Your Excellencies,

I warmly welcome you all to India. The engagement of the EU College of Commissioners with a single country on such a broad scale is unprecedented.

It's the first time that so many of my ministers have collected together for any bilateral discussions. I remember how you said that India and the EU are natural partners at the Raisina Dialogue in 2022. And that strengthening and energizing ties with India, will be a priority for the EU in the coming decade.

And now, you’re visiting India at the very beginning of your new term.This is a milestone moment for India and the EU.

Excellencies,

The world is currently undergoing unprecedented change. AI and emerging technologies are leading to socio-economic transformations.

Geo-economic and political circumstances are rapidly evolving. And old equations are breaking down. In times like these, the partnership between India and the EU becomes even more important.

A shared belief in democratic values, strategic autonomy, and rule-based global order unite India and the EU.Both countries are mega diverse market economies. In a sense, we are natural strategic partners.

Excellencies,

India and the EU have completed twenty years of strategic partnership. And with your visit, we are laying the foundation for the next decade.

In this context, the remarkable commitment shown by both parties is commendable. About twenty ministerial level meetings have taken place in the last two days.

The Trade and Technology Council meeting was also successfully organised this morning. Both teams will present a report on the ideas generated and the progress made.

Excellencies,

I would like to identify some priority areas of cooperation.

The first is Trade and Investment. It is crucial to conclude a mutually beneficial FTA and Investment Protection Agreement as soon as possible.

The second is strengthening the Supply Chain Resilience. Our capabilities can complement each other in sectors such as Electronics, Semiconductors, Telecom, Engineering, Defence, and Pharma.This will strengthen diversification and de-risking, and will aid in the creation of a secure, reliable and trusted supply and value chain.

The third is Connectivity. The IMEC Corridor launched during the G20 Summit is a transformational initiative. Both the teams must continue working on it with strong commitment.

The fourth is Technology and Innovation. To realise our shared vision of tech sovereignty, we must continue to make swift progress ahead. In areas such as DPI, AI, Quantum Computing, Space and 6G, both parties must work together to connect our industries, innovators, and young talents.

The fifth is Climate Action and Green Energy Innovation. India and the EU have prioritised the Green transition. Through cooperation in sustainable urbanization, water, and clean energy, we can become drivers of global green growth.

The sixth is Defence. We can fulfil each others’ needs through co-development and co-production. We must work to prioritise each other in export control laws.

The seventh is Security. There is a need for greater cooperation on challenges arising from terrorism, extremism, maritime security, cyber security and space security.

The eighth is People-to-People Ties. It should be a priority for both parties to make Migration, Mobility, Schengen Visas and EU Blue Cards simple and smooth. This stands to fulfil the needs of the EU. And India’s young workforce shall be able to make an even greater contribution to Europe’s growth and prosperity.

Excellencies,

For the next India-EU Summit, we must move forward with ambition, action and commitment.

In today’s AI era, the future shall belong to those who demonstrate vision and speed.

Excellency, I now invite you to share your thoughts.

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Prime Minister urges MPs to vote in favour of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam Amendment, Calls it Historic Opportunity
April 17, 2026

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has highlighted that a discussion is currently underway in Parliament on the amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, noting that deliberations continued till 1 AM last night.

He stated that all misconceptions surrounding the amendment have been addressed with logical responses, and every concern raised by members has been resolved. The Prime Minister added that necessary information, wherever lacking, has also been provided to all members, ensuring that issues of opposition have been clarified.

Emphasising that the issue of women’s reservation has witnessed political debates for nearly four decades, the Prime Minister said that the time has now come to ensure that women, who constitute half of the country’s population, receive their rightful representation.

He observed that even after decades of independence, the low representation of women in the decision-making process is not appropriate and needs to be corrected.

The Prime Minister informed that voting in the Lok Sabha is expected shortly and urged all political parties to take a thoughtful and sensitive decision by voting in favour of the women’s reservation amendment.

Appealing on behalf of the women of the country, he urged all Members of Parliament to ensure that no action hurts the sentiments of Nari Shakti. He noted that crores of women are looking towards the Parliament, its intent, and its decisions.

The Prime Minister called upon MPs to reflect upon their families-mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives—and listen to their inner conscience while making the decision.

He described the amendment as a significant opportunity to serve and honour the women of the nation and urged members not to deprive them of new opportunities.

Expressing confidence, the Prime Minister said that if the amendment is passed unanimously, it will further strengthen Nari Shakti as well as the country’s democracy.

Calling it a historic moment, he urged all members to come together to create history by granting rightful representation to women, who form half of India’s population.

The Prime Minister wrote on X;

“संसद में इस समय नारीशक्ति वंदन अधिनियम में संशोधन पर चर्चा चल रही है। कल रात भी एक बजे तक चर्चा चली है।

जो भ्रम फैलाए गए, उनको दूर करने के लिए तर्कबद्ध जवाब दिया गया है। हर आशंका का समाधान किया गया है। जिन जानकारियों का अभाव था, वो जानकारियां भी हर सदस्य को दी गई हैं। किसी के मन में विरोध का जो कोई भी विषय था, उसका भी समाधान हुआ है।

महिला आरक्षण के इस विषय पर देश में चार दशक तक बहुत राजनीति कर ली गई है। अब समय है कि देश की आधी आबादी को उसके अधिकार अवश्य मिलें।

आजादी के इतने दशकों बाद भी भारत की महिलाओं का निर्णय प्रक्रिया में इतना कम प्रतिनिधित्व रहे, ये ठीक नहीं।

अब कुछ ही देर लोकसभा में मतदान होने वाला है। मैं सभी राजनीतिक दलों से आग्रह करता हूं… अपील करता हूं...

कृपया करके सोच-विचार करके पूरी संवेदनशीलता से निर्णय लें, महिला आरक्षण के पक्ष में मतदान करें।

मैं देश की नारी शक्ति की तरफ से भी सभी सदस्यों से प्रार्थना करूंगा… कुछ भी ऐसा ना करें, जिनसे नारीशक्ति की भावनाएं आहत हों।

देश की करोड़ों महिलाओं की दृष्टि हम सभी पर है, हमारी नीयत पर है, हमारे निर्णय पर है। कृपया करके नारीशक्ति वंदन अधिनियम में संशोधन का साथ दें।”

“मैं सभी सांसदों से कहूंगा...

आप अपने घर में मां-बहन-बेटी-पत्नी सबका स्मरण करते हुए अपनी अंतरात्मा को सुनिए ...

देश की नारीशक्ति की सेवा का, उनके वंदन का ये बहुत बड़ा अवसर है।

उन्हें नए अवसरों से वंचित नहीं करिए।

ये संशोधन सर्वसम्मति से पारित होगा, तो देश की नारीशक्ति और सशक्त होगी… देश का लोकतंत्र और सशक्त होगा।

आइए… हम मिलकर आज इतिहास रचें। भारत की नारी को… देश की आधी आबादी को उसका हक दें।”

"Parliament is discussing a historic legislation that paves the way for women’s reservation in legislative bodies. The discussions, which began yesterday, lasted till around 1 AM and have continued since the House proceedings began this morning.

The Government has addressed all apprehensions and misconceptions relating to the legislation with facts and logic. All concerns have been addressed and any gaps in information have also been filled.

For nearly four decades, this issue of women’s reservation in legislative bodies has been inordinately delayed. Now is the time to ensure that half of the nation’s population receives its rightful due in decision making. Even after so many decades of Independence, it is not right that women in India have such limited representation in this area.

In a short while from now, voting will take place in the Lok Sabha. I urge and appeal to all political parties to reflect carefully and take a sensitive decision by voting in favour of women’s reservation.

On behalf of our Nari Shakti, I also request all members not to do anything that may hurt the sentiments of women across India. Crores of women are watching us…our intent and our decisions. I once again request that everyone support the amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.”

"I would like to appeal to all Members of Parliament…

Please reflect upon your conscience, remembering the women in your own families.

The legislation to ensure women’s reservation in legislative bodies is a significant opportunity to do justice to women of our nation.

Please do not deprive our Nari Shakti of new opportunities.

If this amendment is passed unanimously, it will further empower the women of our country and strengthen our democracy.

Let us come together today to create history.

Let us ensure that the women of India, who are half of the nation’s population, receive their rightful due.”