New Delhi, Jan 29 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Thursday that the Budget Session of Parliament represents a significant milestone in the journey towards realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The government is committed to the 'Reform Express' and is making strides towards enduring resolutions for long-standing issues.

He remarked that the commencement of the session, coinciding with advancements on the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement, embodies the essence of an “ambitious, confident and Atmanirbhar Bharat”.

In his address to the media at the opening of the Budget Session, the Prime Minister referenced the President’s address to Parliament, stating, “The President's address yesterday captured the confidence of 140 crore Indians and their aspirations. She conveyed her expectations from parliamentarians in straightforward terms, sharing her sentiments as the head of the nation. I trust that all MPs will take these seriously.”

Stressing that a quarter of the 21st century has already elapsed, PM Modi emphasized that the nation has embarked on a pivotal 25-year journey to fulfill the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He mentioned that this period will shape India’s future trajectory and its position in the global landscape.

Commenting on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, he noted, “She is the first Finance Minister of our nation to present the Budget in Parliament for the ninth consecutive time. This will be recorded in India’s parliamentary history as a moment of pride.”

The Prime Minister asserted that during this quarter of the century, India has become a “beacon of hope” and a “center of attraction” on the global stage. He remarked that the international focus on India signifies growing confidence in the nation’s economic and democratic resilience.

“At the outset of this quarter, the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement showcases a bright future for India and its youth. This is free trade for an ambitious Bharat, a confident youth, and an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he stated.

PM Modi expressed his belief that Indian manufacturers will capitalize on the opportunities presented by the agreement to enhance and solidify their global presence. He underscored the necessity to prioritize quality as markets expand.

“When the mother of all deals is finalized between India and Europe, our industrialists and manufacturers should not merely consider that ‘our items will now be traded with less tax’. This is an opportunity to emphasize quality. With the market now open, we should enter it with superior quality. If we present top-notch quality, we will win the admiration of the 27 member states of the EU. This will have lasting implications,” he explained.

He further noted that the agreement with 27 nations would unlock substantial opportunities for India’s farmers, youth, and professionals in the services sector eager to explore international markets. “I firmly believe this is a significant step towards a confident, competitive, and productive India,” he added.

Addressing the broader operations of the government, PM Modi remarked that while the nation's focus is understandably on the Budget, the fundamental ethos of the government remains “reform, performance, and transformation”.

“We have swiftly boarded the ‘Reform Express’. I express my gratitude to all MPs for their constructive contributions in accelerating this ‘Reform Express’. Consequently, the Reform Express is now gaining momentum,” he stated.

PM Modi mentioned that the government is steering away from long-standing issues towards implementing enduring solutions, asserting that such solutions foster predictability and bolster international trust. He stated that every decision made by the government is aimed at progress and development while remaining human-centric.

“We will adopt technology, harness it, and utilize its potential, but we will not compromise on a human-centric approach. While acknowledging the importance of constitutional values, we will advance with a thoughtful integration of technology,” he said.

He acknowledged that criticism and differing opinions are inherent in a democracy, but noted that there is widespread recognition that the government has prioritized last-mile delivery.

“It’s not merely about files being processed, but about reaching lives. This tradition will persist as we advance next-generation reforms through the Reform Express,” he stated.

Emphasizing India’s global significance, PM Modi declared that India’s democracy and demographics today present enormous hope to the world.

“In this temple of democracy, we have the opportunity to convey to the global community our capabilities, our commitment to democratic values, and the credibility of decisions made through democratic processes. The world recognizes and welcomes this,” he stated.

“Today, the nation is progressing not with delays, but with timely actions,” the Prime Minister concluded.