New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told members of Parliament from the National Democratic Alliance that the Union Budget 2026 has been crafted with a long-term outlook for the next 25 years, and asked them to clearly communicate its objectives and benefits to people across the country.

Addressing the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting, the Prime Minister also spoke about the evolving political landscape, noting that a growing number of regional and smaller political parties are aligning with the NDA. He said that more than half of such parties have now come together with the alliance, reflecting the wide acceptance of the NDA’s political vision both domestically and internationally.

Referring to recent trade developments, Modi said that the newly concluded trade arrangements would bring significant advantages to India in the coming years.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, briefing reporters after the meeting, said there was visible enthusiasm among MPs over the conclusion of several major trade agreements under Modi’s leadership. He said that nine trade deals, including free trade agreements, the India–European Union FTA, and a trade agreement with the United States, were finalised on Monday.

Rijiju said MPs also welcomed newly appointed BJP president Nitin Nabin during the meeting. “There is widespread excitement across the country over these historic trade agreements. FTAs have now been signed with 39 countries, most of them developed economies, which is an unprecedented achievement,” he said, adding that Prime Minister Modi was felicitated by NDA MPs for these milestones.

The developments follow an announcement by US President Donald Trump, who revealed a trade agreement with India on Monday (local time), months after the United States imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods in August 2025. Trump had earlier announced a 50 per cent duty on Indian exports, including an additional levy linked to India’s purchase of Russian crude oil.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said that the US and India had agreed to lower reciprocal tariffs, reducing duties on Indian exports to 18 per cent. He also stated that India would move towards eliminating tariffs and non-tariff barriers on American goods and significantly expand purchases of US energy, technology, agricultural products, coal and other commodities.

Soon after, Prime Minister Modi confirmed the development on X, saying he had a productive conversation with President Trump and welcomed the reduction in tariffs on Indian products.

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“Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now face a reduced tariff of 18 per cent. On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I thank President Trump for this announcement,” Modi wrote.