New Delhi, Jan 16 (.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended greetings to India’s startup community on the occasion of National Startup Day, marking a decade since the launch of the Startup India initiative.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said the day was an opportunity to celebrate the “courage, spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial zeal” of Indians, particularly the youth, whom he credited with powering India’s rise in the global startup ecosystem.

“With their firm resolve and dedication, our young friends are continuously setting new records in the world of startups.

Their zeal and passion will become the greatest force in realizing the dream of a developed India,” Modi said.

He also quoted a Sanskrit verse underscoring the value of perseverance, noting that even the most difficult tasks can be achieved through sustained effort—just as constant drops of water can wear down rock over time.

Over the past decade, India has emerged as one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems, with more than 2 lakh startups as of December 2025.

Major hubs such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai and the Delhi-NCR region have led this transformation, attracting domestic and global investment and fostering innovation across sectors ranging from fintech and health tech to clean energy and artificial intelligence.

The StartUp India programme, launched in 2016, has focused on easing regulatory burdens, improving access to capital and building a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs, with a strong emphasis on youth-led innovation. . JRC