Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described the Union Budget 2026–27 as “historic”, saying it lays a strong foundation for India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. Addressing the nation after the budget presentation by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Modi called it “a highway of immense opportunities” that will accelerate India’s reform-driven growth.
The Prime Minister said the budget reflects a vision of trust-based governance and a human-centric economy, striking a balance between fiscal discipline and growth. He highlighted the focus on reducing the fiscal deficit and controlling inflation, while simultaneously pushing high capital expenditure to boost infrastructure and employment.
Modi underlined that the budget prioritises youth, infrastructure and equitable development. Calling it a “Youth Power Budget”, he said it carries the aspirations, ideas and energy of young Indians. He pointed to continued support for initiatives such as Start-up India, PM Mudra Yojana and skill development programmes aimed at creating innovators, entrepreneurs and job creators.
Infrastructure emerged as a key pillar, with the Prime Minister citing investments in dedicated freight corridors, expansion of waterways, high-speed rail networks and development of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. He said these measures would strengthen initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, while enhancing India’s global competitiveness.
The budget’s emphasis on tourism, especially in the Northeast, was highlighted as a step towards balanced regional development. Modi also spoke about targeted support for agriculture, dairy and fisheries, noting that tools like Bharat Vistar AI would help farmers access information in their own languages.
Highlighting provisions for women, the Prime Minister said the focus on self-help groups and the plan to build new hostels for female students in every district would improve access to education and economic opportunities. He also lauded Sitharaman for presenting her ninth consecutive budget, calling it a symbol of India’s Nari Shakti.
Overall, Modi said the budget addresses the aspirations of villages, farmers and the poor, while setting India on a fast track towards sustained growth and global leadership.
