She noted that India is navigating a challenging global environment where trade and multilateralism are under strain, access to resources and supply chains is disrupted, and rapid technological change is reshaping production systems while increasing pressure on water, energy and critical minerals
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents her ninth consecutive Union Budget. Pic/X
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said the government has ensured 'Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance)' across sectors despite prevailing geopolitical uncertainties, adding that India’s economic journey has been defined by stability and steady progress towards the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Presenting her ninth consecutive Union Budget, Sitharaman said the focus is on building and accelerating economic growth while fulfilling the aspirations of the people, guided by the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”.
“Our government has decisively and consistently chosen action over ambivalence. We have pursued far-reaching structural reforms, fiscal prudence and monetary stability, while maintaining a strong thrust on public investment,” the Finance Minister said.
She noted that India is navigating a challenging global environment where trade and multilateralism are under strain, access to resources and supply chains is disrupted, and rapid technological change is reshaping production systems while increasing pressure on water, energy and critical minerals.
“India will continue to take confident steps towards Viksit Bharat by balancing ambition with inclusion,” Sitharaman told the Lok Sabha.
The Finance Minister presented the 15th Budget of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, and the second full Budget since the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) returned to power for a third consecutive term in 2024.
Sitharaman is also the first woman finance minister to present the Union Budget in Parliament for nine consecutive times.
The Budget is expected to place greater emphasis on capital expenditure, particularly in strategically important sectors in view of current geopolitical challenges.
Following the presentation of the Union Budget 2026–27, Sitharaman will interact with around 30 college students from different parts of the country. As part of the initiative, the students are witnessing the live Budget presentation from the Lok Sabha Gallery, giving them an opportunity to observe one of the most significant parliamentary proceedings of the year.
The Finance Minister said inputs were sought from citizens, including the youth, through various platforms during the Budget preparation process, and these suggestions will be reflected in the Union Budget 2026–27.
Outlay for electronics manufacturing to rise to Rs 40,000 crore in FY27: FM Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday announced an increase in the allocation for electronics manufacturing to Rs 40,000 crore in the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Presenting the Union Budget 2026-27, she said high-tech tool rooms will be set up at two locations to boost capital goods manufacturing. The Finance Minister also unveiled a scheme for container manufacturing aimed at creating a globally competitive ecosystem.
In addition, three dedicated chemical parks will be established to strengthen domestic production and reduce import dependence.
The announcement comes amid a strong government push to expand electronics manufacturing in India. The mobile manufacturing sector, in particular, has seen remarkable growth, with production value rising nearly 30-fold—from Rs 18,000 crore in FY15 to Rs 5.45 lakh crore in FY25.
(With IANS and PTI inputs)
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