.
New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the “historic” free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union in Delhi a day before is a “global gamechanger” and will open countless opportunities for lakhs of Indian youths.Addressing a gathering at the annual National Cadet Corps PM Rally at Delhi Cantt here, the PM said the entire world is looking at India’s youth with a “lot of trust” and the reason behind that trust is “skill and ‘sanskar’ (culture)”. He underlined that this agreement with 27 countries will benefit Indian startups by easing access to funding and innovation ecosystems, while also boosting India’s creative economy in film, gaming, fashion, digital content, music, and design. He stated that the deal will create new opportunities for Indian youth in research, education, IT, and professional services.Modi underscored it will accelerate the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign and strengthen the resolve of “Make in India, Make for the World”. He explained that under this agreement, tariffs on more than 99% of India’s exports will either be zero or very low, benefiting industries such as textiles, leather, gems and jewellery, footwear, engineering goods, and MSMEs. He said the deal will also bring more investment into India, leading to new engineering, electronics, chemical, pharma, and other manufacturing plants, while creating assured markets for agriculture, food processing, and fisheries, which will be a major opportunity for farmers, fishermen, and rural youth. He said this FTA directly connects India’s youth to Europe’s job market, creating opportunities especially in engineering, green technology, design, logistics, and advanced manufacturing, meaning new avenues are opening for Indian youth across 27 countries.“Before this (EU FTA), India has done FTAs with Oman, New Zealand, Britain, the UAE, Australia, and countries like Mauritius…I had addressed from the Red Fort that ‘Yahi samay hai, sahi samay hai’ (this is the time, this is the right time). For the country’s youth, it is a time for maximum opportunities,” Modi said, adding, “this is not just a trade agreement. This is a new blueprint for shared prosperity”.Modi also “noted with grief that the day also brought great sorrow due to the tragic plane crash in Maharashtra this morning, which claimed the lives of Deputy CM,Shri Ajit Pawar ji and some colleagues.” He highlighted that “Ajit Dada made a significant contribution to the development of Maharashtra and the nation, especially by working to improve village life, and expressed condolences to Shri Ajit Pawar ji’s family.” He stated that in this moment of pain, the nation stands with the families of those lost in the accident.Lauding the impressive tableau on Op Sindoor, Modi appreciated the efforts of NCC cadets during that critical moment for national security. He noted their contributions in supporting the armed forces, organising blood donation camps, and providing first-aid services.Emphasising that Op Sindoor reaffirmed India’s strength and the valour of its armed forces, Modi said it also demonstrated the advancement of indigenous weapons. He stressed that in modern warfare, the role of youth skills has increased significantly, as battles are now fought not only with tanks and guns but also in code and cloud. He warned that nations lagging in technology are weak not only in economy but also in security, and stressed that innovation by youth strengthens patriotism and contributes to national security.Modi called for a new tradition in the country, proposing that NCC, NSS, and My Young India organisation hold a grand event every Jan 25 to honour first-time voters, expressing confidence that this effort will strengthen the sense of responsibility among youth and reinforce democracy. Go to Source
