THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
NEW DELHI,
FEBRUARY 1, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on
Saturday described the Union Budget 2026 as historic and transformative,
stating that it lays a strong foundation for India’s journey towards becoming a
Viksit Bharat by 2047. Addressing the nation through a video message, the Prime
Minister said the budget reflects the empowered spirit of India and the
collective aspirations of its 140 crore citizens.
Highlighting a significant milestone,
the Prime Minister congratulated Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for
presenting the country’s budget for the ninth consecutive time, calling it a
record that symbolizes the growing role of women in nation-building. He
remarked that the budget is a “highway of opportunities” that not only fulfils
present-day dreams but also strengthens the base of India’s bright future.
According to him, the budget forms the launchpad for India’s high flight
towards becoming a developed nation by the centenary of Independence.
Modi said the reform express that
India is riding will gain fresh momentum through this budget, as it advances
trust-based governance and a human-centric economic framework. He noted that
while the budget remains focused on reducing fiscal deficit and controlling
inflation, it simultaneously ensures high capital expenditure and sustained
economic growth, making it both balanced and growth-oriented.
The Prime Minister underlined that the
budget reinforces India’s expanding global role. He said Indians are no longer
content with being the world’s fastest-growing economy and are collectively
resolved to become the third-largest economy in the near future. He added that
India’s stature as a trusted democratic partner and a reliable quality supplier
is strengthening, supported by major trade agreements aimed at benefiting youth
and small and medium enterprises.
Emphasizing the thrust on Make in
India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, Modi said the unprecedented support for sunrise
sectors such as the BioPharma Shakti Mission, Semiconductor Mission 2.0,
electronic component manufacturing, rare earths, critical minerals, textiles,
high-tech tool manufacturing and champion MSMEs is futuristic and aligned with
national priorities. He noted that MSMEs, including small and cottage
industries, will be empowered to scale from local to global.
The Prime Minister said the budget
takes decisive steps to strengthen infrastructure through dedicated freight
corridors, expansion of waterways, high-speed rail projects, focused
development of tier-2 and tier-3 cities and promotion of municipal bonds. He
added that investments in skills, healthcare, the orange economy, gaming, tourism
and sports under Khelo India will open new avenues for youth, while tax
concessions aimed at making India a global data centre hub will boost
employment.
Modi also highlighted special focus on
women, agriculture and rural development. With over 10 crore women linked to
self-help groups, the budget prioritises women-led enterprises and proposes
hostels for girl students in every district. He said targeted measures for
farmers, use of Bharat Vistaar AI in local languages, and promotion of fisheries
and animal husbandry entrepreneurship will strengthen rural livelihoods.
Concluding his address, the Prime
Minister termed the budget ambitious and sensitive to the needs of villages,
farmers and the poor, and congratulated the Finance Minister and her team for
presenting a forward-looking blueprint for India’s future.
