President Droupadi Murmu Highlights India–EU FTA and India's Global Role in Parliament Address
In a significant address to the joint sitting of Parliament, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized India's growing economic prowess and strategic positioning in a shifting world order. She announced the conclusion of negotiations for a free trade agreement with the European Union, framing it as a major breakthrough for the nation's manufacturing and service sectors.
Economic Breakthrough and Global Positioning
President Murmu congratulated citizens on the India–EU FTA, stating it would create new employment opportunities for the youth and boost India's emergence as a global economic force despite ongoing global crises. She described the world as passing through a phase of complexities, with long-standing global equations changing and conflicts straining stability.
Against this backdrop, Murmu projected India as a stabilising force, asserting that India is playing the role of a bridge in the world. She noted that even nations engaged in conflict express trust in India on important issues, highlighting India's diplomatic approach that prioritizes balance, impartiality, and humanitarian considerations while remaining firm on the 'India First' principle.
National Security and Operation Sindoor
National security formed a central part of the address, with President Murmu referencing Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of the Indian Defence Forces' valour. She stated that India destroyed terrorist base camps using its own resources, sending a strong message that any terrorist attack on India will receive a firm and decisive response.
Murmu also linked the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty to India's fight against terrorism and mentioned Mission Sudarshan Chakra to strengthen defence systems. On Left-wing extremism, she reported a sharp reduction in Maoist influence, with the challenge now limited to just eight districts from 126, and nearly two thousand individuals surrendering in the past year.
Social Welfare and Women's Empowerment
Framing the government's record through the lens of social justice, President Murmu claimed that 25 crore citizens have overcome poverty in the last decade, citing interventions like housing, drinking water, LPG connections, and direct benefit transfers. She highlighted:
- Over four crore pucca houses built for the poor.
- 12.5 crore new households receiving tap water under Jal Jeevan Mission.
- More than 10 crore households getting LPG connections under Ujjwala.
- Benefits worth over 6.75 lakh crore rupees provided through Direct Benefit Transfer in the last year.
On health, she noted more than 11 crore free medical treatments under Ayushman Bharat and India being declared free of trachoma by the WHO. Women's empowerment was described as central, with 10 crore women linked to Self-Help Groups and initiatives like Namo Drone Didi and health check-ups for seven crore women.
Economic Reforms and Job Creation
President Murmu described India as the fastest-growing major economy with controlled inflation. Apart from the EU FTA, she referenced GST and income tax reforms, including a historic decision to exempt income up to 12 lakh rupees from taxation. She highlighted:
- Production-linked incentives attracting about two lakh crore rupees in investment.
- Electronics production growing sixfold.
- Nearly two lakh startups creating over 25 lakh new jobs in electronics manufacturing over 11 years.
She also emphasized skilling in semiconductors and AI, and announced India will host a Global AI Impact Summit to address technological challenges.
Cultural and Political Signaling
Murmu opened her speech with cultural references, invoking figures like Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and Birsa Munda, which resonate in poll-bound states. She quoted Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar and Kerala reformer Sree Narayana Guru, ahead of elections in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Assam and the Northeast were highlighted, with Murmu mentioning a semiconductor chip manufactured in Assam and infrastructure developments like the State Cancer Institute in Itanagar. She also discussed the Viksit Bharat-GRAMG Act for rural employment, which drew protests from the Opposition but is pitched as a next-generation safety net.
Call for Unity and Vision for 2047
Closing on a political note, President Murmu urged Members of Parliament to take a unified stand on issues of national interest, such as security and the resolve for Viksit Bharat. She expressed confidence that Parliament, government, and citizens together would fulfil the goal of a developed India by 2047.
