- India,
- 15-Feb-2026 08:32 PM IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated that global confidence in India is at an all-time high, driven by political stability and reliable policies, while in an extensive interview with news agency PTI, the Prime Minister highlighted that India has successfully concluded Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with 38 countries, marking a significant shift from previous economic approaches. According to the Prime Minister, global investors now place greater trust in India's policies due to the presence of a stable government and a clear long-term vision for the nation's growth.
Budget as a Vision for Viksit Bharat
Discussing the Union Budget, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that it isn't merely a financial document but a reflection of the vision for a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India), while he clarified that this year's budget wasn't a decision taken out of compulsion; rather, it symbolizes the country's preparation and enthusiasm. According to the Prime Minister, the budget contains the resolve for India to become a developed nation by 2047 and demonstrates that the country is fully prepared for the next phase of development. He noted that the stable government and transparent policies have bolstered investor confidence worldwide, as they're assured that policies won't change abruptly.
FTAs with 38 Countries and MSME Empowerment
On the subject of international trade relations, the Prime Minister informed that India has entered into Free Trade Agreements with 38 countries. He stated that India's true strength lies in its strong manufacturing, service sector, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This strength provides India with the use to negotiate on equal terms with other nations. According to the Prime Minister, the primary objective of these FTAs is to open foreign markets for small traders in sectors such as textiles, leather, chemicals, handicrafts, and gems, ensuring that local products gain easy access to the global marketplace.
Criticism of UPA Economic Mismanagement
During the interview, Prime Minister Modi launched a sharp critique of the Congress-led UPA government. He stated that the UPA era was characterized by economic mismanagement, which prevented India from asserting its position effectively on the international stage, while according to the Prime Minister, trade negotiations during that period would often begin but frequently collapsed without reaching any concrete results. Reaffirming the current government's commitment, he said that economic reforms are no longer restricted to rhetoric but are visible in implementation, while he also appealed to the private sector to step forward and play a proactive role in the nation's development.
Infrastructure Investment and the Reform Express
The Prime Minister identified infrastructure development as the cornerstone of national progress. 2 lakh crore on infrastructure for 2026-27, which is approximately 5 times higher than the spending in 2013. Prime Minister Modi stated that instead of distributing populist sops, the government is investing in sectors that enhance the country's economic strength and create new employment opportunities. He described India's current progress as the 'Reform Express,' focusing on replacing obsolete rules, promoting new technology, and simplifying governmental processes.
Digital Leadership and the Future of AI
Addressing technological advancements, the Prime Minister noted that the success of UPI has made India a global leader in digital transactions. This has fundamentally transformed how the common man manages finances. On the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI), he stated that India is rapidly expanding its data center and super-computing power, while inviting the global community to shift data to India, the Prime Minister mentioned that data centers would create significant employment opportunities for the youth. He also expressed firm belief that women will play the most crucial role in building a developed India, with their progress being central to every government policy.
