Jaipur, July 15 (IANS) Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Wednesday hailed the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a landmark step in India’s economic journey, saying it would not only strengthen bilateral trade but also generate new employment opportunities for the country’s youth and accelerate economic growth.

Speaking to the media at Jaipur Airport, Shekhawat said the agreement is the result of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomacy, which places national interest above all else. He noted that under PM Modi’s leadership, India has significantly enhanced its global standing by prioritising long-term national interests over political considerations.

“The India-UK FTA is a historic achievement that will deepen economic cooperation between the two countries. It will provide significant opportunities for Indian industries, exporters, MSMEs and the services sector, while creating new avenues for employment, innovation and skill development for young Indians,” he said.

Shekhawat added that the agreement is part of India’s broader strategy of forging stronger economic partnerships with countries around the world, helping position the nation as a leading global economic power.

Responding to remarks by former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on the Women’s Reservation Bill, Shekhawat accused the Congress of having a contradictory record on women’s political empowerment.

He said the country’s people have witnessed the Congress party’s approach whenever opportunities arose to implement women’s reservation. In contrast, he asserted, the PM Modi-led government has moved beyond rhetoric by introducing the Women’s Reservation Bill, reflecting its commitment to women-led development rather than merely women-centric welfare.

“The objective is not only to provide women with equal rights but also to ensure their meaningful participation in governance and nation-building,” Shekhawat said.

He added that the government’s vision is to make women equal partners in India’s development journey and described the Women’s Reservation Bill as a historic reform in that direction.

The Union Minister further claimed that the opposition’s criticism of the legislation reflects its discomfort with women’s increasing political representation, reiterating that the Centre remains committed to expanding opportunities for women in leadership and public life.

–IANS

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