Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared the recently finalized Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU) a "global gamechanger" that will create numerous opportunities for Indian youth. Addressing the annual National Cadet Corps (NCC) PM Rally in Delhi on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Modi highlighted the agreement's potential to benefit startups, the creative economy, research, education, and professional services. He also emphasized that the global community views India's youth with significant trust, attributing this to their skills and cultural values.
The Prime Minister described the India-EU FTA as a "historic" and "landmark" agreement, calling it "a blueprint for shared prosperity". He asserted that this is the "right time" for the nation's youth to benefit from maximum opportunities. The agreement, dubbed the "mother of all deals," aims to create a market of two billion people by lowering tariffs on nearly all Indian exports to Europe and easing duties on EU exports to India. In addition to the trade deal, a new framework for security and defense was established, along with a talent mobility pact.
Modi highlighted that the FTA is more than just a trade agreement. He noted that it would improve access to funding for Indian startups and boost India's creative economy. He also pointed out that the EU leaders were chief guests at India's Republic Day for the first time, and the India-EU Business Forum was organized on a large scale with numerous CEOs present.
The Prime Minister noted that India has also successfully secured trade agreements with countries including the UK, the UAE, Australia, Oman, New Zealand, and Mauritius. He emphasized that these pacts will generate vast opportunities for millions of young people. Modi said that the youth of the country today are committed to a nation-first mindset. He added that the NCC is a movement that makes India's youth confident, disciplined, and sensitive citizens dedicated to the nation.
The NCC PM Rally, held at the Cariappa Parade Ground, carried the theme “Rashtra Pratham — Kartavya Nishth Yuva,” celebrating duty, discipline, and national commitment. The event also marked the conclusion of the NCC Republic Day Camp 2026, which was inaugurated on January 5 by Vice President C P Radhakrishnan. Modi extended greetings to the cadets and officers from across the country, noting that the strength of the NCC has grown from 14 to over 20 lakh cadets, with increased participation from border and coastal areas and a significant rise in the participation of girl cadets this year.
