Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Narendra Modi said the Free Trade Agreement with the European Union reflects the aspirations of a forward-looking and ambitious India, and he encouraged domestic manufacturers to take advantage of the expanded access to European markets.
He added that the country is steadily moving beyond long-standing unresolved issues and focusing instead on durable, long-term solutions. According to him, the time now is for problem-solving rather than creating obstacles. He said his government’s work goes beyond paperwork and is focused on delivering welfare schemes effectively to people on the ground.
Modi emphasised that development initiatives are guided by a human-centric approach aimed at comprehensive national progress. Addressing the media in the Parliament complex at the start of the Budget session, he said a self-assured India has become a source of optimism for the world.
Highlighting the trade pact again, he noted that it opens fresh opportunities for Indian producers, giving them access to consumers across all 27 EU member states and creating space for quality Indian goods in those markets.
India and the EU recently concluded FTA negotiations described as a landmark arrangement, under which a large majority of Indian exports will receive duty-free access to the European bloc, while certain European products such as high-end cars and wines will become more affordable in India. Finalised after nearly two decades of talks, the agreement links two major economic regions and creates a combined market of around two billion people.
Referring to the address by President Droupadi Murmu to the joint session of Parliament, Modi said it reflected the confidence of 140 crore Indians and captured the ambitions of the country’s youth.
He also pointed out that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present her ninth consecutive Union Budget, noting that she is the only woman finance minister in India to reach this milestone. He described this as a proud and notable moment in the country’s democratic journey.
