Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced during a development event in Daman that India achieved a GDP growth rate of 7.7% for the financial year 2025-26, with the fourth quarter (ending March 31st) recording 7.8% growth. This maintains India's position as the world's fastest-growing large economy despite global economic crises. The PM attributed this performance to the country's focus on reform, infrastructure development, and welfare programs for the poor.
Multiple development projects were inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid in the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, and Lakshadweep. These include infrastructure projects focused on connectivity, health, education, tourism, and urban development. Specific projects mentioned include the NAMO Airport, an iconic bridge on the Damanganga river, a convention center on the 'Beach Front', and modern ports in Kalpeni and Kadmat islands of Lakshadweep aimed at boosting the Blue Economy.
The tourism sector in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu has experienced remarkable growth, with tourist footfall increasing from approximately 6 lakh visitors in 2021 to about 50 lakh visitors in 2025 - a nearly tenfold increase in just four years. This growth is attributed to improved infrastructure, better facilities, and clean beaches, with attractions including Daman Night Market, Ramsetu Sea-Front, Namopath Sea-Front, Nani Daman Fort, and Gangeshwar Temple Complex.
Healthcare initiatives have resulted in significant savings for citizens, with Ayushman Cards and Jan Aushadhi Kendras saving poor and middle-class families nearly ₹2.25 lakh crore in treatment costs. The region has seen improved medical facilities including a medical college with post-graduation studies, NAMO Hospital in Silvassa (operational since last year), and the newly inaugurated NAMO Hospital in Daman.
National health metrics show significant improvements: over 90% of deliveries now occur in hospitals (reducing maternal and infant mortality), child vaccination rates increased from 60% before 2014 to about 90% currently, and health insurance coverage expanded from less than 30% of families before 2014 to over 60% currently through Ayushman Bharat.
Educational infrastructure has been enhanced with national-level institutes established in the region, new school buildings, smart classrooms benefiting over 40,000 students, and the Swami Vivekananda Education Hub. The foundation stone for the eighteenth campus of NIFT was laid, and new courses like Drone Technician have started at ITI Daman.
The Union Territory has achieved 100% solar energy usage in government buildings, with Diu meeting its entire daytime electricity demand through solar power. A rooftop solar plant initiative has begun to extend solar power to homes and enable families to earn income from surplus electricity. On World Environment Day, approximately one lakh saplings were being planted in the region.
Industrially, the Union Territory has established itself as the National Man-Made Fibre Capital and is progressing in plastic exports. MSMEs and other industries have received financial assistance of more than crores of rupees, supporting the region's development as a manufacturing hub.