‘World Is Praising These Deals’: PM Modi on India’s Future-Ready Trade Push

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday framed India’s recent trade agreements as a decisive break from the past, arguing that the country is now signing “future-ready” deals that are drawing global approval and expanding opportunities for India’s youth.

Replying to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in the Rajya Sabha, Modi said India has emerged as a trusted global partner, with major economies keen to deepen trade ties. “India is signing future-ready trade deals with several countries,” he said. “In the past few days, we have had trade deals with nine big and important countries of the world. The ‘mother of all deals’ with the 27 countries of the European Union is one of them.”

Modi said these agreements—including the recent deal with the United States—were being openly welcomed worldwide. “Be it the trade deal of the European Union or the recent deal with the US, the entire world is openly praising these trade deals,” he said, adding that the EU pact boosted confidence in global stability, while the US deal signalled both stability and speed. “This is a positive sign for the world.”

The Prime Minister stressed that the gains would flow directly to India’s young population. “The recently signed trade deals will greatly benefit our youth—those from rural and urban areas, from middle-class backgrounds,” he said. “With the world market now open to them, new opportunities await. I want to assure our youth that I stand with you, shoulder to shoulder.”

Modi also took aim at the Congress, saying the government was still expending energy to undo the damage of past policies. “A significant part of our energy is being spent on correcting the mistakes of the past,” he said. “That is why we have placed strong emphasis on future-ready policies. Today, the country is being governed on the basis of policy and strategy.”

Invoking his reform agenda, Modi said global trust in India was rising under the mantra of “reform, perform, transform.” “The reality today is that the nation has boarded the Reform Express,” he said.

Placing India’s trajectory in a broader historical frame, Modi noted that the first quarter of the 21st century had ended and the next phase would be decisive, much like the second quarter of India’s freedom struggle. “The world is rapidly progressing toward a new global order,” he said, adding that there was a growing inclination toward India. “As a Vishwamitra and Vishwabandhu, India has emerged as a trusted partner for many countries.”

As Opposition members raised slogans during his speech, Modi took a veiled swipe. “Looking at the age of Kharge ji, I urge you… to let him sit and sloganeer so that he faces no discomfort,” he said.

Modi concluded by reiterating that India was moving “at a fast pace in the right direction,” with trade agreements forming a key pillar of its push toward a developed economy.

(With inputs from ANI)