Prime Minister Modi’s important statement on trade agreements, said- Political stability has enhanced the investment environment.

Updated: 15-02-2026, 06.32 PM

What is the news?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told news agency on Sunday PTI In an exclusive interview with India Today, he spoke candidly on various issues including Budget 2026 and trade agreements signed with various countries. He said political stability and political predictability have restored investor confidence in India, enabling the country to negotiate trade deals from a position of strength. Let us know what he said.

What statement did Prime Minister Modi give?

Prime Minister Modi said, “Political stability and political predictability have restored investor confidence in India and the government’s coherent policy approach has strengthened India’s position in global trade negotiations.” He further said, “India’s growing manufacturing base, expanding services sector and strong MSMEs have enabled the country to conclude free trade agreements (FTAs) with at least 38 countries.”

Prime Minister Modi told the benefits of FTA

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the country’s FTAs are aimed at increasing market access for small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), especially in sectors like textiles, leather, chemicals, handicrafts and gems and jewellery. He said these agreements aim to create new opportunities for Indian exporters and deepen India’s integration with global supply chains. This will also provide economic strength to the country.

Prime Minister Modi criticized the UPA government

Prime Minister Modi also strongly criticized the economic management of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) governments. He stressed, “India was never able to enter into trade agreements with confidence during the UPA regime. During that period, trade talks with other countries would be initiated but would later break down and no concrete results would emerge despite long drawn-out talks.”

What did Prime Minister Modi say on the budget?

Prime Minister Modi said, “The budget for the financial year 2026-27 reflects the desire to become a developed India. The government will make every possible effort to support and strengthen the country’s defense forces. It is the duty of the government to modernize the defense sector in line with the current circumstances.” He said, “Data centers will create huge employment opportunities for our youth. We invite the entire world’s data to be transferred to India.”

India signed trade agreements with these countries

Prime Minister Modi’s comments come after a series of trade agreements signed with several countries including the US and the European Union (EU). In the agreement with the US, the US tariff on Indian goods has been reduced from a punitive 50 per cent to 18 per cent. Similarly, last month India had signed FTA with EU. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had called it the mother of all trade agreements.