FM Sitharaman engages startup leaders in key pre-budget dialogue as govt accelerates consultations for Union Budget 2026–27

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 18, 2025

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday led the fifth round of pre-Budget consultations, this time drawing insights from prominent voices in India’s burgeoning startup ecosystem as preparations intensify for the Union Budget 2026–27. The meeting, held in the national capital, marked another vital step in the Finance Ministry’s comprehensive outreach aimed at capturing the expectations and policy needs of diverse sectors before the Budget is finalised.

In a post on X, the Ministry of Finance highlighted that the discussions revolved around the evolving landscape of the startup sector, with participants outlining key challenges and opportunities. Their suggestions primarily focused on bolstering innovation, strengthening financing mechanisms and refining regulatory frameworks to support the next phase of entrepreneurial growth. “Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman chairs the fifth Pre-Budget Consultation with the stakeholders from the startups ecosystem in connection with the forthcoming Union Budget 2026-27, in New Delhi,” the Ministry said.

Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, senior officials from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the Department of Economic Affairs and the Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India were also present, reflecting the government’s multi-departmental and collaborative approach to shaping the upcoming Budget.

The session followed Sitharaman’s recent interaction with representatives of the capital markets in the fourth pre-Budget meeting, during which investor confidence, regulatory clarity and market stability took centre stage. Earlier last week, the Finance Minister held wide-ranging discussions with leading economists, followed by extensive consultations with the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector.

This latest engagement is part of a week-long, sector-focused consultation exercise that began on November 18. Later today, the Finance Ministry will meet with representatives from the manufacturing sector. On November 19, attention will turn to stakeholders from the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) and information technology (IT) sectors. The dialogue will continue with tourism, hospitality and labour unions on November 20, culminating in discussions with leaders from infrastructure, energy and urban development on November 21.