Speaking to Parliament during the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described a vision of a "Developed India" that is not waiting for global approval but is setting the global agenda. A Beacon for the Global South. PM Modi emphasized that India has become not only a partner but a guiding light in a rapidly changing world order.
"The world is discussing the Global South, and India is its most powerful voice on the international stage," the Prime Minister stated. India's ability to balance high growth with low inflation a rare combination in the current global climate—has made it a "ray of hope" for developing countries.
The 9 Historic Trade Deals
The Prime Minister spoke at length about India’s recent series of "future-ready" trade agreements. In recent years, the government has completed nine major trade agreements, indicating a shift towards aggressive bilateralism. The India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is the highlight of these agreements, finalized in late January 2026. Dubbed the "mother of all deals," it opens up a market of about 2 billion people and is expected to double Indian exports to the EU by 2032.
Additionally, the recent India-US trade deal where U.S. reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods were reduced to 18%—was celebrated as a breakthrough and will usher in a new era for integrating Indian MSMEs into global supply chains.
Highlights of Key Recent Trade Milestones:
- India–EU FTA: Near-total elimination of tariffs on textiles, leather, and electronics.
- India–US Trade Deal: A renewal of bilateral relations including a $500 billion trading target.
- India–UK CETA – Strategic access to the British market for services and professionals.
- Global South Outreach: Expansion into Africa and Southeast Asia.
The ‘Reform Express’.
Criticizing the opposition, PM Modi said India is on the "Reform Express," with no end in sight. "While past governments were plagued by policy paralysis, his administration is focused on "correcting past mistakes" and creating an even larger "talent pool of youth" ready to take on the challenges of leading the second quarter of this century. "The world is moving to a new global order at an unprecedented pace," the PM concluded. "India is not just observing, we are leading."
