India, Jan. 30 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asserted that the country was emerging as a "ray of hope" for the world and pointed to the free trade pact with the European Union, saying it was for an "ambitious India" and manufacturers should seize this opportunity to enhance capacities.

Addressing the media at the beginning of the Budget session of Parliament, Modi said India was moving rapidly on the Reform Express and thanked parliamentarians for contributing their positive energies to the unveiling of reforms.

Modi said even his critics acknowledge the Government's focus on last-mile delivery, and this tradition will continue with the next generation reforms. India's democracy and demography, he said, offer great hope fo...