Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that not just the nation, but the entire world is looking forward to India's budget as the global economic and geopolitical uncertainty persists.
"Voices from the world of finance have brought a positive message, a ray of hope and have ushered in enthusiasm," Modi said upon his arrival at the Indian Parliament.
As President Droupadi Murmu was set to address the joint session of both the parliamentary houses for the first time, Prime Minister Modi described it as a "day of pride for tribal society".
Murmu is the the first president of the country from the tribal community, and the second woman Indian head of state since Pratibha Patil from 2007 to 2012.
"It has been a tradition in the Parliament that when a new MP speaks for the first time, the entire Parliament gives them respect and creates an atmosphere to give them confidence. Similarly, today's address is a first by the President," he said.
In her pre-Budget Session address, President Murmu praised the Indian government's decisions on sensitive topics, such as the abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir and triple talaq (instant divorce).
Murmu also expressed her gratitude to the citizens for electing a stable government for two consecutive terms.
"My government is working towards realizing the big dreams. My government has worked for every section of society without any discrimination. As a result of my government's efforts in the past few years, many basic facilities have either reached 100 percent implementation or are very close to that target," the Indian President said.