NEW DELHI – After days of gridlock in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a forceful reply to the Motion of Thanks in the Rajya Sabha on February 5, 2026.
Despite initial sloganeering and an eventual walkout by the Opposition, the Prime Minister used the platform to highlight India’s economic surge, its global standing, and the recent “US trade deal.”
On the Economy & Global Standing
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“India is riding the Reform Express.” — Highlighting the rapid pace of domestic economic changes.
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“India has a unique combination of high growth and low inflation.” — Contrasting India’s stability with global economic volatility.
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“From ‘Fragile Five’, India is moving fast towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy.”
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“India is a ray of hope during global conflicts.”
On the Youth & Talent
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“As developed countries are getting older, ours is getting younger.”
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“We have one of the most significant talent pools in the world.” — Emphasizing that India’s youth are ready to compete in an open global market.
On Foreign Policy & Trade
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“The entire world talks about the Global South, and India is the voice of the Global South.”
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“After the US trade deal, the world acknowledges our speed along with our stability.”
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“No country was ready to do deals with India in the past… they got tired and left.” — A dig at the UPA era.
Swipes at the Opposition
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“You can sit and raise slogans, given your age.” — A sarcastic jibe at Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge (83) during the protests.
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“Most of our effort is towards cleaning up their mess.”
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“For UPA, ‘deal’ meant Bofors.” — Comparing current trade pacts with past defense scandals.
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“While prosperous countries are throwing out infiltrators, they [Opposition] are trying to save illegal immigrants.” — An attack on the Trinamool Congress and legal challenges to immigration audits.
The Standoff Context
The Prime Minister’s speech in the Rajya Sabha occurred after he was prevented from speaking in the Lok Sabha by a united Opposition. The protesters demanded that Rahul Gandhi be allowed to speak on General M.M. Naravane’s controversial memoir, leading to the Lok Sabha passing the Motion of Thanks without the PM’s customary reply for the first time in over two decades.
