Monsoon session of Parliament kicks off with stormy debates

The Monsoon session of Parliament opened on Monday with stormy debates over Operation Sindoor, forcing both Houses to adjourn till noon, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged lawmakers to rise above party lines and highlighted India’s recent gains in defense, economy, and diplomacy.

Addressing the media, Modi urged members of Parliament to present a united front on issues of national interest.

“While there may be differences on party lines, there must be unity of intent in matters of national interest,” he said.

Modi called the session a “celebration of victory,” highlighting the success of Operation Sindoor, which he described as a demonstration of India’s growing military strength.

“The target set by the Indian Army in Operation Sindoor was achieved 100%. The houses of the masters of terrorists were razed to the ground within 22 minutes,” Modi said, adding the operation underscored the capabilities of the Indian armed forces and drew international attention to domestically developed defense systems.

“These days, whenever I meet people of the world, the world’s attraction towards the Made in India weapons being made by India is increasing,” he said. He added that “world leaders have expressed their admiration for India’s indigenously developed military hardware.”

The monsoon session session will span 21 sittings over 32 days, excluding a recess from 12 to 18 August. The government is expected to introduce and pass several key bills.

The main opposition Congress party plans to raise the Pahalgam attack, Bihar special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Ahmedabad air crash, and Trump’s claim of mediating an India-Pakistan ceasefire.

Talking about the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack, Modi acknowledged the joint efforts of Indian political parties to counter terrorism diplomatically.

“Keeping party interests aside, in the interest of the country, representatives of most of our parties, went to many countries of the world and in one voice, ran a very successful campaign to expose Pakistan before the world. I want to appreciate all those MPs, I want to appreciate all the parties for this important work done in the national interest and this has created a positive atmosphere in the country,” he said.

“So all the MPs in the House, give it strength, take it forward and I will definitely say that every political party has its own agenda, its own role, but I accept this reality that ‘Dal hit mein mat bhale na mile lekin desh hit mein mann jarur mile’ (we may not agree on party lines, but our hearts must unite for the nation’s good,” Modi added.

On internal security, the prime minister pointed to the decline of Naxalism in India.

“Today, our security forces with a new self-confidence and resolve to end naxalism are progressing forward. Many districts are free of naxalism today. We are proud that the Indian constitution is emerging victorious against Naxalism. The ‘red corridors’ are transforming into ‘green growth zones’.”

He also addressed India’s economic recovery since 2014.

“There was a time in the country before 2014 when the inflation rate was in double digits. Today, with the rate dropping to around 2%, it has become a relief and a convenience in the lives of the common people in the country. About 25 crore poor people have come out of poverty, which is being appreciated by many institutions of the world,” he said.

Modi also talked about recent advancements in science and technology, mentioning the Indian flag being unfurled at the International Space Station as a moment of pride. He said the event had sparked enthusiasm for science among the youth and reflected India’s growing space ambitions.

In the digital sector, Modi pointed to the global recognition of India’s digital systems. He cited the success of Digital India and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), saying India leads the world in real-time digital transactions.

On social welfare and health, Modi said, “Over 90 crore Indians are now covered under social security,” citing the International Labour Organization. He also noted the World Health Organization’s declaration of India as trachoma-free.

During this session, the government is expected to table and seek passage of several bills, including the Lok Sabha Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025, Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Geo-Heritage Sites and Geo-Relics (Conservation and Maintenance) Bill, 2025, National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

Meanwhile, as the monsoon session will continue, Modi will visit the UK from 23 to 24 July and to the Maldives from 25 to 26 July.

In the UK, he is expected to formally sign the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which was finalized in May.

The deal is expected to increase Indian exports of textiles, leather, and engineering goods, and reduce duties on British whisky, automobiles, and medical devices.

The FTA is projected to double bilateral trade by 2030 from the current $60 billion. It also includes a provision that will exempt UK employers of Indian workers from paying social security contributions for three years under the Double Contribution Convention.

In the Maldives, Modi will attend the country’s Independence Day as guest of honor, a move seen as a step toward improving relations between the two countries.