NewzVille Desk
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asserted that India has to be prepared at all times to deal with security challenges. In an interview to news agency PTI, he highlighted that the benefits of a decade of defence reforms were evident during Operation Sindoor.
He stressed that India has a duty to modernise its defence sector in line with current realities as a country that is playing an increasingly important role in the world. Citing the allocation of 7.85 lakh crore rupees to the defence sector in the Union Budget 2026-27, Modi said the outlay is 15 per cent higher than the previous budget.
He further stated that it is also the biggest chunk given to any ministry or department.
Prime Minister further said that this year’s Union Budget reflects India’s yearning to become developed nation. He added that 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 space, lower the cost of building advanced facilities and position India as a globally-competitive destination for data infrastructure.
He invited the whole 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 space, lower the cost of building advanced facilities and position India as a globally-competitive destination for data infrastructure.
Modi listed three priorities for the next decade – more structural reforms, deepening innovation, and simpler governance.
He also asserted that his government’s “Reform Express” is benefitting 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 textile, leather, chemicals, handicrafts, gems and other sectors.
He stated that reform is the commitment of his government and this has been demonstrated in letter and spirit. Emphasising that private sector is critical for the next phase of economic transformation, Prime Minister requested a ‘decisive response’ from them.
He added that private sector must focus less on protecting margins and invest aggressively in R&D supply chain, and quality.
He said the next leap to Viksit Bharat will depend on bold investment by private sector in innovation, long-term capacity, and global competitiveness.
Modi said 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.
