Speaking about the finalisation of the India-UK free trade agreement, Modi said it is a historic day as this pact between two big and open market economies will mark a new chapter in the development of the two countries.
“This will boost economic activity in India and will open new ways and opportunities for Indian businesses and MSMEs,” Modi said.
The prime minister said India is not only carrying out reforms, but by actively engaging with the world, it is also making itself a vibrant trade and commerce hub.
“For taking big decisions and achieving objectives, it is important to give primacy to national interest and believe in the capability of the country,” he said.
“For decades, a counterstream prevailed in the country. There was a time when, before taking a big decision, it was thought, ‘what would the world think? Will we get votes or not?’ And decisions and big reforms languished due to such reasons,” Modi said.
He said the country does not move forward like this and it advances when the basis of decisions is ‘Nation First’.
In the last decade, India has moved forward with this mantra, and the results are there for all to see, he said.
“Our government has taken decisions which had been languishing and did not see the light of day due to a lack of political willpower,” he said.
Modi said direct benefit transfer weeded out 10 crore fake beneficiaries, saving Rs 3.5 lakh crore.
