New Delhi (Economy India): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the President’s Address to Parliament reflects the confidence, aspirations and collective resolve of 140 crore Indians, as he addressed the media ahead of the commencement of the Budget Session 2026.
Speaking in the Parliament complex, the Prime Minister described the Budget Session as historically significant, marking the transition from the first quarter to the second quarter of the 21st century. He underlined that the coming 25 years would be crucial in achieving the goal of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, and noted that this would be the first budget of the century’s second quarter.
President’s Address Mirrors National Aspirations
Prime Minister Modi said the President’s Address at the beginning of the session captured the spirit of India’s hardworking citizens, the ambitions of the youth, and the direction for the year ahead. He expressed confidence that Members of Parliament would take the guiding points highlighted by the President seriously, making the session outcome-oriented and impactful.
He also highlighted that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is presenting the Union Budget for the ninth consecutive time, calling it a proud moment in India’s parliamentary history and a reflection of institutional continuity.
India–EU FTA Opens Vast Opportunities
Referring to the recently concluded India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Prime Minister Modi said the deal signals a confident and aspirational India emerging as a global economic partner. He termed the agreement as being widely described as the “mother of all trade deals” and said it would open extensive opportunities for Indian youth, farmers, fishermen, manufacturers and service professionals.
The Prime Minister urged Indian manufacturers and industry leaders to see the agreement as a gateway to a massive market of 27 EU countries, cautioning against complacency and stressing the need to focus on quality, competitiveness and global standards.
He said that Indian products entering European markets with high quality would not only find buyers but also earn long-term trust, enhancing both corporate brands and the overall brand of India on the global stage.
Reform, Performance and Transformation at the Core
Prime Minister Modi reiterated that the defining identity of his government has been reform, performance and transformation. He noted that India has moved away from short-term fixes to long-term, predictable solutions that inspire global confidence and economic stability.
He acknowledged the role of Members of Parliament in accelerating reforms and said the country is firmly on a fast-track reform path, with next-generation reforms already taking shape.
Human-Centric Governance in the Age of Technology
Highlighting the government’s governance philosophy, the Prime Minister said India would embrace technology, compete globally and harness innovation, but without compromising on human-centric systems. He stressed that technology would be balanced with sensitivity, ensuring that governance remains inclusive and people-focused.
He pointed out that even critics acknowledge the government’s emphasis on last-mile delivery and the transformation of policies from paperwork to real impact on citizens’ lives.
Democracy and Demography: India’s Global Strength
Prime Minister Modi said India’s democracy and demographic strength have emerged as a beacon of hope for the world. He noted that the Indian Parliament, as the temple of democracy, has the opportunity to send a strong global message about democratic values, consensus-building and respect for institutions.
Calling for cooperation across political lines, he said the time is not for disruption but for solutions, not for obstacles but for decisive action.
The Prime Minister urged all MPs to work collectively to accelerate reforms, strengthen decision-making and ensure effective delivery at the grassroots level, concluding his address with greetings and best wishes for a productive Budget Session.
(Economy India)
