NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that India has officially emerged as the “strong, credible voice of the Global South,” using a high-stakes reply to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address to outline a bold new era of Indian economic and diplomatic dominance.
The Trade Tsunami
The Prime Minister emphasized that while the world’s richest nations are aging, India’s youthful demographic is driving a “future-ready” trade strategy. He cited nine major recent trade agreements as proof of India’s rising status, specifically highlighting:
-
The EU-India Free Trade Agreement: Labeled by Modi as the “mother of all trade deals,” involving 27 nations.
-
The India-U.S. Trade Pact: A deal he claims has instilled “global confidence” and “stability” in the world economy.
“The world used to look at us with skepticism; today, the world is leaning toward India,” Modi stated. “We are signing deals that previous governments couldn’t even dream of.”
A Decisive ‘Second Quarter’
Modi compared the current period to the decisive second quarter of the 20th century (the freedom struggle), stating that the second quarter of the 21st century (2025–2050) will be the era where India transforms into a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). He cited high growth coupled with uniquely low inflation as the “resilience” that has propelled India from the “fragile five” to the brink of becoming the world’s third-largest economy.
Political Friction and Domestic Reform
The speech was not without domestic barbs. As Opposition MPs staged a walkout over a standoff regarding the Leader of the Opposition’s speaking rights, Modi accused the Congress party of viewing India’s population as a “liability” rather than a strength. He touted the success of the MUDRA scheme—disbursing over ₹30 lakh crore in collateral-free loans—and the transformation of 10 crore women into “Lakhpati Didis” (prosperous women).
The Global South Advocacy
By positioning India as the primary advocate for developing nations, Modi is effectively “exporting” the Indian model of digital public infrastructure and inclusive growth. He concluded that India “will no longer miss the bus; it will now lead from the front,” setting a clear tone for India’s upcoming engagements in the G20 and other international forums throughout 2026.
