New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the Budget Session of 2026 signals the beginning of a crucial phase in India’s development journey, as the country enters the second quarter of the 21st century with a renewed focus on reforms, solutions and accelerated growth.
Addressing the media ahead of the session, Modi said the President’s Address reflected the confidence and aspirations of 140 crore Indians, particularly the youth, and set the tone for parliamentary deliberations this year. He noted that the Budget would be the first of the next 25 years leading up to Viksit Bharat 2047, making it a defining moment for policymaking.
Highlighting the recently concluded India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, the Prime Minister described it as the “mother of all deals”, opening vast opportunities for youth, farmers, fishermen, manufacturers and the services sector.
He said the pact with 27 EU countries would allow Indian goods to access a large market at lower costs, while urging domestic industry to avoid complacency and prioritise quality and global competitiveness.
“This is free trade for an ambitious India,” Modi said, adding that Indian brands aligned with the national brand could build long-term prestige in global markets. He expressed confidence that manufacturers would scale up capacities and leverage the agreement to strengthen India’s export footprint.
The Prime Minister reiterated that the government’s identity remains anchored in “Reform, Perform and Transform”, with India now moving rapidly on what he termed the “Reform Express”. He said long-pending problems are being replaced by long-term solutions that enhance predictability and build global trust.
Emphasising a human-centric approach to governance, Modi said India would adopt and compete in new technologies without compromising sensitivity or last-mile delivery.
He noted that even critics acknowledge improvements in implementation, with schemes increasingly reaching beneficiaries rather than remaining on paper.
Calling India’s democracy and demography a beacon of hope for the world, the Prime Minister urged Members of Parliament to focus on solutions rather than disruptions during the session.
“This is the time for empowering decisions and accelerating reforms,” he said, seeking constructive participation from all sides to advance India’s development agenda.