As the Indian Parliament prepares for the Budget Session, President Draupadi Murmu delivered a clear message. India is betting on reforms, resilience and global integration at a time of rising protectionism and geopolitical uncertainty.
Addressing a joint sitting of Parliament on Wednesday, the President outlined the government’s economic and policy priorities. Her speech also served as a de facto report card ahead of the Economic Survey.
At the core of her address was India’s push into new-age technology, manufacturing and job creation. She highlighted recent free trade agreements as key tools to plug India more deeply into global value chains.
The India-EU free trade agreement featured prominently. India announced the conclusion of talks for the long-awaited deal on Tuesday. The agreement is significant because the European Union is India’s second-largest trading partner. Bilateral trade stood at $136.54 billion in FY25.
President Murmu said such trade agreements would give fresh momentum to manufacturing and services. She said they would also create new employment opportunities for the youth.
Open trade amid global uncertainty
Against the backdrop of prohibitory tariffs imposed by the United States, the President said India’s approach reflects its commitment to open trade and long-term growth.
She said that even amid shifting geopolitical equations, India continues to move forward with confidence, policy stability and structural reforms.
She described the NDA government’s approach as a “Reform Express”. She said initiatives ranging from local manufacturing to deep technology adoption were reshaping India’s growth trajectory.
India’s growing role in emerging technologies also featured in the address. The President referred to the AI Summit being organised by India and plans to host a global AI impact summit.
She also flagged concerns around deepfake technology. She called for collective responsibility to address risks to democracy, social harmony and public trust in the digital space.
Maoist influence shrinks sharply
On internal security, the President said Maoist influence has reduced significantly.
She said affected districts have fallen from 126 to just eight. Only three districts now remain severely impacted. More than 2,000 people linked to Maoist groups have surrendered.
She cited visible changes in regions such as Bastar. Tribal youth are increasingly engaging in sports and constructive activities, including the Bastar Olympics. Livelihood initiatives for former cadres were also highlighted.
Household finances and labour reforms
The President said economic reforms and welfare measures have strengthened household finances.
She noted that GST registrations of two-wheelers have crossed two crore. Income up to ₹12 lakh has been made tax-free. She said schemes such as Jan Dhan, Mudra and social security initiatives have widened access to finance.
She also highlighted the expansion of direct benefit transfers. Benefits worth over ₹6.75 trillion were transferred directly to beneficiaries in the past year alone.
Labour reforms were another focus area. The President highlighted the consolidation of laws into four labour codes. She said the reforms aim to protect workers while improving compliance, fair wages and opportunities for women and youth.
Energy transition and industrial push
On energy, the President described nuclear power as a vital part of India’s future energy mix. She called the target of 100 GW by 2047 a historic reform.
She also highlighted progress in renewables. Over two million rooftop solar installations have been completed under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. India is also moving toward its 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity goal.
Industrial growth under production-linked incentive schemes featured prominently. The President cited semiconductor units in Assam, infrastructure expansion, and new opportunities in Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura.
She also referred to Mission Sudarshan Chakra and record growth in electronics manufacturing. Defence production has crossed ₹1.5 trillion. Defence exports are rising. India’s push for self-reliance in critical minerals and shipping was also highlighted.
India as a global bridge
Stressing India’s global role, the President said the country has amplified the voice of the Global South.
She said India is positioning itself as a bridge between developed and developing economies amid rising global fragmentation.
“India has forged new partnerships and reinforced long-standing relationships across regions such as Africa and Latin America,” she said. She also highlighted India’s growing presence in platforms such as BIMSTEC, the G20, BRICS and the SCO.
In complex global circumstances, she said India plays a bridging role in the international system. Even nations in conflict repose trust in India on important issues, she added.
She stressed India’s balanced and independent foreign policy. She said the country prioritises impartiality and humanitarian considerations while remaining guided by the principle of “India First”.
A decade of development
The past decade has been a cornerstone of India’s development journey, the President said.
She said around 250 million citizens have emerged out of poverty over the last 10 years. Around 40 million permanent houses have been built for the poor. Beneficiaries were given possession of 3.2 million houses last year alone.
As Parliament debates the Budget and the Economic Survey, the President’s address set the direction. Reform remains the anchor. Growth, the goal. And resilience, the strategy.
