How real is the threat of war with Pakistan? PM Modi replied by saying- We are ready all the time (file photo)
Digital Desk, New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India was able to negotiate strongly in trade talks because of its strength in manufacturing, services sector and MSMEs. Regarding the ongoing negotiations on Free Trade Agreements (FTA), he said that political stability and political forecasts have restored investor confidence in India.
He described the global trade agreements signed during his tenure as the foundation of a developed India and asked the private sector to move more aggressively and boldly. It is noteworthy that India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a group of six countries in West Asia, have already signed the terms of reference to formally start negotiations on a free trade agreement.
Agreement signed with 38 countries
While the government has finalized nine trade agreements covering 38 developed countries in the last few years, the Prime Minister in a written interview criticized the "economic mismanagement" of the UPA-era, saying India had failed to negotiate with confidence at that time.
During UPA rule, talks used to start and then break down. Despite long talks, nothing significant came to fruition. “We now have FTAs with 38 partner countries, which is a huge milestone in India's trade history,” he said. A special feature of these trade agreements is that they are spread across several continents and include countries with different economic strengths. There is a new confidence in our country. Our national character has come to the fore even in times of various challenges and we are a shining ray of hope even in difficult global circumstances.
He said the next step towards a developed India by 2047 will depend on how boldly Indian companies invest in innovation, build long-term capacity and establish themselves as globally competitive, technologically credible and socially responsible engines of growth.
PM Modi stated priority
The Prime Minister appealed to the progressive private sector to invest more rapidly in R&D, adopt latest technology, strengthen supply chain capabilities and compete on the basis of quality and productivity rather than secure profits.
He said that the NDA government is committed to reforms, which it has truly demonstrated. The common people are benefiting a lot from his government's "Reform Express". His top three priorities for the next three decades will be continued structural reforms, increased innovation and greater ease of governance.
Modi also said that by nature he is never satisfied because he believes that public life requires a kind of creative restlessness, a constant desire to do more, to improve faster and to serve better.
Describing productive spending as the hallmark of his government, the Prime Minister said that the recently presented Union Budget deliberately avoided short-term populist announcements. Instead, record capital allocations were made to infrastructure to promote jobs and sustainable growth.
'Removed the shortcomings of previous governments'
Modi said his government has used its tenure to plug structural gaps left by previous governments, undertake major reforms and lay the foundation of a developed India. This budget represents the next level in that journey. It reflects the style and priorities of the government.
He said, "None of our budgets have been prepared with the view of creating a common ledger account... If one looks closely at my approach in the last 25 years, it becomes clear that our work is not done in a piecemeal manner."
Modi said there is a grand strategy, action plan and an effective implementation, which reflects the entire country's vision, continuity of purpose and a long-term vision, which is gradually progressing year after year. This is not a 'now or never' moment born out of compulsion. This is a 'we are ready' moment born of preparation and inspiration.
This budget reflects this desire to become a developed country. Citing new incentives in the budget to boost investment in data centres, Modi also pitched India as a global hub for digital infrastructure and AI. He said the country is ready to host the world's data and lead the next wave of technological revolution.
Modi said that women will play the most important role in making a developed India and the government's initiatives will strengthen them. It is a matter of pride that in the last few years, Indian women have been progressing in different fields of science and technology. Be it space or start-up.
PM Modi's statement on Operation Sindoor
He said that every decision of his government is for the welfare of women and the new initiative of creating STEM hostels for girls in every district can significantly increase education and innovation among women.
The decision to train 1.5 lakh caregivers next year and increase institutes for allied health professionals will increase employment for women. On increase in defense budget and military modernisation, Modi said the benefits of a decade of defense reforms were clearly visible during 'Operation Sindoor' and said India has to be prepared at all times to deal with security challenges.
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