Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday framed the upcoming Union Budget as part of a longer reform journey, saying the government is focused on “Reform, Perform and Transform” as India enters the next phase of the 21st century.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament ahead of the presentation of the Economic Survey 2026, PM Modi said the government’s approach aims to address long-pending challenges through long-term, sustainable solutions, while strengthening India’s credibility on the global stage.
He linked the Budget to what he described as the aspirations of 140 crore Indians, especially the youth, and said the President’s Address to Parliament a day earlier had set the tone for lawmakers.
“The President’s Address yesterday was the expression of the trust of 140 crore Indians, an account of their capability, and a sketch of their aspirations, especially of the youth,” PM Modi said.
Budget as a marker for the next 25 years
The PM said the country has completed one-fourth of the 21st century and is now entering a crucial 25-year phase aimed at achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
“One-fourth of the 21st century has gone by. This is the beginning of the next quarter. To attain the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, an important 25-year phase has begun,” he said.
He described the forthcoming Budget as the first of this new phase and highlighted Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s role, noting that she will present the Budget for the ninth consecutive time, a first for any woman finance minister.
India-EU trade deal highlighted
The Prime Minister also pointed to the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union, calling it a sign of India’s growing global standing.
“This quarter has begun on a very positive note. A self-confident India has become a ray of hope for the world today,” PM Modi said, adding that the agreement reflects “the bright future of Indian youth and the promising directions ahead.”
He described the pact as “Free Trade for Ambitious India, Free Trade for Aspirational Youth, and Free Trade for Aatmanirbhar India,” and expressed confidence that Indian manufacturers would use the opportunity to expand their capabilities.
The India-EU agreement covers trade in goods and services across a combined market of nearly two billion people and comes amid wider global trade disruptions.
Reform agenda and human-centric governance
PM Modi said the Budget would continue to reflect the government’s reform agenda, arguing that the administration has moved steadily towards resolving long-standing issues.
“The identity of this Government has been reform, perform and transform. Now, we have swiftly taken off on ‘Reform Express’,” he said, thanking Members of Parliament for supporting reform measures.
He stressed that government policies would remain human-centric, even as technology plays a growing role in governance.
“We will adapt to technology and accept its capability, but we will not undermine a human-centric system,” he said.
Opposition voices scepticism
Not everyone shared the Prime Minister’s optimism.
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised PM Modi’s address, calling it “hypocrisy-laden” and accusing the government of sidelining parliamentary scrutiny.
“He will not convene and chair all-party meetings… He will suddenly have Bills introduced at the last minute and bulldozed through Parliament,” Ramesh said in a post on X.
What’s next
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to table the Economic Survey 26 in the Lok Sabha later today. The Survey will outline the state of the economy and provide an outlook for the next financial year.
The Budget Session, which began with President Droupadi Murmu’s address, will run for 30 sittings over 65 days, concluding on April 2, with a mid-session recess for committee scrutiny of budgetary demands.