THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, JANUARY 29, 2026

India’s democracy and demography today stand as a powerful beacon of hope for the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday as he addressed the media ahead of the commencement of the Budget Session 2026 at the Parliament premises, underlining the nation’s growing confidence, youthful aspirations and global relevance at the start of a defining phase in its journey.

The Prime Minister said the President’s address to Parliament reflected the collective confidence of 140 crore citizens, captured the spirit of their hard work and gave a clear voice to the aspirations of India’s youth. He noted that the President had outlined several guiding points at the very outset of the session and of the year 2026, adding that such expectations, expressed in simple yet powerful terms by the Head of State, would be taken seriously by all Members of Parliament, making this Budget Session especially significant.

Modi emphasised that this session marks the completion of the first quarter of the 21st century and the beginning of the second, a moment he described as historic and decisive. He said the next 25 years would be crucial in realising the vision of a developed India by 2047, and the forthcoming budget would be the first of this new quarter, setting the direction for decades to come. He also highlighted a proud parliamentary milestone, noting that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the country’s first woman Finance Minister, would be presenting the Union Budget for the ninth consecutive time.

Describing the beginning of the year as highly positive, the Prime Minister said a confident India was emerging as a ray of hope and a centre of attraction for the world. He pointed to the conclusion of the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement at the start of this quarter as a reflection of the bright future awaiting India’s youth. Calling it free trade for an ambitious India, for aspirational youth and for an Atmanirbhar Bharat, Modi said Indian manufacturers now have access to a vast market across 27 EU nations, with Indian goods poised to reach global consumers at lower costs.

At the same time, he cautioned industry leaders against complacency, urging them to focus sharply on quality. He said entering open global markets with world-class products would not only bring profits but also win trust and goodwill, creating a lasting impact for decades. He stressed that brands aligned with the nation’s brand would gain new prestige on the global stage. According to the Prime Minister, the agreement opens unprecedented opportunities for fishermen, farmers, youth and service sector professionals eager to explore international avenues, marking a decisive step towards a confident, competitive and productive India.

Turning to the broader governance approach, Modi said that while national attention naturally centres on the Budget, the identity of his government has consistently been defined by Reform, Perform and Transform. He remarked that the country is now moving swiftly on the “Reform Express” and thanked Members of Parliament for contributing positive energy to this journey. He said India is steadily shifting from long-pending problems to long-term solutions that create predictability and strengthen global trust.

The Prime Minister reiterated that every decision taken for national progress remains human-centric. He said India would compete with technology, absorb it and harness its power, but would never compromise on systems that put people first. Even critics, he noted, acknowledge the government’s emphasis on last-mile delivery, ensuring that schemes touch lives rather than remain confined to files. This approach, he added, would continue with the next generation of reforms.

Reaffirming his central message, Modi said India’s democracy and demography today represent a great hope for the world. From the temple of democracy, he said, India has the opportunity to send a strong global message of commitment to democratic values and respect for decisions taken through democratic processes — messages that are being welcomed internationally. He stressed that the present time calls for solutions rather than disruption, and resolutions rather than obstacles, urging all Members of Parliament to work together to accelerate the era of solutions, empower decision-making and advance last-mile delivery. He concluded by extending his heartfelt thanks and best wishes to all.