Budget Session 2026: President’s Address Reflects Aspirations of 140 Crore Indians, Says Prime Minister
Speaking at the Parliament of India premises, the Prime Minister said the President had placed several guiding points before Members of Parliament at the very beginning of the session and the year.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the President’s address to Parliament reflected the confidence, hard work, and aspirations of 140 crore Indians, particularly the country’s youth, as he addressed the media ahead of the Budget Session of 2026.
Speaking at the Parliament of India premises, the Prime Minister said the President had placed several guiding points before Members of Parliament at the very beginning of the session and the year. He said the expectations outlined by the Head of State would be taken seriously by MPs, making the Budget Session a significant one.
Modi noted that the session marks the completion of the first quarter of the 21st century and the beginning of the second. He said the next 25 years would be decisive in achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047, and that this budget would be the first of that new phase.
He also highlighted that finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman is presenting the Union Budget for the ninth consecutive time, describing it as a notable moment in India’s parliamentary history.
India–EU free trade agreement
Referring to the recently concluded free trade agreement between India and the European Union, the prime minister said the agreement opens vast opportunities for youth, farmers, manufacturers, fishermen, and the services sector. He described it as a “free trade agreement for an ambitious India” and said it aligns with the vision of an atmanirbhar Bharat.
Modi said the agreement opens access to a large market across 27 EU countries and urged Indian manufacturers to focus on quality while expanding capacities. He cautioned industry against complacency, stressing that global competitiveness would depend on maintaining high standards. He added that Indian brands, aligned with the national brand, could build long-term global credibility through quality-led growth.
Reform, perform, transform
The prime minister said the defining identity of the present government has been “reform, perform, transform,” adding that the country is now moving rapidly on what he termed the “Reform Express.” He thanked Members of Parliament for contributing to this reform momentum.
He said the government is shifting from addressing long-pending issues to offering long-term solutions, creating predictability and strengthening global trust in India. Modi underlined that government decisions remain human-centric, even as the country adopts and competes in emerging technologies.
He added that the focus on last-mile delivery has ensured schemes reach people rather than remaining on paper, and said this approach would continue through next-generation reforms.
Democracy, demography, and solutions
Modi said India’s democracy and demography have emerged as a beacon of hope for the world. He said Parliament, as the “temple of democracy,” offers an opportunity to convey India’s commitment to democratic decision-making and institutional strength.
Calling for constructive engagement during the session, the prime minister said the present time demands solutions rather than disruptions, and empowering decisions rather than obstacles. He urged MPs to work collectively towards accelerating reforms and strengthening last-mile governance.
He concluded by extending his best wishes to all Members of Parliament for the Budget Session.
