NEW DELHI — In a marathon reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Thursday that the world is no longer just watching India—it is “leaning” toward it. Citing a series of “future-ready” trade deals, the Prime Minister framed 2026 as the dawn of a new global order where India serves as a pillar of economic stability.
The “Mother of All Deals”
The centerpiece of the address was India’s recent diplomatic surge in trade. “In the past few days, we have signed trade deals with nine big and important countries,” Modi stated. He specifically touted the agreement with the European Union as the “mother of all deals,” asserting that it has sent a signal of confidence to the entire world market.
He further noted that the recent India-U.S. trade deal has added “speed to stability,” opening vast new opportunities for Indian youth in both rural and urban areas.
Correcting the “Mistakes of the Past”
Modi launched a sharp critique of previous administrations, arguing that much of his government’s energy is still being spent “correcting the mistakes of the past.” He contrasted the “Fragile Five” era with today’s “Reform Express,” where India is on a fast track to becoming the world’s third-largest economy.
A “Decisive” Second Quarter
The Prime Minister compared the current phase of India’s development to the final 25 years of the freedom struggle. “The second quarter of the 21st century will be equally capable and decisive,” he told the House. He emphasized that India’s youthful demographic is its greatest strength, particularly as other major developed nations face aging populations.
Mission: Quality Without Compromise
Concluding his speech—which was marked by a walkout from the Opposition—Modi called on citizens to support a mission for “quality without compromise.” He envisioned a future where the labels “Made in India” and “Made in Bharat” are recognized globally as gold standards for excellence in everything from AI and Green Hydrogen to Space and Fintech.
