'India-EU Trade Deal To Fulfil Aspirations Of Atmanirbhar Bharat': PM Modi

Last Updated:January 29, 2026, 12:26 IST

PM Modi said the India-EU free trade deal reflects an “aspirational Bharat” and urged industry to focus on quality and skill upgradation as the Budget Session began.

A file photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted the India-European Union free trade agreement as a key step toward fulfilling the country’s aspirations, saying it marked the rise of an “aspirational Bharat" and would open major opportunities for industry, farmers and youth, as he addressed the start of Day 2 of the Budget Session of Parliament.

Leading with the significance of the pact, PM Modi said the year had begun on a positive note and pointed to the agreement as a boost for Atmanirbhar Bharat.

“This is free trade and aspirational Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat," he said, stressing that manufacturers in particular should use the moment to sharpen skills and upgrade quality standards.

Referring to what he described as the “mother of all deals", the Prime Minister added, “My country’s manufacturing sector and industry has got a huge market. This is an opportunity, we should focus on quality. We can win the hearts of the EU with our brand."

He underlined that fishermen, youth, farmers and the services sector would also gain from the expanded access to European markets, framing the deal as part of a broader reform-driven economic trajectory.

“This government has been on reform, perform and transform. We are on a reform express," PM Modi said, adding that long-pending problems were being taken toward “long-term solutions" through what he called “human-centric" decisions and a blend of “technology and humanity".

The Prime Minister also linked his remarks to the opening of the Budget Session, which began on January 28 with President Droupadi Murmu’s address to a joint sitting of both Houses.

Referring to her speech, PM Modi said the President had addressed “140 crore Indians" and conveyed expectations from Members of Parliament.

“I am sure that all MPs will take, and have taken, this seriously," he said, describing the ongoing sitting as an important session because it would include the presentation of the Union Budget.

Noting that one-fourth of the 21st century had already passed, PM Modi drew attention to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s forthcoming Budget presentation.

“Nirmala Sitharaman is the first woman Finance Minister who is presenting it for the ninth time. This is a moment of pride," he said.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that dissent was natural in a democracy, but said his government had kept its focus on governance delivery.

“Those who are not happy with us, it’s fine in democracy, but we have given focus on last-mile delivery," he remarked.

Calling India’s demography a “big hope for the world", the Prime Minister said the country’s progress must be anchored in solutions and resilience.

“This is not a time to cry, but to have strength," he added, appealing to lawmakers to come forward so that last-mile delivery could be achieved.

BUDGET SESSION 2026

The Budget Session will run in two phases until April 2, following a schedule announced earlier by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who said the format would allow standing committees to scrutinise demands for grants during the recess.

The Union Budget for the 2026-27 financial year is set to be presented on February 1, with the Economic Survey expected a day earlier.

Both Houses were adjourned on Wednesday afternoon and will meet again on Thursday.

During President Murmu’s address on Wednesday, MPs from the ruling National Democratic Alliance thumped their desks in appreciation, while Opposition members stood and protested, demanding that a law be withdrawn.

The first day of the session also included obituary references in both Houses to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, while the overall sitting will span 30 days over 65 calendar days before concluding on April 2.

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