Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed confidence that the Union Budget 2025 will give new energy to India's economy, saying he would "pray to Goddess Lakshmi" for the poor and middle class of the country.

Addressed the media outside Parliament ahead of Budget Session, PM Modi said, "Ahead of the Budget session, I bow down to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity... I pray that Goddess Lakshmi continues to bless the poor and middle class of our country. It is a matter of great pride that India has completed 75 years as a democratic nation."

“India has established itself well on the global pedestal. This is the first complete budget of my third term. I can confidently say that in 2047, when India completes 100 years of Independence, it will achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat, and this budget will give new energy and hope to the nation,” he added.