Self-Confident India, a Ray of Hope for the World: Modi
The Prime Minister said the upcoming Union Budget would reflect the government’s reform agenda
NEW DELHI: Asserting that an “ambitious India” is emerging as a ray of hope for the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted the free trade agreement with the European Union and urged manufacturers to seize the opportunity to expand capacity and tap the vast new markets opened by what he described as the “mother of all deals”.
Addressing the media ahead of the Budget Session at the Parliament House complex, the Prime Minister said the present moment calls for solutions, not disruption, and resolution, not obstacles. He appealed to all MPs to work collectively to accelerate solution-driven governance, empower decision-making and strengthen last-mile delivery.
Modi said the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, concluded at the start of the current quarter, reflects the bright prospects of India’s youth and the country’s forward trajectory. “This is free trade for an ambitious India, for aspirational youth and for a self-reliant India. I am confident that Indian manufacturers will use this opportunity to enhance their capabilities,” he said.
Calling the pact the “mother of all deals”, the Prime Minister said a vast market across 27 EU countries has opened up, enabling Indian goods to reach consumers at lower costs. He cautioned industry leaders against complacency and urged them to focus on quality, saying that world-class products would not only generate profits but also build long-term trust and goodwill.
He said the agreement would create major opportunities for farmers, fishermen, youth and service-sector professionals, adding that Indian brands aligned with the national brand would gain global prestige.
Referring to the Budget Session, Modi said the government’s defining approach has been “Reform, Perform and Transform”. He noted that the country is moving swiftly on the “Reform Express”, shifting from long-pending issues to long-term solutions that bring predictability and enhance global confidence.
Emphasising human-centric governance, the Prime Minister said India would embrace technology and innovation without compromising sensitivity and inclusiveness. He said even critics acknowledge the government’s focus on last-mile delivery, ensuring that welfare schemes reach people and not just files.
He described India’s democracy and demography as a major source of global hope and said Parliament has the opportunity to send a strong message of commitment to democratic values.
Modi said the President’s address reflected the confidence of 140 crore citizens and the aspirations of the youth. Noting that a quarter of the 21st century has passed, he said the country is entering a crucial 25-year phase to achieve the goal of a developed India by 2047.
He also noted that the forthcoming Budget will be presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the ninth consecutive time, making her the first woman Finance Minister to achieve the milestone, an event he said would be recorded as a moment of pride in India’s parliamentary history.
