Budget 2026 reflects aspirations of 140 crore Indians: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (February 1, 2026) said that the Budget 2026 captured the aspirations of 140 crore Indians, laying a strong foundation for their journey towards achieving a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.

Mr. Modi congratulated Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for creating a new record by presenting the country’s Budget for the ninth consecutive time. “It is a unique Budget, which focuses on reducing the fiscal deficit and controlling inflation, and at the same time harmonises high capital expenditure and high growth,” he said.

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Addressing the nation, Mr. Modi described the Budget as a “highway” of immense opportunities that presented a roadmap for giving a new impetus to Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) campaigns. “The reform express that India is currently on will get new momentum from this Budget. The path-breaking reforms give the brave and talented youth of an aspirational India boundless opportunities to grow,” he said.

“Our effort has been to continuously strengthen skill, scale, and sustainability. As Nirmala ji said in Parliament today, this is a youth-power Budget. It reflects the thinking of the youth, their dreams, resolve, and vigour. The provisions made in the Budget will create leaders, innovators, and creators in various sectors,” said the Prime Minister.

Mr. Modi said measures such as construction of medical hubs, expansion of “orange economy”, promotion of tourism, particularly in the Northeast; and Khelo India Mission would open up new opportunities for the youth. “A major tax exemption has also been announced to make India a global data-centre hub…the Budget will give a big boost to employment generation…the foundation for balanced development has been strengthened by empowering the different States,” he said.

Noting that self-help groups involving over 10 crore women had been a successful campaign, Mr. Modi said the ecosystem was given priority in the Budget. “The campaign to build new hostels for girl students in every district will also make education more accessible,” said the Prime Minister.

About the provisions made for the emerging sectors, he said that initiatives such as Biopharma Power Mission, Semiconductor Mission 2.0, Electronic Component Manufacturing Scheme, establishment of Rare Earth Corridor, focus on critical minerals, new schemes in the textile sector, promotion of high-tech tool manufacturing, and the creation of champion micro, small, medium enterprises were futuristic.

The Prime Minister also mentioned the steps taken for small/cottage industries and for strengthening infrastructure, including dedicated freight corridor, expansion of waterways, and high-speed rail corridors, with the main focus on the development of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

He said agriculture, dairy, and fisheries sectors had always been given top priority. “In this Budget too, several key steps have been taken for farmers involved in the cultivation of coconut, cashew, cocoa, and sandalwood. The India Expansion AI tool will greatly help farmers by providing them with information in their own language. Promoting entrepreneurship in fisheries and animal husbandry will create more jobs and self-employment opportunities in villages,” he said.

“This Budget reaffirms India’s global role. The country’s 140 crore citizens are not satisfied with just being the fastest-growing economy. We want to become the world’s third-largest economy as soon as possible. India’s role as a trusted democratic partner and a trusted quality supplier is continuously growing. The major trade deals that India recently signed should extend maximum benefit to the youth and to the small and medium enterprises,” said Mr. Modi.