FTA With EU To Boost Jobs, Says Prez Murmu While Addressing Joint Sitting As Budget Session 2026 Begins
Addressing Parliament, President Droupadi Murmu said the government remains committed to social justice, has expanded social security to 95 crore people, and curbed corruption.
Published : January 28, 2026 at 11:32 AM IST
|Updated : January 28, 2026 at 12:07 PM IST
New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday addressed the joint sitting of Parliament at the start of the Union Budget Session 2026, outlining the government's priorities on social justice, welfare, reforms, national security, and India's future goals.
The President was welcomed in the Parliament premises by Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and an official carrying the 'Sengol', adopted as a cultural symbol by the government. She arrived in Parliament in a six-horse-driven ceremonial buggy and was escorted by the horse-mounted presidential bodyguard.
She was given a guard of honour in the lawns of the Parliament building and was escorted to the Lok Sabha chamber by Radhakrishnan, PM Modi, Birla and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
In her address, President Murmu said social security benefits are now reaching nearly 95 crore citizens across the country. She added that the government has taken strong steps to tackle corruption and scams, ensuring better and more transparent use of public funds.
She said that the central government is becoming successful in building a system free from corruption and scams. “My government is becoming successful in building a system free from corruption and scams. As a result, every single rupee of the taxpayers is being spent on the development and welfare of the country. Today, India is making unprecedented investments in modern infrastructure. India’s rapid progress across land, sea, and air is now a topic of global discussion,” she said.
Speaking on economic growth, she said a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) will boost the service and manufacturing sectors and create employment opportunities for youth. On foreign policy, she said India believes global politics should aim at serving humanity.
“As a result of the policies of my government, the income of citizens has increased, their savings have grown, and their purchasing power has also improved. I congratulate all citizens on the conclusion of negotiations for a free trade agreement with the European Union. It will give impetus to the manufacturing and service sectors in India and also create new employment opportunities for the youth of India,” Murmu said.
President Murmu said that over the past 11 years, the economic foundation of the country has grown significantly stronger. Despite various global crises, India has remained the fastest-growing major economy in the world. India has further improved its record in keeping inflation under control. It is directly benefiting the poor and middle-class families of the country.
Recalling that the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana was launched during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Murmu said, “During the last one year, India has added approximately 18 thousand kilometres of new rural roads. Now, almost the entire rural population of India is connected by road. The Indian Railways, serving the poor and middle class, is rapidly moving towards achieving the target of 100 per cent electrification,” she said.
“Just a few days ago, a new generation of Vande Bharat trains was inducted. Introduction of Vande Bharat sleeper trains between Bengal and Assam is a new achievement in the progress of Railways in India,” Murmu said.
Stating that citizens are also proud of India’s metro network, Murmu said, “In 2025, India’s total metro network has crossed the historic mark of one thousand kilometres. Now India has the third-largest metro network in the world. My government has also undertaken several steps for the development of inland waterways. Earlier, India had only five national waterways, which have now crossed the mark of 100. With this, states in Eastern India, including Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, and Bihar, are emerging as logistics hubs,” the President said.
Highlighting reforms, the President said old rules are being changed to meet future needs and that the government is movin forward on the path of a "Reform Express." She added that special focus is being given to the development of eastern India and the welfare of backward communities.
She also said that women are being empowered through various government welfare schemes. However, opposition members raised slogans when she referred to the VB-G RAM G Act, demanding its rollback.
“As a result of this, 25 crore citizens have overcome poverty during the last decade. During the third term of my government, the campaign to empower the poor has moved forward with greater momentum. During the last decade, four crore pucca houses have been built for the poor. Possession of 32 lakh new houses has been given to the poor during the last year,” she said.
Murmu said that during the five years of Jal Jeevan Mission, 12.5 crore new households have been provided with piped water. During the last year, tap water connections have reached about one crore new households.
“Through the Ujjwala Yojana, till date, more than 10 crore households have been provided with LPG connections, and this campaign has progressed at a rapid pace during the last year. Cruise tourism is leading to an increase in tourism in the areas near rivers and coasts, thereby strengthening the local economies,” said Murmu.
She also warned that deepfakes, misinformation, and fake content pose serious threats to democracy and social harmony. Stating that one thousand ITIs are being made future-ready for upgrading the ITI network in the country, President Murmu said, “On this account, 60 thousand crore rupees are being spent under the PM Setu Scheme. My government is preparing an industry-ready workforce for modern technology. So far, 60 thousand youth have been trained for the semiconductor industry. 10 lakh youth are being trained in the field of Artificial Intelligence.”
On national security, she said Operation Sindoor showcased India's valour and sent a clear message that any terror attack would be met with firm and decisive action. "India has proved that power can be used with responsibility and prudence. The world has witnessed the valour and prowess of the Indian Defence Forces during Operation Sindoor. Using its own resources, our country destroyed the base camps of terrorists. My government sent a strong message that any terrorist attack on India will receive a firm and decisive response," Murmu said
She said that the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty is also a part of India’s fight against terrorism.
“Mission Sudarshan Chakra is in progress to further strengthen the nation’s defence systems.
Referring to the Maoist issue, Murmu said that in line with the policy of the government, security forces have also acted decisively against Maoist terror.
“For years, there has been an atmosphere of insecurity, fear and distrust in 126 districts of the country. Maoist ideology pushed the future of many generations into darkness. Our youth, tribals and Dalit brothers and sisters were among the most affected. Today, the challenge of Maoist terror has been reduced to just eight districts from 126 districts. Out of these, only three districts remain the most-affected. During the last year, nearly two thousand individuals associated with Maoism have surrendered. This has brought back peace to the lives of lakhs of citizens,” she said.
Murmu said that the whole country is witnessing a transformation of the areas affected by Maoism. “When a bus reached the village of Bijapur after 25 years, villagers celebrated it as a festival. Youth are participating enthusiastically in the Bastar Olympics. People who have laid down arms are now serving in the Pandum Cafe at Jagdalpur,” Murmu highlighted.
Highlighting India's space ambitions, President Murmu said astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's visit to the International Space Station was the beginning of a historic journey. "Subhanshu Shukla reaching the International Space Station (ISS) is the beginning of a historic journey. In the coming years, India is moving towards building its own space station," She said.
"The nation is working enthusiastically on the Gaganyaan mission," the president said, amid the thumping of desks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders present in the Lok Sabha chamber.
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