PM Modi Warns Against Complacency as India Celebrates Historic Trade Deal with US

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday cautioned lawmakers against electoral complacency, emphasizing that winning elections is not a reason to rest on past successes. Modi made the remarks at the NDA parliamentary party meeting, where he was felicitated by lawmakers for the trade deal concluded between India and the US on Monday. The trade pact, announced late on Monday, features lower reciprocal tariffs and expanded market access for India. US President Donald Trump had announced the contours of the deal, marking a significant milestone in India-US trade relations. Modi highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum, from local body elections to parliamentary polls, to ensure continued progress. India has made significant strides on the global stage, Modi noted, citing trade deals signed with the EU and US. "The world is now tilting towards India," he said, underscoring the country's growing strength despite global uncertainty. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju provided details of the trade deals, including the recent India-EU Free Trade Agreement. He also criticized Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for disregarding parliamentary rules during a discussion on the motion of thanks to the President's address. Rijiju pointed out that Gandhi had quoted from an unauthenticated source, flouting the rules despite the Speaker's ruling. He also questioned Gandhi's criticism of China's border claims, suggesting that the Congress party should first apologize for allowing China to occupy Indian land in 1959 and 1962. The meeting also saw praise for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's budget, which Modi described as "futuristic." BJP president Nitin Nabin attended his first NDA parliamentary party meeting since taking office, and was greeted by the Prime Minister, who welcomed his tenure with a "Big Bang."