New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced that India has concluded a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union, describing it as a transformative pact that will unlock vast opportunities for the country’s youth and startups.

Speaking at the annual NCC rally in the national capital, the Prime Minister said the agreement has already drawn global attention and is being hailed internationally as the “mother of all deals” and a “game-changer” for the global economy.

Highlighting India’s growing engagement with the world, Modi said New Delhi has signed free trade agreements with several countries in recent years, including Oman, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Australia and Mauritius.

“All these trade agreements will generate countless opportunities for millions of young Indians,” he said, adding that the international community now views India’s youth with strong confidence due to their skills, discipline and values.

Referring specifically to the EU pact, Modi said the agreement covers trade with a bloc of 27 countries and will significantly boost Indian exports. “Under this agreement, tariffs on over 99 per cent of India’s exports will either be eliminated or brought down to very low levels,” he said.

The Prime Minister noted that the FTA would provide a major push to Indian startups by improving access to funding and strengthening links with global innovation ecosystems. He said the deal would also benefit the country’s creative economy, including sectors such as films, gaming, fashion, digital content, music and design.

“This agreement is your freedom to dream bigger,” Modi told the NCC cadets, adding that the pact would also open up fresh avenues for young Indians in areas such as research, education, information technology and professional services.

During his address, the Prime Minister also expressed grief over the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was killed in a plane crash earlier in the day.

Calling the incident deeply tragic, Modi said Pawar had played a significant role in Maharashtra’s progress and contributed meaningfully to national development. “Ajit Dada worked with great dedication and energy. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and to the families of all those who lost their lives in this accident,” he said.

Modi further described the National Cadet Corps as an important platform for nurturing young citizens while instilling pride in India’s cultural and historical legacy.

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He recalled that the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’ was celebrated with enthusiasm this year and noted that the government had earlier named 21 islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago after Param Vir Chakra awardees. “Through initiatives like these, you are carrying forward the spirit of honouring our national heroes,” he told the cadets.