PM Modi Highlights India's Strong Growth Momentum Ahead of Budget Session
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emphasized India's robust economic growth trajectory, characterizing the beginning of the current quarter as "very positive" and portraying a self-assured India as "a ray of hope for the world today." Addressing journalists before the Budget Session 2026, PM Modi underscored India's emergence as a focal point of global attention, citing the recently signed India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a testament to future prospects.
India-EU FTA: A Marker of Future Promise
"This quarter has commenced on an exceptionally optimistic note. A self-confident India has transformed into a beacon of hope for the global community. It has also evolved into a center of attraction. At the outset of this quarter, India and the European Union inked a Free Trade Agreement. This agreement mirrors the luminous pathways ahead and the promising future awaiting Indian youth," the Prime Minister articulated.
Significance of the Free Trade Agreement
Elaborating on the importance of the India–EU FTA, PM Modi labeled it as "Free Trade for Ambitious India, for Aspirational Youth, and for Aatmanirbhar India." He conveyed unwavering confidence that Indian manufacturers would leverage this pact to bolster their capabilities and competitiveness. "This Free Trade for Ambitious India, Free Trade for Aspirational Youth, Free Trade for Aatmanirbhar India. I am confident that, particularly the manufacturers of India, will seize this opportunity to enhance their capacities. I am profoundly assured that this marks a significant stride toward a confident, competitive, and productive India," he affirmed.
Upcoming Budget and Reform-Driven Approach
The Prime Minister indicated that the forthcoming Union Budget would embody the government's reform-oriented strategy, spotlighting its dedication to "reform, perform and transform." "It is natural for the nation's focus to be directed toward the Budget. However, this Government's hallmark has been reform, perform, and transform. Presently, we have rapidly embarked on the 'Reform Express.' I extend gratitude to all Members of Parliament for their constructive contributions in accelerating this 'Reform Express.' Consequently, the 'Reform Express' is gathering momentum," Modi stated.
Human-Centric Governance Amid Technological Advancements
PM Modi stressed that governmental decisions would persist in being human-centric, even as India adopts technology to address longstanding issues and pursue enduring solutions. "The nation is emerging from protracted challenges and confidently treading the path of long-term resolutions... In all our determinations, the country's advancement is our objective. Yet, all our decisions are human-centric; our roles and schemes are human-centric. We will engage with technology, we will adapt to technology, we will acknowledge technology's capabilities. However, alongside this, we will not compromise the human-centric framework. Recognizing the importance of sensitivity, we will progress in partnership with technology," he elaborated.
Viksit Bharat Vision and Historic Budget Presentation
Reflecting on the passage of one-fourth of the 21st century, the Prime Minister remarked that the ensuing 25 years would be pivotal in realizing the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He also commended Nirmala Sitharaman, who is poised to present the Budget. "One-quarter of the 21st century has elapsed. This marks the inception of the next quarter. To achieve the aspiration of Viksit Bharat 2047, the crucial phase of these 25 years has commenced. The inaugural Budget of this second quarter of the century is on the verge of being presented. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is the nation's first Finance Minister, the first woman Finance Minister, who is delivering the Budget in Parliament for the ninth consecutive time. This is recorded as a moment of pride in the country's Parliamentary history," Modi proclaimed.
