Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asserted that India must always be prepared to address security challenges. In an interview with a news agency, Mr. Modi highlighted that the benefits of a decade of defense reforms were evident during Operation Sindoor. He emphasized that India has a duty to modernize its defense sector in line with current realities, as a country playing an increasingly important role in the world. Citing the allocation of 7.85 lakh crore rupees to the defense sector in the 2026-27 Union Budget, Mr. Modi said that the allocation is 15 per cent higher than the previous budget. He further stated that it is also the largest allocation given to any ministry or department.
Prime Minister further stated that this year's Union Budget reflects India's aspiration to become a developed nation. He added that the budget is not a "now or never" moment born out of compulsion, but a "we are ready" moment born out of preparation and inspiration. He also said that the tax incentives announced in the budget are designed to accelerate investment in this area, reduce the cost of building advanced facilities, and position India as a globally competitive destination for data infrastructure. He invited the entire world's data to reside in India. He further stated that the tax incentives announced in the budget are designed to accelerate investment in this area, reduce the cost of building advanced facilities, and position India as a globally competitive destination for data infrastructure.
Mr. Modi listed three priorities for the next decade - more structural reforms, deeper innovation, and simpler governance. He also asserted that his government's "Reform Express" is benefiting common citizens in a big way. Prime Minister further said that women will play the most important role in creating Viksit Bharat, and initiatives taken by the government will empower them. On the trade deals being done by India, Prime Minister remarked that political stability and political predictability have restored investor confidence in India. He added that stronger manufacturing, services, and MSMEs have enabled India to negotiate trade pacts from a position of strength.
He highlighted that India's Free Trade Agreements are designed to expand market access for MSMEs in the textile, leather, chemicals, handicrafts, gems, and other sectors. Mr. Modi criticized the UPA government, alleging that their economic mismanagement left India unable to negotiate from a position of confidence. He further stated that reform is the commitment of his government, and this has been demonstrated in letter and spirit. Emphasizing that the private sector is critical for the next phase of economic transformation, Prime Minister requested a "decisive response" from them. He added that the private sector must focus less on protecting margins and invest aggressively in R&D, supply chain, and quality.
He said that the next leap to Viksit Bharat will depend on bold investment by the private sector in innovation, long-term capacity, and global competitiveness. Mr. Modi said that he is never fully satisfied and believes that public life demands a certain constructive restlessness and a constant urge to do more. He however stressed that it is important to acknowledge the scale of progress achieved in the journey of Reform Express. The Prime Minister said there is always a strong desire to achieve more for the people and to take the country forward.
