New Delhi witnessed a momentous address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday as he spoke to the National Cadet Corps (NCC) rally, showering praise on the newly inked Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU). Labeling it the ‘Mother of All Deals,’ PM Modi underscored its transformative potential for India’s youth, positioning it as a cornerstone for the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for the World’ initiatives.
In his rallying speech, the Prime Minister highlighted the global acclaim surrounding this pact. ‘The world is hailing this EU agreement as the Mother of All Deals and a true game-changer,’ he declared. Representing a quarter of global GDP and a third of world trade, this deal opens doors to unprecedented opportunities. Modi recalled India’s recent FTAs with Oman, New Zealand, the UK, UAE, Australia, and Mauritius, all crafted to unlock millions of jobs for the nation’s young talent.
Delving deeper, PM Modi emphasized the agreement’s reach across 27 European nations, promising a boon for Indian startups. Enhanced funding access and ecosystem integration will propel innovation in creative sectors like films, gaming, fashion, digital content, music, and design. Beyond creativity, avenues in research, education, IT, and professional services will flourish, empowering the next generation.
The deal’s breadth is staggering, accelerating Atmanirbhar Bharat while slashing tariffs on over 99% of India’s exports to near zero. Sectors such as textiles, leather, jewelry, footwear, and engineering goods stand to gain immensely, alongside MSMEs. Artisans, weavers, and small entrepreneurs now have direct entry to Europe’s vast markets.
Investment inflows are set to surge, spurring new plants in engineering, electronics, chemicals, pharma, and manufacturing. Agriculture, food processing, and fisheries will benefit from assured markets, creating opportunities for farmers, fishermen, and rural youth. Crucially, this FTA bridges Indian talent directly to Europe’s job markets across 27 countries, heralding a new era of global ambition.