New Delhi: In a significant display of cooperative federalism, all 28 Chief Ministers from across the country participated in the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking one of the most widely attended editions of the apex public policy forum in recent years. The meeting, held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, stood out against the backdrop of repeated boycotts and absences by several opposition leaders in previous years.
The annual Governing Council meeting serves as a key platform for deliberations between the Centre and states on national development priorities, governance reforms, and strategies for achieving long-term economic growth. This year’s gathering witnessed the participation of chief ministers from all political backgrounds, including leaders from opposition-ruled states, reflecting an uncommon level of consensus and engagement.
Among those present were Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. They joined BJP-led state chief ministers, including Uttar Pradesh’s Yogi Adityanath and Maharashtra’s Devendra Fadnavis, among others.
The meeting was also attended by Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories and several Union ministers, underscoring the broad participation in discussions aimed at shaping India’s development agenda.
Addressing the Governing Council, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between the Centre and the states to accelerate India’s progress towards becoming a developed nation. Emphasising the vision of Viksit Bharat, he said that collective efforts by all levels of government would play a crucial role in achieving the country’s long-term goals.
“The world is passing through a period of uncertainty and instability, yet India continues to move forward on its growth trajectory with confidence and determination,” the Prime Minister said during his address.
He also pointed to India’s recent free trade agreements with several countries, describing them as major opportunities for the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). According to Modi, these agreements can help Indian businesses expand into global markets by adopting international standards and improving competitiveness.
A major focus of the Prime Minister’s speech was the role of young people in India’s development journey. He stressed that building a supportive ecosystem through quality education, industry-aligned skill development, and employment generation should remain a top priority for both the Centre and state governments.
Modi also reiterated the importance of women-led development, describing it as a cornerstone of the Viksit Bharat vision. Highlighting the growing contribution of women across sectors such as agriculture, startups, science, and innovation, he urged states to focus on education, skilling, safety, and empowerment initiatives that can unlock the full potential of women and further strengthen the country’s development trajectory.
Following the meeting, several chief ministers, including those from Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Jammu and Kashmir, held individual meetings with the Prime Minister. Notably, four of these states are governed by opposition parties, a development that observers viewed as another indication of constructive engagement between the Centre and the states.
The full attendance at this year’s Governing Council meeting marks a notable departure from recent years. In 2025, opposition chief ministers such as West Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee, Kerala’s Pinarayi Vijayan, and Karnataka’s Siddaramaiah, along with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, had skipped the meeting. Similarly, in 2024 and 2023, several chief ministers remained absent, either due to political disagreements, prior commitments, or by sending representatives in their place.
