NEW DELHI: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2025-26, outlined an ambitious roadmap aimed at sustaining India’s rapid economic growth. The budget prioritizes agriculture, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), investment, and exports, positioning them as key drivers of job creation, self-reliance, and enhanced global competitiveness.
A budget for growth and inclusion
Sitharaman emphasized that the budget is a crucial step toward India’s aspiration of becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). “This budget is dedicated to accelerating growth, driven by our aspirations for a ‘Viksit Bharat.’ Our economy remains the fastest growing among all major economies,” she said, reinforcing India’s resilience on the global stage.
The budget is built on four fundamental pillars—Garib (poor), Yuva (youth), Annadata (farmers), and Nari (women)—ensuring that economic growth translates into socio-economic upliftment for all sections of society.
Key announcements and reforms
The budget introduces transformative reforms across multiple domains, including taxation, power, urban development, mining, and the financial sector. These structural reforms aim to stimulate investment, bolster productivity, and create a sustainable growth trajectory for the coming years.
Highlighting India’s economic journey over the past decade, Sitharaman noted that rising investor confidence and expanding global partnerships provide an unparalleled opportunity to achieve balanced regional and sectoral development. “Our development track record of the past 10 years and structural reforms have drawn global attention. Confidence in India’s capability and potential has only grown in this period. We see the next five years as a unique opportunity to realize ‘Sabka Vikas’, stimulating balanced growth of all regions,” she stated.
A vision for ‘Viksit Bharat’
Quoting renowned Telugu poet and playwright Gurajada Apparao, Sitharaman stressed that a nation is defined by its people, not just its land. With this philosophy, the government’s vision for ‘Viksit Bharat’ is centered on:
- Eradicating poverty to ensure
financial inclusion for all citizens - Providing 100% quality education to equip future generations with the skills needed for a knowledge-driven economy
- Expanding affordable and comprehensive healthcare, making essential medical services accessible to all
- Developing a skilled workforce with meaningful employment opportunities
- Increasing women’s participation in the economy to 70%, fostering gender-inclusive growth
- Strengthening India’s agricultural sector, positioning the country as the “food basket of the world”
A strong economic future
The budget sets a decisive course for India’s economic future, focusing on industrial expansion, social welfare, and infrastructure development. With a strong track record and ambitious targets, the government remains committed to propelling India towards greater prosperity. The coming years will be pivotal in translating these reforms into tangible progress, reinforcing India’s position as a global economic powerhouse.