Will Narendra Modi deliver a birdie this Independence Day?

That expectations are riding high on the Indian economy is evident from the periodic research reports that pour in every other day, India is at the cusp of possibly a better growth and a stronger global presence.

Reforms are expected to revitalise real investment growth to 10% per annum, lifting potential output growth to around 7% in the next five years and if reforms are fast-tracked, real investment could hit 15% per annum, raising potential growth to above 8% according to one report.

So what will Narendra Modi address the nation with this 15 August? There is a huge expectation building up because he's going to speak after long gap of two months. Having seen a very proactive Modi during the poll campaign days pitching for jobs and economic well-being, he would be able to show something for the same. It's a well timed speech as it comes three weeks before the government finishes 100 days and after some milestone visits by the PM to Brazil for BRICS, the neighbours and the meeting of the US Secretary of State.

The PM's post as the President of the BRICS development bank is already being considered a solid tee off on the emerging global stage. There is clamour and effort for new course of financial stability by more BRICS to BRICS engagement and trade. India needs to regain its spot. And that takes us to growth and foreign relations.

On the growth front, if one goes by forecasts, then manufacturing must improve by virtue of having hit its very low. Outlook for steel and infrastructure is good. Some more investments are likely as numbers improve and more sectors are thrown open to foreign investments.

One wonders though what makes agencies so positive on the India story? Likelihood of decision making? Can one man really change the fortunes are or is something more fundamental happening to suggest growth is coming back? In which case is it really the Modi effect Or just the natural return of the economy? Whatever the case one needs any growth to accompany with it jobs and opportunity for the youth.

With respect to foreign relations, the US equation is back to being at a high despite the hullabaloo of not granting pre-PM Modi a visa to the oldest democracy of the world. Interestingly John Kerry's visit sent out entirely positive spin as he came with the mandate to support. "We are coming to India to deliver a single message: the US is prepared to be a full partner in this effort. We will work hand in hand with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government to promote open and liberal trade and investment, job training and closer strategic ties," wrote Kerry in a recent piece. All this is very interesting given how capitalism-friendly Modi's image is.

With a massive gallery – billion eyes and ears –waiting to hear Modi and the stage set almost perfectly, there is one question which may be on top of his mind. Whether to announce a grand plan to change the nation or to continue to tinker on the margins to maintain continuity while doing major changes without drawing too much attention? So far the prime minister has not shown any signs of a major break from the past which means he is not willing to cause any disruption in the economy yet the confidence seems to be back. Instead he seems to want to mend the course at the rough of the fairways.

For all the eager Namo supporters this could mean some disappointment since Modi clearly wants to drive a long term agenda without the big bang reforms. Perhaps a bit like Rory McIlroy who delivered on wins just when no one was expecting him to. If the citizens of this country get what they want in form of jobs and prosperity without the fireworks then Modi is all set to hit a birdie on his first hole.