PM Modi Chairs High-Level Meeting with Secretaries, Calls for Long-Term Approach and Greater Coordination
New Delhi, August 20, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the third high-level meeting with Secretaries to the Government of India at his residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, where he discussed key priorities and future action plans related to infrastructure, connectivity, security, external affairs and governance.
Emphasising the need to look beyond immediate challenges, PM Modi urged senior officials to adopt a long-term perspective while planning how the country’s future should be shaped. He also called for greater coordination across government departments and said that working in silos is not only an organisational issue but also a matter of mindset.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of collective ownership and a spirit of belongingness among officials. Citing the coordination seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and the West Asia crisis, he called for such cooperation to become a regular part of the government’s working culture.
Focus on Data and Artificial Intelligence
PM Modi described data as a national asset and a resource for the future, calling for greater interoperability and more effective use of data across government systems. He noted that fragmented systems and differences in data management can limit its potential.
He also called for the effective use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) while ensuring that human intervention and judgement remain an important part of decision-making.
Greater Role for Universities and Youth
The Prime Minister encouraged stronger engagement between government departments, universities and young people to bring fresh and unconventional perspectives into policymaking. He also stressed the importance of research and innovation, particularly in areas such as defence.
On the defence sector, PM Modi called for strengthening India’s defence industry and improving its competitiveness globally. He also highlighted the need for innovative defence courses and stronger human-resource development.
Maritime and Infrastructure Development
PM Modi called for a comprehensive approach to strengthening India’s maritime sector and urged officials to assess whether measures taken to promote shipbuilding are achieving their intended objectives.
He also emphasised the need to move from port development to port-led development and improve connectivity between manufacturing centres and export-oriented units so that India can make better use of its maritime infrastructure.
The Prime Minister concluded by stressing the importance of a whole-of-government approach, stronger coordination, innovation and collective ownership in addressing complex challenges and shaping India's future.
The meeting was attended by the Cabinet Secretary, Secretaries of key Ministries and Departments, and senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office. The Secretaries also shared their views on sectoral priorities, emerging challenges and implementation issues.
