Hyderabad: As Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026 in Parliament on Sunday, officials of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Hyderabad closely followed the speech, hoping for policy announcements that could boost industry growth and economic momentum. 

While presenting the budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India has attained a level of “Aatmanirbharta”, or self-reliance, across key sectors even as global economic conditions remain uncertain. Presenting the fiscal roadmap, she noted that the government’s policies are focused on steering the country towards the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Sitharaman's ninth presentation, which takes place during the second full budget cycle of the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) third term, is a historic first for any female finance minister.