New Delhi, Jan 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday described India’s strong growth trajectory as “very positive” and called a self-confident India “a ray of hope for the world today,” ahead of the 2026 Budget Session.
Addressing the media, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s emergence as a global centre of attention. He pointed to the recently signed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a reflection of the “bright future of Indian youth and promising directions ahead.”
“This quarter has begun on a very positive note. A self-confident India has become a ray of hope for the world. It has also become a centre of attraction. At the beginning of this quarter, India and the EU signed a Free Trade Agreement. It reflects the bright future ahead, especially for our youth,” he said.
PM Modi emphasised the significance of the FTA, calling it “Free Trade for Ambitious India, for Aspirational Youth, and for Aatmanirbhar India.” He expressed confidence that Indian manufacturers would leverage the agreement to enhance their capabilities, calling it a major step toward a confident, competitive, and productive India.
On the Union Budget, the Prime Minister said it would reflect the government’s reform agenda. “The identity of this government has been reform, perform, and transform. We have swiftly taken off on the ‘Reform Express,’ and I thank all MPs for contributing to its momentum. The Reform Express is gaining speed,” he said.
He added that government decisions would remain human-centric, even as technology is integrated into systems. “The country is moving from long-standing challenges toward long-term solutions. Our progress is human-centric, sensitive to citizens’ needs, and in partnership with technology, not at the cost of human welfare,” PM Modi said.
Reflecting on the first quarter of the 21st century, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the next 25 years for achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. He also lauded Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who is presenting the first budget of this second quarter of the century.
“One-fourth of the 21st century has passed. The next 25 years are crucial for achieving Viksit Bharat 2047. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the first woman FM to present the Budget nine times consecutively, is doing so again—a proud moment in India’s parliamentary history,” he said.
