Text of PM’s Media Statement during Joint Press Interaction with PM of Canada, Mr. Stephen Harper at Ottawa, Canada

The Monsoon Session stands as a proud moment for the nation, a true celebration of our collective achievements: PM

The world has witnessed the strength of India's military power; In Operation Sindoor, Indian soldiers achieved their objective with 100% success: PM

India has endured many violent challenges, be it terrorism or Naxalism, but today, the influence of Naxalism and Maoism is shrinking rapidly: PM

The Constitution prevails over bombs and guns. The red corridors of the past are now transforming into green zones of growth and development: PM

Digital India is making waves globally, with UPI gaining popularity across many countries, it has become a recognised name in the world of FinTech: PM

The brutal massacre in Pahalgam shocked the entire world. Rising above party lines, representatives from across India united to expose Pakistan's role: PM

Namaskar, friends!

I welcome all members of the media fraternity to the Monsoon Session.

Friends,

The monsoon symbolises freshness and creation. According to the reports received so far, the weather across the country is progressing favourably, with news of a season beneficial for agriculture. Rain plays a crucial role not only in the economy of our farmers but also in the national economy, the rural economy, and indeed in the economy of every household. Based on the information I have received, the water storage this year has been nearly three times higher than what has been recorded in the past ten years, which will greatly benefit the country’s economy in the days to come.

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Friends,

This Monsoon Session is a matter of immense pride for the nation. This session, in itself, is a celebration of victory for the country. When I say that this session is a celebration of national pride and triumph, the foremost reason is the unfurling of the Indian tricolour for the first time at the International Space Station — a moment of immense pride for every Indian. It has been a successful journey that has filled the nation with renewed enthusiasm and excitement for science, technology, and innovation. The entire Parliament — both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha — along with the citizens of the country, will join in a unified voice to celebrate this achievement. This unified appreciation will also serve as an inspiration and encouragement for Bharat's upcoming space missions that aim to reach greater heights.

Friends,

This Monsoon Session is indeed a celebration of triumph. The entire world has witnessed the strength of Bharat's military capabilities. During Operation Sindoor, the Indian armed forces achieved their objectives with 100 percent success. Within just 22 minutes, the mission neutralised its target right inside the enemy's territory. I had announced this during a programme in Bihar, and our armed forces accomplished it within a very short time. The new face of our ‘Made in India’ military strength has attracted global attention. These days, when I meet global leaders, there is growing interest in the indigenous defence equipment being developed in Bharat. I firmly believe that when Parliament, in one unified voice, expresses sentiments of victory during this session, it will further strengthen and inspire our armed forces. It will serve as motivation for the country and will provide a boost to research, innovation, and manufacturing in the defence sector. The ‘Made in India’ defence equipment will gain further momentum, creating new employment opportunities for our youth.

Friends,

This decade may well be described as a time where peace and progress are advancing hand in hand. We are experiencing development at every step. The nation has long suffered from various forms of violence, ever since independence — be it terrorism or Naxalism. Some of these issues may have emerged earlier, some later. However, today the sphere of influence of Naxalism and Maoism is shrinking rapidly. With a firm resolve to uproot Maoism and Naxalism from its roots, our defence forces are progressing towards success at a fast pace and with newfound confidence. I can say with pride that hundreds of districts across the country, once gripped by Naxal influence, are now breathing the air of freedom. We take pride in the fact that our Constitution is triumphing over bombs, guns, and pistols — our Constitution is emerging victorious. It is clearly evident that the regions once labelled as the Red Corridor are now transforming into zones of green growth, symbolising a bright future for the nation.

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Friends,

One after another, such events serve as moments of pride for every honourable Member of Parliament who has entered this House in service of the nation and its well-being. And during this session of Parliament, the entire country will hear this tale of pride — from every Member of Parliament, from every political party.

Friends,

When you entrusted us with responsibility in 2014, the country was passing through a phase where it was counted among the Fragile Five economies. Before 2014, we ranked 10th in the global economy. Today, Bharat is rapidly progressing towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy. These days, the upliftment of 25 crore poor people out of poverty is being widely appreciated by numerous international institutions. There was a time in the country, before 2014, when the inflation rate used to be in double digits. Today, with inflation coming down to around 2 percent, it has brought relief and comfort to the common man. Low inflation, accompanied by high growth, reflects a healthy and progressive developmental journey.

Friends,

The world is now witnessing and recognising the new capabilities of Bharat through Digital India and UPI, which are generating considerable global interest. UPI has carved a distinct identity for itself in the Fintech world. Bharat now leads the world in real-time digital transactions.

Friends,

Recently, there was a global conference of the International Labour Organization, where Bharat achieved a major milestone. According to the ILO, over 90 crore people in Bharat are now covered under social security — an enormous achievement in itself. Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Bharat free from trachoma — an eye disease commonly seen during the monsoon season. This is another significant accomplishment for Bharat in the field of public health.

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Friends,

The brutal killing, atrocities, and massacre in Pahalgam had shocked the entire world. Attention turned towards the terrorists and their masterminds. At that moment, setting aside party interests and working in the national interest, representatives of most political parties and states travelled around the globe to various countries and led a successful campaign to expose Pakistan — the hub of terrorism — before the world. Today, I wish to commend all those Members of Parliament and political parties for this important work done in the national interest. Their efforts created a positive atmosphere in the country. The world opened its doors to hearing and accepting Bharat's perspective. I consider it my privilege to applaud our Members of Parliament and political parties for this.

Friends,

We know how the spirit of unity and a collective voice fills the nation with great enthusiasm. This celebration of victory will also be reflected in the Monsoon Session with the same spirit — it will appreciate the strength of our armed forces, glorify the nation’s capabilities, and serve as a new source of inspiration for 140 crore Indians. I firmly believe that all of us, together, must strengthen our efforts towards self-reliance in the defence sector and appreciate the might of our armed forces. Today, I must say to the people of the country, and to all political parties, that the nation has witnessed the power of unity and the strength of one collective voice. Honourable Members of Parliament must also strengthen and advance this spirit within the House. I accept the reality that political parties are different — each has its own agenda, its own role. But I also acknowledge this truth: even if minds do not meet on party interests, they must come together on national interest. With this very sentiment, many important bills — which will strengthen the nation’s journey of development, advance the country's progress, and empower its citizens — have been proposed for this Monsoon Session. I am confident the House will conduct detailed discussions and pass them.

My best wishes to all Honourable Members of Parliament for meaningful and constructive debates.

Thanks a lot!