India’s Global Trade Push Signals Stability, Youth to Gain Most: PM Modi in Rajya Sabha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India’s recent trade agreements with the European Union and the United States have reassured the world that the country is emerging as a pillar of global stability. He made the remarks while replying to the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address in the Rajya Sabha.

The Prime Minister said India is entering into future-ready trade deals with major economies, earning global approval and opening new opportunities for the country’s youth. He noted that nine major trade agreements have been concluded in recent times, including what he described as the “mother of all deals” with the European Union, which involves 27 countries.

Referring to the agreements with the EU and the United States, Mr Modi said both have been widely appreciated internationally. According to him, the EU pact has strengthened global confidence in stability, while the US agreement has reinforced a sense of momentum, sending positive signals worldwide. He added that India’s youth would be the biggest beneficiaries of these deals.

Mr Modi said that in the post-COVID period, as global uncertainty increases, a new world order is taking shape and objective analysis shows a clear tilt towards India. He stressed that India has become a trusted partner to many nations and is contributing actively to global welfare. He also highlighted India’s growing role as a strong voice of the Global South on international platforms.

Referring to President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of Parliament, the Prime Minister said the past year has seen rapid progress in India’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat. He said transformation is visible across sectors and sections of society, driven by clear policy direction rather than adhoc decisions. The mantra of Reform, Perform and Transform, he added, has put the country on what he called the Reform Express.

Mr Modi outlined structural, process and policy reforms aimed at strengthening manufacturing, empowering entrepreneurs and ensuring value addition. He said India is now prepared to compete globally and that the coming years offer immense opportunities, particularly for the youth. He urged citizens and Members of Parliament to promote a culture of quality, stressing that long-term sustainability depends on high standards.

The Prime Minister said India’s growth rate among major economies remains high while inflation is low, reflecting economic resilience. Taking a swipe at the previous UPA government led by the Indian National Congress, he said the country was once labelled among the “fragile five” but is now moving towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy. He remarked that India no longer misses opportunities and is ready to lead from the front.

Mr Modi also criticised the Opposition’s conduct in the Lok Sabha, calling it an insult to the office of the President, the tribal community and the Constitution. He condemned remarks made by Rahul Gandhi against Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, describing them as an insult to the Sikh community.

The Prime Minister accused the All India Trinamool Congress-led government in West Bengal of protecting infiltrators and pressuring courts, alleging that such actions harm the rights of Indian youth.

Highlighting welfare initiatives, Mr Modi said over ₹30 lakh crore in collateral-free loans have been provided under the MUDRA scheme. He said bank NPAs, which peaked during the UPA era, have now fallen to their lowest levels and are below one percent. Under the PRAGATI platform, he added, projects worth ₹85,000 crore have been reviewed and fast-tracked.

The Opposition staged a walkout during the Prime Minister’s reply. Later, the Rajya Sabha adopted the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address by voice vote. The Lok Sabha had passed the motion earlier in the day.

Earlier in the debate, BJP MP Maya Naroliya said India is steadily moving towards the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, citing expanded healthcare through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and major support to farmers under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. MPs from the Aam Aadmi Party and the TDP also participated, with differing views on institutional functioning and economic reforms.