Union Budget 2026-27: Nirmala Sitharaman highlights Aatmanirbharta, Growth and reforms

New Delhi, Feb 1: Presenting the union Budget 2026-27, union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that keeping “Aatmanirbharta” as a “lodestar”, India has built “domestic manufacturing capacity”, strengthened “energy security”, and reduced “critical import dependencies”.

Acknowledging that the country faces an external environment where “trade” and “multilateralism” are under pressure, and access to resources and supply chains is disrupted, she noted that new technologies are transforming production systems while increasing demands on water, energy, and critical minerals.

She highlighted that India will continue to take confident steps towards a Viksit Bharat, balancing ambition with inclusion, while remaining deeply integrated with global markets, exporting more, and attracting “stable long-term investment”.

She said, “Since we assumed office 12 years ago, the country’s economic trajectory has been marked by “stability”, “fiscal discipline’, “sustained growth’, and “moderate inflation”. This is the result of “conscious choices” we have made even in times of “uncertainty” and “disruptions”.”

Union FM Sitharaman added, “Keeping “Aatmanirbharta” as a “lodestar”, we have built “domestic manufacturing capacity”, “energy security” and reduced “critical import dependencies”. Simultaneously, we have ensured that citizens benefit from every action of the Government, undertaking reforms to support “employment generation”, “agricultural productivity”, “household purchasing power”, and “universal services” to people. These measures have delivered a high growth rate of around “7%” and helped us make substantial strides in “poverty reduction” and improvement in the “lives of our people”.”

With “Aatmanirbharta” as a guide, India boosts “manufacturing”, “energy security”, “jobs”, and “growth”, achieving “7% GDP growth” and “poverty reduction”.

She further said, “We have pursued far-reaching structural reforms, maintaining fiscal prudence and monetary stability”, while continuing a strong thrust on “public investment”, keeping “self-reliance” as a “pillar”. We have built “domestic manufacturing capacity, energy security, and reduced “critical import dependencies.”

To accelerate and sustain economic growth, Sitharaman outlined interventions in six key areas that includes scaling up manufacturing in 7 strategic sectors, rejuvenating legacy industrial sectors, creating champion MSMEs, delivering a push for infra while ensuring long-term security and stability, and developing city economic regions.

She said that given that this is the first Budget prepared in Kartavya Bhavan, the government is inspired by three kartavyas.

First kartavya is to accelerate and sustain economic growth by enhancing productivity and competitiveness and building resilience to volatile global dynamics.

Second kartavya is to fulfill the aspirations of our people and build their capacity, making them strong partners in India’s path to prosperity.

Third kartavya, aligned with the vision of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas, is to ensure that every family, community, region and sector has access to resources, amenities and opportunities for meaningful participation.”