FTAs show increased global confidence in India: PM Modi
Times of India
by TNNFebruary 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has defended India's recent free trade agreements (FTAs), highlighting how they reflect the country's growing confidence and capabilities on the global stage. In a speech at the ET NOW Global Business Summit, Modi emphasized that under his leadership, India has signed FTAs with 38 countries, compared to just four during the previous UPA government's tenure. He attributed this shift to India's transformation since 2014, driven by new policies and economic reforms that have strengthened the nation's manufacturing sector and positioned it as a competitive player in the global economy.
Modi dismissed criticism of these agreements, noting that India's image had suffered during the UPA era due to issues like policy paralysis and high-profile scams. He suggested that this period had left India vulnerable, with limited international confidence in its governance and economic stability. However, under his government, Modi argued that India has shed its reputation as part of the "Fragile Five" economies and is now seen as a resilient and dynamic nation capable of competing on the world stage.
The Prime Minister also underscored the broader implications of these FTAs for India's role in the global order. He stated that the post-World War II international system is beginning to unravel, and a new era of global transformation is emerging. Modi expressed confidence that India will play a central role in shaping this new world order, leveraging its economic strength and strategic partnerships to drive growth and stability.
These developments are significant for several reasons. First, they reflect India's ambition to assert itself as a key player in the global economy and geopolitics. By concluding multiple FTAs, India is signaling its readiness to engage more deeply with international markets and build stronger trade ties with partner nations. Second, Modi's emphasis on India's transformation highlights the country's ability to overcome past challenges and rebuild its reputation for stability and reliability.
For readers interested in global affairs, this marks a pivotal moment in India's diplomatic and economic trajectory. As India seeks to expand its influence, these FTAs not only boost its economic prospects but also position it as a potential counterbalance to existing global powers. The success of these agreements could pave the way for further economic integration with other nations, fostering trade and
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/13/2026