Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday strongly endorsed the Union Budget 2026–27, describing it as a “highway of immense opportunities” that will inject fresh speed and strength into India’s ongoing reform journey. He said the budget energises the “Reform Express” and sets the country firmly on track towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman earlier presented her ninth consecutive Union Budget, guided by three key kartavyas—enhancing competitiveness, fulfilling aspirations, and ensuring inclusive access to resources and opportunities across families, communities, and regions.
Congratulating the Finance Minister, PM Modi termed the budget historic and highlighted its symbolic significance. “This budget is a powerful reflection of India’s Nari Shakti,” he said, noting that Sitharaman has created history by presenting the budget nine times in a row as a woman Finance Minister.
The Prime Minister said the budget transforms present-day aspirations into actionable pathways for the future. “It lays a strong foundation for India’s high flight and gives momentum to our resolve of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he remarked.
According to PM Modi, the reforms outlined in the budget will unlock new possibilities for India’s youth. “These path-breaking measures open the sky for our talented young minds to soar,” he said, adding that the budget reinforces trust-based governance and places people at the centre of economic policymaking.
Calling the budget “unique,” the Prime Minister underlined its balanced approach—combining fiscal discipline with growth-oriented spending. “It focuses on reducing the fiscal deficit and curbing inflation, while simultaneously pushing high capital expenditure and rapid growth,” he said. He added that India is no longer satisfied with being one of the fastest-growing economies and is now determined to soon become the world’s third-largest economy.
PM Modi also pointed to India’s expanding global footprint, describing the country as a trusted democratic partner and reliable supplier. He said the gains from major trade agreements, including what he called the “mother of all deals” with the European Union, would primarily benefit India’s youth.
Highlighting the thrust on self-reliance, the Prime Minister said the budget presents a bold roadmap to accelerate the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat missions. He cited unprecedented support for sunrise sectors through initiatives such as the Bio-Pharma Shakti Mission, Semiconductor Mission 2.0, electronics manufacturing schemes, rare earth corridors, critical minerals development, and fresh measures for textiles and high-tech manufacturing.
Infrastructure development, he said, remains a central pillar of the budget. Dedicated freight corridors, high-speed rail networks, the strengthening of tier-2 and tier-3 cities, and the promotion of municipal bonds are expected to provide cities with a strong economic base. “Strong cities empower citizens, and empowered citizens drive national progress,” he said.
Echoing the finance minister’s remarks in Parliament, PM Modi described the budget as a “Youth Power Budget.” He said it reflects the ambition and energy of young India and will nurture future leaders, innovators, and creators. Measures ranging from medical hubs and allied health education to tourism, the orange economy, AVGC sectors, and sports through the Khelo India mission were highlighted as new growth avenues.
The Prime Minister also welcomed a major tax exemption aimed at positioning India as a global data centre hub, saying it would significantly boost employment. He added that special attention to tourism, particularly in the northeast, would promote balanced regional development.
On women’s empowerment, PM Modi noted that over 10 crore women are linked to self-help groups nationwide. The budget, he said, focuses on building a modern ecosystem for women-led SHGs and includes plans to construct girls’ hostels in every district to improve access to education.
Agriculture and allied sectors also received emphasis, with targeted support for farmers engaged in coconut, cashew, cocoa, and sandalwood cultivation. The Prime Minister highlighted the Bharat Vistar AI tool, saying it would help farmers access information in their own languages, while initiatives in fisheries and animal husbandry would generate local employment and self-employment in rural areas.
Concluding his remarks, PM Modi said the budget is ambitious, forward-looking, and inclusive. “It addresses the aspirations of the nation and prioritises villages, farmers, and the poor,” he said, once again congratulating Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her team for what he called a futuristic and people-centric budget.