Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 29 said that the Budget Session of Parliament marks an important step towards achieving the resolve of Viksit Bharat 2047 and the Centre is focused on Reform Express and moving towards long-term solutions for pending issues. He also noted that beginning the session alongside progress on the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement reflects the spirit of an “ambitious, confident and Atmanirbhar Bharat”.
Addressing mediapersons at the start of the Budget Session, PM Modi referred to the President’s address to Parliament and said, “The President’s address yesterday reflected the confidence of 140 crore Indians and their aspirations. She also expressed her expectations from parliamentarians in very simple words, sharing her feelings as the head of the nation. I am confident that all MPs will take these seriously.”
Highlighting that one-fourth of the 21st century has already passed, PM Modi said the country has now embarked on a crucial 25-year journey to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He said this period will define India’s future direction and its role in the global order.
PM Modi said that during this quarter of the 21st century, India has emerged as a “beacon of hope” and also as a “centre of attraction” for the world. He added that global attention towards India reflects growing confidence in the country’s economic and democratic strength. “At the start of this quarter, the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement offers a glimpse of how bright the future is for India and its youth. This is free trade for ambitious Bharat, confident youth and Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he said.
PM Modi added that he is confident Indian manufacturers will seize the opportunity created by the agreement to expand and strengthen their presence globally. He stressed the need to focus on quality as markets open up further. “When the mother of all deals is signed between India and Europe, our industrialists and manufacturers should not just think that ‘our items will now be traded with less tax’. This is an opportunity to emphasise quality. Now that the market is open, we should enter it with the best quality. If we go with superior quality, we will win the hearts of the 27 member states of the EU. This will have a long-term impact,” he said.