Budget session: India is emerging as a ray of hope for the world, says PM Modi

Urging parliamentarians during the Budget session to send a message of “strength, commitment to democracy, and respect for decisions taken through democratic processes” on the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (January 29, 2026) said India is emerging as a ray of hope for the world. The current time, Mr. Modi said, was not for obstruction but one of resolve.

In his customary remarks ahead of the Budget session, the PM asserted that India was moving rapidly on the “reform express”, and thanked parliamentarians for contributing their positive energies to the unveiling of reforms.

Parliament Budget session 2026 LIVE – January 29, 2026

“In this temple of democracy, India has the opportunity to send a message of strength, commitment to democracy, and respect for decisions taken through democratic processes — messages welcomed and accepted globally,” he said.

The Budget session of Parliament marked the culmination of the first quarter of the 21st century, and the beginning of the next quarter, Mr. Modi said.

“The year has begun on a very positive note, with a confident India emerging as a ray of hope and a centre of attraction for the world,” he said, referring to the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union announced this week. The FTA at the start of this quarter reflected the bright future of India’s youth and the promising directions ahead, Mr. Modi said.

The “mother of all deals” with the European Union had opened up a vast market, and Indian goods would reach there at lower costs, he said, asking industry leaders and manufacturers to guard against complacency, and instead focus on quality.

Entering this open market with the best quality products would not only earn profits from buyers across 27 EU countries, but also win their hearts, creating a long-lasting impact for decades, the PM said.

While India will compete with technology, absorb it, and accept its strengths, the government would never compromise on human-centric systems, he added.

Referring to President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on Wednesday (January 28, 2026), he said it was an expression of the confidence of 140 crore citizens, and outlined the aspirations of the youth.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is going to table her ninth consecutive Budget on Sunday (February 1, 2026), Mr. Modi said, adding that she is the only woman Finance Minister in the country to achieve such a significant feat.

“This is a very glorious chapter of Indian democracy,” the PM said.