Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Presenting Union Budget 2026 in Parliament today, marking his ninth consecutive budget speech besides an interim budget.
India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the annual federal budget in Parliament on February 1, 2026 in New Delhi, India. REUTERS/Altaf Hussain (REUTERS)While the budget is presented on this date every year, this time February 1 falls on a Sunday, making the occasion a rare one.
The budget is aligned with the goals of “Bhikshit Bharat” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-reliant India). Priorities include strategic defense, energy security, semiconductors, rare-earth minerals and digital sovereignty, officials said.
Sources said that, unlike in previous years, where the speech mainly focused on Part A – which outlines planned initiatives and sectoral strategies – this year’s presentation is expected to spend significant time and detail on Part B.
Key Points of Budget SpeechThe next fiscal year’s Union Budget will emphasize structural reforms, building a strong financial sector and increasing investment in cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence.Interventions in 6 areas: industrial sector, champion MSMES, infrastructure, stability and strong push for economyIt is proposed to be placed in the budget ₹10,000 crore to create champion SMEsBudget mentions plan to revive 200 legacy industrial clustersMahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative proposed to strengthen Khadi looms.Bio-Pharma ‘Shakti’ Proposal: 3 New Pharmaceutical Firms ₹10,000 crore investment in the biopharma sector over the next five years, a move that will boost the country’s pharmaceuticals industry.Support mineral rich states of Odisha, Kerala, Tamil Nadu: Launch scheme to set up 3 dedicated plantsIntegrated textile program proposal with five sub-components. To upgrade textile-skilling programs with the proposal of Samarth 2.0 Mega-Textile ParkNational Handloom and Handicrafts Program to ensure targeted support to artisansTop-up Self-Reliance India Fund proposal with allocation ₹2000 croresThe government will help professional institutes to design short-term modular courses, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.Proposal for creation of Infrastructure Proof Guarantee Fund20 new waterways to be established: Ship repair ecosystem to be established in Varanasi and Patna. Launch a coastal cargo scheme to increase the share of inland shipping
