond colonial legacies, strengthen cultural self-confidence, and position India as a global leader in conservation and sustainability through initiatives ranging from river rejuvenation to wildlife protection.
This concluding article, the third and final part of Indian Masterminds’ special three-part series on the achievements and legacy of the Modi Government’s 12-year tenure, explores how these initiatives have sought to redefine India’s internal strength, national identity and long-term developmental trajectory.
Defeating the Naxal Challenge
The near-eradication of Naxalism stands among the most significant internal security achievements of the Modi Government’s 12-year tenure. In 2013-14, Left Wing Extremism affected around 126 districts across the country’s “Red Corridor”. Today, the threat has been reduced to a few isolated pockets, with the number of affected districts falling dramatically and violence declining by over 80 percent.
This transformation was driven by a multi-pronged strategy combining strong security action with rapid development. Under the SAMADHAN doctrine—focused on smart leadership, actionable intelligence, technology, area-specific plans and choking extremist financing—security forces systematically dismantled Maoist networks. Simultaneously, roads, mobile connectivity, banking, schools, healthcare and welfare schemes reached remote tribal regions long neglected by the state.
The impact on ordinary citizens has been profound. Areas once marked by fear, extortion and insurgent control are witnessing economic activity, improved governance and democratic participation. Thousands of cadres have surrendered, top Maoist leaders have been neutralised, and a region once considered India’s gravest internal security challenge is steadily moving towards lasting peace and development.
Northeast: From Frontier to Gateway
The story of Northeast India over the last 12 years is one of transformation through connectivity, security and development. Long viewed as a geographically isolated frontier, the region has emerged as a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia under the Modi Government’s Act East Policy.
Massive investments in highways, bridges, railways, airports and digital infrastructure have reshaped the region’s economic landscape. The expansion of National Highways, the Bogibeel and Dhola-Sadiya bridges, the Sela Tunnel, new airports and railway projects have significantly improved mobility and access. A defining milestone has been the Bairabi–Sairang Railway Line, which brings rail connectivity to Mizoram and links the Aizawl region with the national railway network for the first time. The project stands as a symbol of the region’s integration with the national mainstream.
Alongside infrastructure growth, insurgency-related violence has declined sharply, tourism has expanded, investments have increased and border areas have witnessed greater state presence. Today, the Northeast is no longer seen as India’s periphery but as a key growth engine and a vital bridge connecting India with the Indo-Pacific region.
Civilizational Reawakening
One of the defining features of the Modi Government’s 12-year tenure has been a conscious effort to shed colonial-era legacies and foster a renewed sense of civilizational confidence. This transformation has extended beyond symbolism to governance, public institutions and national identity.
The Central Vista redevelopment, including the new Parliament building, PMO and ministerial offices, has replaced colonial administrative structures with facilities designed for a modern India. Rajpath was renamed Kartavya Path, colonial-era symbols in the nation’s power corridors were removed, and spaces associated with imperial rule were reimagined to reflect Indian values and aspirations. The Statue of Unity, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, has emerged as a powerful symbol of national integration and pride. Equally significant was the replacement of colonial-era criminal laws with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.
India has also sought to reconnect with its civilizational roots through the Ram Mandir, Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and greater recognition of forgotten freedom fighters, tribal icons and indigenous traditions. Combined with the global promotion of Yoga and Indian knowledge systems, these efforts have helped reshape India’s self-image—from a nation burdened by colonial inheritance to one increasingly confident in its history, culture and future.
Restoring Nature, Renewing India
Environmental conservation has emerged as a significant pillar of India’s development journey over the last 12 years. The period has witnessed a combination of ecological restoration, wildlife conservation and global environmental leadership.
One of the most ambitious initiatives has been the Namami Gange programme, one of the world’s largest river rejuvenation efforts, aimed at restoring the ecological health of the Ganga and its tributaries through sewage treatment, pollution control and riverfront development. The programme has contributed to improvements in water quality and the revival of aquatic biodiversity in several stretches.
India has also strengthened its position as a global conservation leader. The country now hosts more than 75 percent of the world’s wild tigers, reflecting the success of sustained conservation efforts. The reintroduction of cheetahs to Indian soil after seven decades through the Cheetah Project marked a historic milestone in wildlife management. Building on this legacy, India launched the International Big Cat Alliance to promote global cooperation for the conservation of major big cat species.
The expansion of Ramsar wetland sites, the nationwide LED revolution through the UJALA programme, and rapid growth in ethanol blending have further strengthened India’s environmental credentials. Together, these initiatives reflect an approach that combines conservation, sustainability and citizen participation, positioning India as a global example of balancing economic growth with ecological responsibility.
Also Read – How India Changed in 12 Years: Six Reforms That Altered India’s Security, Economy and Society
